Staying Involved, Worth Quoting, & Organizational Tips

Staying Involved:  (1/3/11)

Middle aged children may act as though they would like their parents to disappear at times.  But when it comes to school success, middle school students still need their parents around.    When parents are involved in their child’s learning, student achievement soars.  Children score higher on tests, turn in better projects, and participate more in class if they know their parents care and take an interest in their education.
Staying involved in your child’s learning can occur at anytime during the day.  Talk about homework while preparing dinner, or watch an educational TV program or documentary together at night.  Visit a historical site on the weekend, or participate in any activity with your child that involves acquisition of new knowledge.  By doing so you are modeling the importance of learning.

Teachers will welcome your commitment and interest, whether you volunteer at school events, or just take an active role in your child’s studies by providing support with homework and test preparation.  Call or email your child’s teacher’s to see what you can do …in or out of school… to help your child be successful!

Worth quoting: (1/3/11)

This month to honor the celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. on January 17th, a quote is being provided that would apply to us all.

“The time is always right to do what is right”  - Martin Luther King Jr.

Organization Tips:  (1/3/11)

 If your son or daughter is like a lot of students in their “middle year”, organization can be a challenge.  Here a few tips that you may find of value to support your child in becoming more organized.

• Use time at school wisely.  Most teachers provide class time to get a start on homework.  Making efficient use of time at school reduces what needs to be done at home.
• Develop routines.   Routines can help get students more organized and get items completed more efficiently.  Assist in establishing routines in the morning that include getting up allowing  plenty of time to get ready as well as sufficient  time for breakfast.    Before your child goes to bed each night, assist in getting everything ready for the next day of school.  Place backpacks, binders, books, homework, and other items in the same place each night.  If there is something that is needed in the morning, leave a note so it won’t be forgotten.
• Make  “To-Do” Lists.  Each day help develop a habit with your child of making a list of things that need to be completed.  Place the most important things at the top.  Creating a “to-do” list and attacking one thing at a time helps prevent kids from feeling overwhelmed.
• Create a Study Plan.   Establish a study plan with your son or daughter allowing them choice in when, where, and what needs to be studied.   Be flexible with the plan, knowing there will be conflicts, but stick to an agreed upon time period each day.  Making this as a part of a child’s after school routine develops consistency and creates good habits.

Community Service Projects

In the spirit of the Christmas season of giving, several worthy community service projects are being held at CRMS. These include:

1. The Secret Agents under the direction of Mrs. Cindy Clark, adopted a six year old girl through the district’s Secret Santa program. Students donated clothing, shoes, toys, and art supplies that will help the girl’s family have a more enjoyable Christmas.
2. More than 50 students in Secret Agent program also made Christmas tree ornaments in preparation for their annual trip on Tuesday December 21st to Pennknoll Village where they will decorate the tree in the community room. Homemade Christmas cards will be distributed and the students will interact with the residents by playing BINGO.
3. More than $900.00 was donated by the Middle school staff for a needy Secret Santa family. The money will be used by the family for purchasing heating oil and for repairs to the family car.
4. The money collected by our 6th grade advisory group from “wear your hat in school day” last week was used to purchase books and gas cards for Your Safe Haven and families staying at shelter.

On Thursday Dec. 9th, our 6th grade sponsored and organized “wear your hat for the day” as their community service project. For a $1.00 contribution, staff and students could wear a hat of their choice in classes. Fliers, announcements, and collection procedures were organized by students under Mrs. Grabill’s guidance. A total of $160.00 was collected with the money being used to purchase children’s books and gas cards that will be donated to Your Safe Haven.

As part of our ongoing efforts to combat bullying in our school and in collaboration with Highmark and the Windber Research Institute, information for parents to complete a short optional survey was sent home with students on Thursday Dec. 9th. Parent feedback is important to learn of their perceptions and experiences involving their child and bullying at school. The information helps ensure our program fits the needs of students, staff, and parents. The parent survey must be completed by Dec.31, 2010. The link to complete the survey online is: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BF8WCN245

First Annual Central Elementary PTO Golf Tournament

The Central Elementary PTO would like to Thank everyone that participated, donated and volunteered to make our golf tournament successful!  All proceeds from this event will benefit the students of Chestnut Ridge Central Elementary.  We were able to raise $2,710.43 which helps us to hold a fall festival, assemblies, Christmas activities, track & field, and field trips, along with many other educational events throughout the school year.  Once again, Thank You to all that were involved in this event!

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Electronics Research & Experimentation - 1st place
(Team of 6 max.)

• Justin Taylor
• Josh Brown
• Dan Spiker
• Jude Donatelli
• Josh Shane
• Joshia Ritchey

Engineering Design - 1st Place
(Team of 5 max.)

• TJ Young
• Tommy Fleegle
• Jake Deffibaugh
• Jenna Harclerode
• Timmy Griffith

Engineering Design Project Summary

Technology students researched, designed and constructed a cell phone transmission detection / warning system for integration into a prototype dashboard.  Whenever a cellular transmission is detected from the driver while the vehicle is engaged in any gear, the unit interrupts the audio system, beeps and provides a heads up warning message to look ahead. The specially designed antenna located near the steering column has a range of only 24 – 30 inches, which allows other passengers in the vehicle to text and use their cell phones at will.   The microprocessor controlled system, programmed by the students, monitors the electro-magnetic radiation detector circuit for cellular transmissions from the driver only.  This only occurs when the transmission is engaged in any gear except Park.  When in park, the detector is disabled.  The desired goal is not to prevent or block cellular use, but to eventually make the driver conform to good driving habits by constant interruptions of the audio system and warning messages.  A digitally programmed message plays over the speakers in the dashboard once triggered.  The message states “Heads UP! Please look ahead…  Cell phone use while driving can result in serious injury and death to you and your passengers.  Judges at Seven Springs were highly impressed by this innovate, creative and highly technical project. This message was conveyed to the students. 

Electronics research and Experimentation

The goal is to experiment with ultrasonic waves and how they can be used to help visually impaired persons navigate through a public building.  A solution summary is as follows.  A portable clip on unit was designed for the impaired person to clip onto a belt, etc.   When the unit is turned on, an ultrasonic wave is emitted at a soft frequency of 12K hertz, so the individual knows the unit is activated but it is unlikely to be heard by others nearby.    As the individual walks through a public building,  ultrasonic receivers mounted in wall  units are strategically located at the entrance,  the beginning and end of hallways,  etc, that will provide an audio map of the vicinity to guide individuals to offices, classrooms,  restrooms,  nurse,  gymnasium,  cafeteria etc.  Once the person is within 10 feet proximity of a wall mounted unit, the ultrasonic wave is detected and triggers a digitally stored preprogrammed message to be played through an amplifier for the individual.  The units use transceivers to send and receive ultrasonic waves that can’t be heard by others.   Experimentation involved controlling frequency of ultrasonic waves, controlling distance of ultrasonic waves, determining the reflection distance off walls,  and determining the divergence angle of emitted waves  for the purpose of  placement of the wall mounted units.