Cape Elizabeth Middle School

Blog

August 7, 2012
by Steven Connolly

2012-2013 Opening Events

Summer seems to be moving by quickly, so it might be helpful for CEMS families to have a handy resource for start up information.
First, the main office and school guidance reopens on Monday, August 20.
New family orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 21 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the gymnasium. This is for students and parents. While guidance, nursing services, administration, and MSPA representatives present to parents, new students are off on tours of the school guided by veteran CEMS students. This works out really well because children get to ask peers how things really work at the school. After the half hour presentation, students pick their parents up (yes, it's the start of role reversal already) to take them on a brief tour of the places they just visited.
The first student day is September 4.
The annual grade five picnic is scheduled for September 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. It will be held in the open area between the Pond Cove and CEMS just beyond the small parking lot off Scott Dyer Road. This is for students and parents. It is a BYOPicnic event, so bring a blanket, whiffle ball and bat, frisbee, football, etc. and we will see you there. It is intended to be a relaxed meet and greet opportunity for families and staff.
For questions you may have about other events (i.e., open houses, first day of sports) at any time during the school year, dates and times can be found at the "upcoming events" link on the left side of the district homepage at www.cape.k12.me.us.

Finally, I wish to put in a plug for the Middle School Parents Association (MSPA) leadership need. If you are interested in getting involved, we have a great group of dedicated parents who help our school and events run like clockwork. Our previous co-presidents Lisa Stevens and Anne Ingalls have "termed out," so we are looking for new faces to step into those roles. Most of the MSPA events for the year already have coordinator volunteers, so we are looking for one or two volunteers to lead these committees.
See you soon.
May 2, 2012
by Gwyneth Maguire

Thomas Memorial Library Art Show





February 2, 2012
by Steven Connolly

Chewonki Information

The dates for the Chewonki experience this year are April 30 through May 4. The per student cost is $164. Please submit a check made out to CEMS for that amount by April 11. Please be sure to include your child's name on the memo line of the check. Should you wish to request partial or full hardship, please contact Mrs. Gretchen McCloy in the guidance office.

Here is a synopsis of the rationale for the Chewonki experience.

Each year, the entire sixth grade class travels to Chewonki to discover the true value of collective effort by living, working, and learning together in small groups (10 to 12 students). Chewonki and Cape Elizabeth leaders guide the students through a series of group and individual challenges. These challenges range from cooking meals over an open fire to traversing an inlet while harnessed to a suspended cable.

As sixth graders have been making the trip to Chewonki for over 25 years, this experience has become a rite of passage in the Cape Elizabeth school fabric. Chewonki is the only outdoor experience program of its kind in the U.S. In many ways, the program cannot be duplicated. The students who spend the week at Chewonki learn many things about themselves and the world around them. Every student has the opportunity to shine at some point in time over the course of five days, and this experience invariably leads to a stronger sense of self worth. Our students often grow tremendously as a result of the trip to Wiscasset.

The goals of the Chewonki trip for our students are: to understand the demands and satisfaction of teamwork while developing a respect toward the natural world and to challenge oneself physically and mentally, guided by the principles of play safe, play hard, and play fair. The students who participate have many opportunities to be leaders and productive group members, all the while, learning about Maine’s unique environment. They also learn about themselves and work to challenge their own ideas about what they are capable of.

This project will benefit the students and their families directly. Indirectly, the community as a whole benefits from the lessons learned at Chewonki. Specifically, we are placing students in a challenging environment that will help them grow emotionally, while having fun at the same time. In the long term, we look for the leadership skills learned at Chewonki to emerge in both the school and community settings. We also hope that students will remember how to be a contributing and responsible group member when situations arise in other facets of life.

Each spring, a representative from the Chewonki Foundation comes to CEMS to present information about the program to students and parents.The date of the meetings for this year is April 10.The students will watch a slide show and packing demonstration during the school day. A parent meeting takes place that night at the middle school that includes the slide show and packing demonstration as well as a chance to ask questions about the program. Additionally, if parents have concerns of a medical or private nature, individual meetings with Mr. Carroll (CEMS Chewonki coordinator), Mrs. Andrews (CEMS nurse), and a Chewonki representative will be held on a first come, first serve basis directly after school. The students slide show will be during the last period of school, the individual meetings will be at 2:45, and the parents slide show and question and answer session will be at 6:30.


Here is a link to our school website for Chewonki. This will likely answer most of the questions you have, but feel free to contact Charlie Carroll as needed.


January 17, 2012
by Steven Connolly

Outdoor Experiences Meeting Recap

On Monday, January 9, the middle school held an outdoor experience informational meeting for grade four and five parents. The primary reason for the meeting was to rally parents around the urgent need for fundraising to continue these programs. There are three outdoor experiences mainly funded by parents and the MSPA that occur during the middle school years: the fifth grade Freedom Trail in Boston, the sixth grade Chewonki week-long encampment, and the seventh and eighth grade Camp Ketcha Healthy Choices day that occurs every two years for students and parents (topic: substance abuse and decision-making).

You will see in the attached information that the overwhelming majority of discussion Monday night was about Chewonki, due to the significant fund-raising needs. (Grade five needs to raise $12,000 by September 2012.) The entire presentation (one hour) is available to you at the following link.

Thank you to those parents who were able to join us. Also, many thanks to the following presenters: Garth Altenburg and Katie Tremblay from Chewonki; Charlie Carroll and Sarah Kinsella from CEMS, Francesca Governali and Andrew Hollyday from CEHS, and Lisa Stevens and Anne Ingalls from the MSPA.

Here is a link to a letter from Jessica Jordan, a former middle school student who attended Chewonki eighteen years ago.

This link is a letter to parents about how to make a tax deductible personal or business donation directly to Chewonki and earmarked for your child's class.

This link will take you to a document that tells fourth and fifth grade parents how much money needs to be raised and how to get involved in parent leadership to make this trip happen.

Thank you for taking the time to view the presentation and links. I look forward to working with you in the future to ensure the continuation of the outdoor experiences.
January 16, 2012
by Gwyneth Maguire

Cape Elizabeth Schools Vision Mission & Values


January 7, 2012
by Steven Connolly

Grade Four and Five Parent Meeting about Outdoor Experiences

This is just a brief note to follow up the home mailing you recently received. The middle school is hosting an informational parent-only meeting for grade four and five about middle school outdoor experiences - particularly Chewonki. The meeting will feature brief video segments, testimonials from program graduates, information from school administration, staff, and MSPA, along with Chewonki staff. We hope to see you Monday, January 9 from 6-7 PM in the middle school cafe.
December 13, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Save the Dates

Harlem Superstars versus the Middle School faculty, Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 PM at Cape Elizabeth High School.

The December break begins Friday the 23rd and extends through Monday, January 2.

Monday, January 9, former CEHS grad Matt Braun will speak to seventh and eighth grade students during advisory about substance abuse and decision-making.

Wednesday, January 11, the middle school variety show begins at 6:30 PM.

Friday, January 13th, Two Brothers juggling act will perform for grades five through eight. The guys put on a captivating show, while promoting the message of healthy choices. That same evening at 7 PM they will perform for the community in the middle school cafe. Entrance is $5 per person at the door. The show lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, and there will be an intermission at which drinks and snacks will be available.

There is no school January 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr holiday).


See you soon!
December 5, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Band and Chorus Concerts

The winter band and chorus concerts take place this week in the middle school cafetorium. The seventh and eighth grade band and chorus performance is tomorrow night, December 6, starting at 7:00 PM. The fifth and sixth grade band and chorus performance is on Wednesday, December 7, starting at 7:00 PM as well. We hope to see you there.
May 2, 2011
by Steven Connolly

CE Girls Lacrosse - Mattress Fundraiser Sale

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY MAY 7TH

CAPE GIRLS LACROSSE COMMUNITY MATTRESS FUNDRAISER SALE

Do you need a new mattress for your home?

Know anyone who might?

STOP BY THE CAPE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA SATURDAY MAY 7TH FROM 10AM TO 5PM

ONE DAY ONLY!!!!!!!!

OVER 15 DIFFERENT STYLES OF BRAND NEW MATTRESS SET

MARKED DOWN 30% TO 60% OFF RETAIL STORE PRICES

INCLUDING 7 TIME WINNER CONSUMER BEST BUY MATTRESS SETS.

PROCEEDS GO TO SUPPORT THE CAPE GIRLS LACROSSE PROGRAM

NO PRESSURE—JUST GREAT SAVINGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY WHILE SUPPORTING OUR ATHLETES.

March 30, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Grade Eight Project Citizen

Mark you calendars: Project Citizen Showcase, April 28th, 6:30-8:30, m.s. cafe

Eighth graders have been working diligently over the past few weeks on our new endeavor, Project Citizen. Through our lessons, students have learned what public policy is and how they can be involved. Students moved on to working in groups to create a problem statement on an issue they feel passionate about, offered alternative policies to address the issue, chose one alternative to be their proposed policy, and finally, created a plan of action.

Students are now close to completing their projects and are excited to share their work in a Community Showcase, on April 28th, from 6:30-8:30 in the cafeteria. Family members and community members are welcome to attend. All projects will be on display and eight groups will be giving their oral presentations, as well.

February 15, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Hoops for Heart

Andy Strout asked me to share the following.

HELP YOUR CHILD SAVE LIVES AND BE A HEART HERO!

HOW: Support your child in the American Heart Association’s Hoops For

Heart program

WHAT: A lifesaving and educational community service program

WHY: Your child will help kids with special hearts, learn about how to be

heart healthy and feel good!

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We are thrilled to share our school is supporting the American Heart Association’s Hoops for Heart program! When your child participates in Hoops for Heart he/she:

· Learns about the importance of the heart—how it works, and how to take care of it: Through classroom exercises and educational information provided by the American Heart Association.

· Helps kids with special hearts: Our safe online tool makes it easy for your child to set-up a web page and send e-mails to invite friends and family to support their fundraising efforts and to share life-saving information. Please see instructions on the back of this letter.

· Feels good for making a difference in people’s lives! Funds raised support American heart Association research and education initiatives that save lives in our community. Congenital heart defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects. Many children are alive today because of treatments not available even 10 years ago. Funded research and advancements have changed and saves their lives!

We hope you are as excited as we are to support our students in this important experience! If you have any questions, please let me know. We jump. We shoot. We save!

Visit www.heart.org/hoopsto get started today or call Andy Strout at 799-8176

February 13, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Middle School Robotics

On February 5 and 6, Cape Robotics fielded three teams at the Maine VEX Robotics Championship at the Bangor Auditorium.

The middle school team of Jasper Hansel and Andrew Volent were the only middle school team at the competition. They had a very reliable forklift design. As a result of their engineering accomplishments at a young age, Jasper and Andrew received a judges’ award for their robot. This team was also part of the 3-team alliance that were the tournament champions.

Our high school team of Anthony Castro, Luke Dvorozniak and Ethan DiNinno came in second place in the morning’s qualifying rounds with a record of 7-1. They also won the programming skills challenge.

8th grader Walker Grimes and his partner 9th grader Matthew Reale-Hatem also had a strong showing, and accomplished successful and significant design changes in very limited time between qualifying rounds.


Congratulations to all participants!



February 13, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Hear Our Stories



Maine Immigrants to Speak on Their Journeys to U.S.


Cape Elizabeth Middle School to host

3rd Annual Hear our Stories Café


On March 7, 2011, at 7 p.m., Mr. Reza Jalali, USM professor and author of New Mainers, Portraits of Our Immigrant Neighbors, will facilitate a conversation among several of the "new Mainers" featured in this book. They will share their personal stories, the struggles and excitement of their first journeys to Maine and the U.S. The audience will hear about different customs and foods, learn about some of the differences and similarities between our countries, listen to impressions of Maine life, and more.

The event is organized by the World Language teachers at Cape Elizabeth Middle School to kick off the annual World Language Week at CEMS. The theme of the 2011 World Language Week is, “Many Hands, Many Voices, One World”. During WL Week, students have the opportunity to explore beyond their regular French and Spanish lessons to learn about languages, foods, literature, music and customs around the world.

The Hear our Stories Cafe will give the Cape community an opportunity to learn about other ethnic populations, cultural practices, and ways of life, hearing first hand from Maine immigrants.

The event will be held at the Cape Elizabeth Community Services Center on Ocean House Drive in Cape Elizabeth. Hosted by Cape Elizabeth Middle School, the Hear Our Stories Café is funded by a Middle School Parents’ Association grant.

Cultural literacy is a critical skill for 21st century students and the World Language Team is pleased to offer this learning opportunity for our students and community members.

Admission is free and we hope to see people from all over the Portland area at this event.


February 13, 2011
by Steven Connolly

A Visit from the Pirates

Three members of the local AHL Portland Pirates visited our school this week. Mark Jeanneret, the Pirates play by play and public relations guy was joined by left wingman Derek Whitmore and defenseman Alex Biega. The Pirates school program is called, "Goals for Success," and their message was clear: it is important top set high but attainable goals and to keep focused on those goals. Derek and Alex spoke to students about a couple of our monthly wellness themes: leadership and responsibility, as well. All three Pirates personnel did a very nice job presenting to an audience of about 575 students and staff. Many thanks to the Pirates organization for their sense of community.



Derek and Alex address CEMS kids
February 11, 2011
by Steven Connolly

A Very Successful Career Fair

14th Annual 7th & 8th Grade Career Exploration Fair Thursday, February 3, 2011

The 14th Annual 7th & 8th Grade Career Exploration Fair was held on February 3. The following Thirty-five enthusiastic community members offered possibilities and inspiration to the seventh and eighth graders. They gave them glimpses into careers and especially into career paths. They encouraged the students to trust themselves, to listen to what they liked, and to work hard. The students repeatedly heard: “Listen to what you like and what you want to do. If it’s worth your while, work hard at it, and do it well!” and " Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life." The fair was sponsored by the Middle School Guidance Department in conjunction with Ms. Gail Schmader, Director of Volunteer Services. . It was an integral part of the career exploration and educational planning unit based on the Maine State Learning Results.

Presenters Dr. Jim Tasse, Bike/Pedestrian Advocate, Bicycle Coalition of Maine Mrs. Tracey Peterson, Forensic Science, Southern Maine Community College Mrs. Marilyn Sinnett, Mr. Holden Amarello, Engineering, Woodard & Curran Mr. Tony Boffa, Music Careers, Boffa School of Contemporary Music Mrs. Audrey Castro, Small Business Owner, The Buttered Biscuit Dr. Patricia Chase, Veterinarian, Cumberland Animal Clinic Mrs. Joanne Lee, Photographer, Joanne Lee Photo Community Liaison Officer Mark Dorval, Officer Ben Davis Law Enforcement/Firefighting, Cape Elizabeth Police Department Ms. Amy Sturgeon, Marketing/Advertising, USM Marketing Major Ms. Stacey Koloski, Ms. Hollye Seddon, Acting/Theater, Stages Dr. Sean Mccloy, Medical Careers, Maine Integrative Wellness Mr. David Turin, Cook/Chef, David’s Restaurant Ms. Rachel Guthrie, Technology Careers, Southern Maine Community College Mr. Adam Baukus, Mr. Curt Brown, Marine Biology/Marine Education, Gulf of Maine Research Institute Mr. Glenn Jordan, Sports Writing, Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram Mrs. Sara Lennon, Graphic Design, Graphic Designer Mr. Bill Jordan, Mr. Bill Bamford, Mrs. Mary Ellen and Mr. Austin Chadd, Mrs. Nicole Tammaro, Farming/Agriculture, William H. Jordan Farm, Maxwell’s Farm, Green Spark Farm, Down Home Farm LT. Mason Wilcox, MST1 Joshua Baeten, MST3 Joshua Thorne US Military, U.S. Coast Guard Mr. Peter Cary, Lawyer, MittelAsen Ms. Lynette Kirk-Gordon, Ms. Lauren Lafey, Fashion Design, L.L. Bean Ms. Susan Grisanti, Ms.Ashley O'Brion, Mr. Corey Nickerson , Journalism, The Maine Magazine Mrs. Cameron Rosenblum, Teacher, Cape Elizabeth School Department








January 31, 2011
by Steven Connolly

Career Fair

Gail Schmader, the district 1/2 time volunteer coordinator, has spent countess hours as usual preparing this year's 7th and 8th grade career fair. She asked me to share the following.

Who am I? Where am I going? How am I going to get there? These are all questions that arise as Cape Elizabeth seventh and eighth graders look toward the 14th Annual Career Exploration Fair to be held at the Middle School on Thursday, February 3 from 8:00-9:45 a.m. Community members from twenty-two different careers will involve groups of students in aspects of their occupations. The fair is one part of a career exploration and educational planning unit based on the Maine State Learning Results. Students will focus on learning about themselves and how their interests, abilities and personalities relate to a variety of career choices.

Many thanks, Gail, for the article and the great job you do every year to bring this fantastic opportunity to our students. Also, a big thank you to Kim Sturgeon, Gretchen McCloy, and Kate Thibeault for their valuable contributions that make this event happen.
January 6, 2011
by Steven Connolly

CEMS Spelling Bee

Amanda Kozaka, our school librarian, has asked me to share the following information.

Attention students!
Are you yearning for an opportunity for success? Are you filled with giddiness about new and exciting vocabulary words? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then sashay on down to the CEMS library at 2:45 on January 12th for our school Spelling Bee!!
Did you answer no? There is no penalty for your honesty. In fact, novice spelling citizens are encouraged! Don’t be a curmudgeon - there will be a multitude of everyday words for you to try. Perhaps this fun challenge will ignite a desire to improve your spelling and vocabulary. Everyone is welcome and no froufrou costumes are required. So quit your bellyaching, and join us at the Spelling Bee. It is less than a fortnight away!

(Note: this message contains 14 spelling bee words. Can you guess which ones?)
December 6, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Recognition Event for Alan Hawkins

Cape Elizabeth SCHOOL BOARD INVITES PUBLIC TO RECOGNITION FOR RETIRING Superintendent of schools

The Cape Elizabeth School Board invites all interested members of the public to join them in recognizing retiring Superintendent Alan Hawkins on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. The recognition will take place during the regularly scheduled business meeting set to begin at 7:00 pm in Cape Elizabeth Town Hall Council Chambers. Following the Board’s recognition anyone from the audience who wishes to speak will be invited to do so. Coffee and light snacks will be provided during a brief intermission.

Cape Elizabeth Schools are organized into three schools located on one campus: Pond Cove Elementary School; Cape Elizabeth Middle School; and Cape Elizabeth High School. Our mission is to ensure that all our students develop the knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes to become successful individuals and citizens. For more information about our schools or community, please visit our web site at www.Cape.k12.me.us.

###

Contact:

Rebecca Millett

Chair, Cape Elizabeth School Board

rmillett@maine.rr.com

(207) 799-3224

or

Mary Townsend

Cape Elizabeth School Board

maryeliz@maine.rr.com

(207) 767-6096

November 16, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Best Shot Tournament



November 10, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Recycle Week in Progress

Maine Recycles Week is here (November 8th - 15th), and the Environmental Club invites you to join the celebration at CEMS!

Here are some ways to participate:
1. Create a recycling poster for the Maine Recycles Poster Contest. This year's theme is "Take a bite out of trash - Recycle!" See Mrs. Kozaka in the library for more information. Posters are due November 23, 2010.

2. Compost your leftover food at lunch! We can greatly reduce our amount of trash by sorting out food scraps and turning them back into dirt. There are buckets at lunch to collect items for our compost bins.

3. Recycle your used printer ink cartridges. The Environmental Club has partnered with Cartridge World in Scarborough to ensure that used ink cartridges are recycled, remanufactured, and refilled. Bring yours to the library.
October 26, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Maine Recycles Poster Contest

I would like to let you know about a great opportunity for all of our students. Maine Recycles Week is coming up on November 8th-15th, and as part of our school participation, the Environmental Club is inviting all students to take part in the Poster Contest.

This year's theme is "Take a bite out of trash - recycle!"
Entries must be on 8 1/2" X 11" paper, horizontally aligned. Any medium is fine, except for pencil and charcoal. The committee is no longer accepting digitally produced images. Each poster must be attached to a entry form that they can get from me, Mrs. Kozaka, in the library. All posters need to be turned in by November 23rd.

So if you know any artistic kids, or ones that are interested in environmental themes, please pass the word about the contest. We will be hanging signs around the school, but word of mouth helps too! Winners will be selected at each grade level throughout the state and will be recognized at a ceremony at the Blaine House. Their artwork will be published in next year's Maine Recycles calendar.

Thanks for your help with this exciting opportunity! Go Green!
Amanda Kozaka
Library Media Specialist
October 4, 2010
by Steven Connolly

CE Medication Collection

I have received the following information about the local annual medication collection.



September 21, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Harvest Lunch

Gretchen McCloy, one of our school counselors and a leader of our wellness team, asked me to share this with you.
Mr. Paul Casey's class harvesting produce at Jordan's Farm

Thursday September 23rd we will be celebrating Harvest Lunch. This community effort is an opportunity for students to learn more about local produce, and the farms in Cape Elizabeth. Throughout the week students will participate in harvesting vegetables at Jordan's farm, preparing some of the foods in the kitchen, and eating them on Thursday by buying hot lunch. This meal, and all hot lunch meals at CEMS cost $2.85. Advisory activities will also focus on this theme for the rest of September. All students are welcome to create a poster for the Harvest Lunch Poster contest. Art work is due on Tuesday 9/21 and should be done on a regular 8.5x11 paper.
We are excited for another successful year of Harvest Lunch at CEMS.
Parents interesting in volunteering are encouraged to contact Gretchen McCloy - gmccloy@capeelizabethschools.org.
Mr. Paul Casey's class harvesting produce at Jordan's Farm

September 12, 2010
by Steven Connolly

School Volunteer Training

Gail Schmader is the part-time district volunteer coordinator. Gail has set up the following schedule for training sessions.

Volunteer

Awareness Sessions

Wednesday, September 8

9:15-10:15 am

Tuesday, September 14

9:15-10:15 am

Thursday, September 23

9:15-10:15 am

Tuesday, September 28

6:15-7:15 pm

Pond Cove/Middle School Cafetorium

Any person who has not yet attended an awareness session

sponsored by Gail Schmader, Director of Volunteer Services,

and who would like to volunteer in the schools or chaperone a

field trip needs to attend a session before volunteering.

If necessary, it’s fine to bring children with you.


Thanks, Gail.

June 1, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Social for Grades Five and Six

Kate Bosworth sent me the following reminder to add to the middle school blog.

The social will take place tomorrow in the courtyard between Pond Cove and the middle School. The Student Council will provide free ice cream and toppings. There will also be games set out on the filed for students to organize themselves. Parents will need to arrange transportation home at 3:30 PM. Thank you.
March 22, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Spelling Bee Winner!

CEMS seventh grade student Lily Jordan has taken another step in her undefeated quest for spelling perfection. Here is a clip from the Kennebec Journal:

Jordan, a seventh-grader, topped 12 other county spelling champs to claim a trophy, a T-shirt, a very large dictionary and a trip to Washington, D.C., for the North American finals in June. The Maine State bee was sponsored by Maine Today Media, which publishes the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, the Kennebec Journal and Waterville Sentinel daily newspapers, the weekly Coastal Journal in Bath and their respective websites.

Congratulations, Lily, and good luck in Washington D.C.
March 22, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Chess

The Cape Elizabeth Chess Team has done it again! Check out these results shared by Ilene Schuchman.

Matthew Fishbein (6th), entered and won the High School Championship, with a perfect score of 4 wins out of 4 games, making him the youngest High School Chess Champion in Maine state history. As far as Ilene knows, there was only one other non-High School age student entered in the High School tournament -- Matthew Reale-Hatem (7th). With 2.5 out of 4 possible wins, he finished just a half-point from tying for second. Cape Elizabeth High School student Ethan DiNinno (10th) tied for second with 3 out of 4.

Wesley Parker (5th) "played up" to the Junior High Individual Tournament and tied for first, becoming co-champion.

Jasper Hansel (6th), who recently began attending the CEMS after-school chess club with Mr. Zaharis and Mr. Noreus, played in his very first rated tournament and tied for second place in the K-6 tournament!

Also performing admirably at the tournament were Danny Brett (8th), Nicholas Shedd (8th), Brett Parker (9th), Robert Anthony Freccero (9th), Ben Hansel (9th) and Kyle Russell (3rd).

Thanks for sharing this information, Ilene, and congratulations to the entire team.
March 16, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Spring Conferences

The school calendar indicates there is a half day scheduled for spring conferences on the afternoon of Friday, March 26. Teachers will put together a schedule of dates and times before and after school after that date to ensure all families have time to discuss student progress. Eighth grade conferences will be scheduled a bit later due to the timing of high school course selection sheets for placement. Those teachers will send home conference dates from April 1 to April 6, and they will share the freshmen course recommendations at that time.

Just a reminder: we use a student-involved conference model. Since the topic of the meeting is the child, he/she is crucial to the conversation. It is his/her opportunity to discuss growth over the course of the first two-thirds of the year (i.e., comparing fall writing to current samples in the writing portfolio). So, if your child is saying his/her attendance is optional, I hope you show them this blog entry. Thanks.
February 9, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Career Fair

The annual seventh and eighth grade career fair happened on Thursday, February 4. Students had approximately thirty career presentations to attend. A sampling of the careers represented were: law enforcement and firefighting, US military, technology, physician, fashion design, music, photography, and pilot. Students were able to visit three careers of their choice. Eleven of the presenters were new to CEMS and the career fair, and we also saw the return of some wily veteran presenters. This is a great community effort spearheaded by Gail Schmader, the district volunteer coordinator; Kim Sturgeon and Gretchen McCloy, middle school guidance counselors; and our fantastic MSPA hostesses. Thanks to all for helping to make the event very powerful for our students. The career fair was followed up on Friday with Job Shadow Day for eighth graders, who visited such businesses as: Fairchild Semiconductor, Hannaford Distribution Center, LL Bean, Idexx, WMTW, and Rumery Boat Yard. Again, thank you to all our community partners for making this event so successful.

Below are pictures of Bill Jordan representing agriculture and Audrey Castro representing small businesses.






February 9, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Hear Our Stories

The World Language Team, thanks to continued grant support from CEEF, have hosted more Hear Our Stories events this year. In case you are not familiar with these, here is an information piece about Hear Our Stories from the World Language Team.

The purpose of the series is to give Mainers an understanding of the experiences of Maine immigrants by hearing the stories first hand. This event will give our community an opportunity to learn about other ethnic populations, cultural practices, and ways of life.

The World Language teachers at Cape Elizabeth Middle School stated, “We believe that cultural literacy is a critical skill for citizens of the 21st century. The world’s countries, economies, and people are becoming more interdependent day by day and our students need to have an understanding and appreciation of contemporary cultures. Our goal is to involve students, staff, parents, and community members. The world is a fascinating place that changes everyday, and it is wonderful to learn about world cultures and what compelled people to move to the U.S.”


Presenters at the most recent event this past December were (in order from left to right in the picture below): Pious Ali from Ghana, Reza Jalali from Iran, and Laura Val from Israel and Romania.



For more information and pictures, please visit the CEEF website (www.ceef.us).

January 25, 2010
by Steven Connolly

Robotics

Two of our middle school students, Anthony Castro and Luke Dvorzniak, have been working on a robotics project with the volunteer help of Jack Queeney a junior at Cape High. The boys recently competed in a robotics competition at Boston University where won an award for excellence for design, sportsmanship, and programming. This qualifies them for the world competition to be held in Texas this April against 300 other teams from coming from as far away as Tokyo. The boys also competed in the high school Vex competition in Worcester, MA where they were one of six undefeated teams in the qualifying rounds. The boys won third overall at that competition. Good luck, Luke and Anthony!


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