Newfield Middle School

Newsletter

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Hello Newfield Middle School Families,

�I cannot believe that we are heading into the last few months of the school year. The month of April is a time of transitioning from the many winter activities into the anticipation of spring. As we hope for warmer weather, we want to keep our students focused on continuing to strive to do their best. I appreciate all of the effort you put in at home to ensure this carries over into their school day, as it impacts their academic progress.

� We have our state tests coming up this month and next.  The tests this year are all computer based so please be sure that your child is charging their devices before coming to school each day.  It is a pleasure to watch your children learn and grow throughout the school year. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.  I appreciate your ongoing support.

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Thank you,

Melissa Addy

Newfield Middle School Principal

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What does it take to be a successful student? Leader? Community Member?

Here are some student skills that can help you be .

~Attend school regularly - attendance matters

~If you do miss, talk to your teachers about missed notes and assignments

~Make a plan to get assignments done, current and missing assignments

~Turn in assignments complete and on time

~Stay focused in class. Ask questions and participate in class discussions

~Take advantage of extra credit opportunities

~Study outside of regular class hours to learn and reinforce material covered in class

Here are a few more tips to consider to increase your motivation towards becoming a more successful student:

~Set realistic goals

~Have a positive attitude

~Break down tasks

~Monitor your progress and learning

~Be accountable and honest about your actions and decisions

~Learn from your mistakes

Our goal for all students is to be ready for success in high school and into their adult lives. Employees want to see many of these characteristics in the people they hire.

School is the perfect place to practice and learn these skills.

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We all know the steps to take the night before to improve test performance: a good meal, a little exercise and going to bed early to get enough sleep.  Have you ever thought about what foods to eat before a test and/or during a test break?  Here are some good foods to help performance during a test (or completing homework and during your school day)!

• Whole wheat pretzels and hummus: Rich in protein and low in fats, hummus is an ideal snack on test day. When combined with more complex carbs like whole wheat pretzels or veggies, this power snack can’t be beat.
• Greek yogurt with fruit or berries: Go for the real stuff here. The first ingredient in yogurt shouldn’t be high-fructose corn syrup. Combine Greek yogurt’s protein — which is roughly double that of traditional yogurt — with the slow-burning sugars in fruits and berries and your brain won’t crash as it might from a bag of M&Ms.
• Hard boiled eggs: This simple snack is packed with proteins and the essential omega-3 fatty acids – a brilliant brain food!
• Protein wrap: Select sliced turkey or chicken, cream cheese, hummus, lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla for an all-around solid snack to get you through the lunch hour.
• Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit: The protein in nuts and natural sugars in fruit are great for your test day. Avoid super-sugary trail mixes, however,
• Celery or carrot sticks spread with cream cheese or peanut butter: Veggies and a protein will never steer you wrong. Or you can use a multigrain waffle topped with natural peanut butter or honey and sliced bananas. This is another high-protein, complex-carbohydrate option, with a little natural sugar to keep your brain burning bright for hours.

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Brought to you by https://www.winwardacademy.com/snacks-to-bring-on-test-day 

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Counselor’s Corner

To celebrate National Autism Acceptance Month in April, consider activities like wearing blue, hosting sensory-friendly events, sharing stories about autistic individuals, and supporting organizations that serve the autism community

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Here are some specific ideas for activities:

Community & Awareness:

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• "Light It Up Blue":

Encourage individuals and businesses to light up their homes and businesses in blue, the color associated with autism awareness. 

• Wear Blue:

Promote wearing blue on April 2nd (World Autism Awareness Day) and throughout the month. 

• Attend or Support Autism-Friendly Events:

Look for local events, walks, or fundraisers that support autism awareness. 

• Donate to Autism Organizations:

Support organizations that provide resources, advocacy, and services to individuals and families affected by autism. 

• Fundraise:

Organize peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns or participate in virtual fundraisers. 

• Follow and Listen to Autistic Creators:

Support autistic-owned businesses and follow autistic content creators on social media. 

Education & Inclusion:

• Read and Discuss Autism Books:

Introduce children and adults to books about autism and discuss them in a classroom or group setting. 

• Create a Bulletin Board:

Display information and celebrate the accomplishments of autistic individuals. 

• Share Stories:

Invite teachers to share stories about autistic individuals during read-aloud time. 

• Host Sensory-Friendly Events:

Create events that are designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals with sensory sensitivities. 

• Offer Neurodiversity Training:

Provide training for employees or staff to increase understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. 

• Create Sensory Toys:

Make and distribute sensory toys to help children with autism. 

• Encourage Students to Write Letters:

Have students write letters to legislators about the needs of students with disabilities, including autism. 

• Create a Pen Pal System:

Foster friendship and connection by creating a pen pal system where students write letters, draw pictures, or cards to students with autism. 

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May 6th & 7^th- Math State Testing

May 19^th- Harlem Wizards Basketball Game. Tickets go on sale April 2^nd. Contact ktroger@newfieldschools.org

ELA State Testing

ELA State Testing

8^th Grade Science State Testing