• 5/19 EXPO . .
  • 5/23 Nat'l Honor Society 6 pm . .
  • 5/25 Prom . .
  • 5/31 Field Day (rain 6/1) . .
  • 6/4 Celebration of Learning . .
  • 6/6 8th Grade Formal . .
  • 6/11 8th Grade Holiday Hill . .
  • 6/11 - 6/14 High School Final Exams . .
  • 6/18 Graduation 6 pm . .
  • 6/19 8th Grade Promotion . .
  • 6/20 Last Day of School . .

Friday, February 28, 2014

Dress Down Days

A message from the school:

Students are allowed to dress down on the following day.  We are asking students who choose to dress down for a $1 donation for the priviledge. All funds will go to student activities - spread across all grades.
March 7,  March 14 & March 28
April 4 & 11
May 2 & 9
June 16 & 20
Please be sure your child adheres to the dress down guidelines found in the esums parent/student handbook.  Warm weather guidelines:  No tank tops, shorts or flip flops!

Summer Camp Opportunity for Middle Schoolers

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., was the first African-American to walk in space.  He has created a foundation in collaboration with Exxon-Mobil to provide opportunities to communities traditionally underserved by STEM education.  While it might be hard to claim that any ESUMS student is "underserved" in this area, middle school students may still meet the eligibility requirements:

• Be members of a traditionally underserved and underrepresented population;
• Be entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the fall of 2014;
• Have a GPA of at least “B” overall in mathematics and science;
• Score at the median to superior level on standardized mathematics and science tests;
• Write a 250-word essay describing their interest in the camp and STEM;
• Be interviewed, if deemed necessary;
• Have exhibited an interest in mathematics and science; and
• Have strong recommendations from their current mathematics and science teachers.


These summer camps sound quite good, and they are free of charge.  The nearest one to us is in Worcester, Mass.  More information can be found at the Harris Foundation.

Big News

short film by ESUMS students has received Honorable Mention in the White House Student Film Festival.  Though you can watch it on youtube, it will be officially screened this afternoon at 3:30 at WhiteHouse.gov/filmfestival. Congratulations to filmmakers Nashrul Mohd Khairi, Jordan Konan, Naszir Johnson and actors Fatima and Khodja Sy.


Engineering Humor


Thursday, February 27, 2014

Winter Wonderland Dance Details


Share a semi-formal evening with ESUMS High School and the Sound School.

Students: If you wish to bring a guest from another school, your guest must get this form signed at school:  Guest Permission Form.

Parents: Please sign up to bring snacks, drinks, or  cups (many, small, cheap, paper cups) at this link: sign up sheet.  If you don't see your email address, just add it or your name in a blank line.
     We still don't know whether parent chaperones will be needed.  Watch this space for a call for volunteers.  There will also be another middle school dance later in the Spring.


Really Interesting Science Saturday This Week

SCIENCE ON SATURDAY: “Neutrino, Dark Matter, & the Arctic”
Professor Reina Maruyama (Physics)
Saturday, March 1st 2014
10am-11am: Science Demonstrations
11am-12pm: Lecture
Sterling Chemistry Lab, 225 Prospect St.
FREE and open to the public.
Join us for a Science on Saturday lecture featuring Physics Professor Reina Maruyama.  Science on Saturdays is a special lecture series designed for families that brings the excitement of research and the passion of scientists to “kids” of all ages.  Each event involves a lecture by a Yale professor and engaging science demonstrations run by Yale college students. The topics explored are for 7th graders and above. http://onhsa.yale.edu/science-saturday-lecture-demonstrations-4


Photo of ESUMS Student in the Newspaper

Students from Ms. Criscuolo's 9th grade History class attended an evening lecture at the New Haven Museum.  Nice photo of Destiny Robinson.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A Few Quick Reminders

(1) Tomorrow, Wednesday Feb. 26, don't forget to send in some snacks for those hard-working Juniors taking the S.A.T.

(2)  Tomorrow is also the Citywide Magnet Fair.  Please contact Ms. Jenkins with questions or if you'd like to help out.

(3)  A note from Ms. Jenkins:  "This Friday our school will undergo compliance review by representative from the federal department of education.  As part of the review they would like to speak with any available parents to take part in a brief panel discussion.  We know this is a last minute request, but if any parents are available it would be great!  The reviewers are looking to get insight from parents on why we chose ESUMS for our children and how we feel the curriculum is. The panel will take place at 10:15."


Sunday, February 23, 2014

ESUMS/UNH National Engineers Week Activity POSTPONED

to March 8.  There is still a chance to participate in this great event!  (If image doesn't load, please click here.)

Friday, February 21, 2014

Free Online Course in Space Systems Engineering

Are you interested in Space Systems Engineering? Saylor Academy, in collaboration with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is offering a free, online, six-week course in Space Systems Engineering beginning on March 3rd. Click the link to register or to find out more!

http://www.saylor.org/2014/02/blog-announcement-space-systems-engineering-course-starts-march-3rd/

Did you know that NASA offers a LOT of free learning opportunities like this? Here's a link to offerings for all age groups:

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/current-opps-index.html#.UwfROs6lHAD




Friday, February 14, 2014

ESUMS Engineering Week Activity



 Screen shot 2014-02-13 at 12.07.54 PMEngineering and science workshops for students in 5th to 10th grade will take place at the University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to celebrate National Engineer Week.

The workshop is sponsored by the Tagliatela College of Engineering at UNH.  Students from both UNH and the Engineering and Science University Magnet School will run the activities, which are open to students from any area school. Cost is $20, including lunch. 

Feb. Break is Engineers Week

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Some Well-Deserved Boasting: 2013 Accomplishments & Goals


ESUMS IMAGINE, INVESTIGATE, INVENT
Engineering and Science University Magnet School, a public college preparatory middle and high school, challenges students to imagine, investigate and invent while preparing them for demanding STEM programs at the collegiate level.

ENGINEERING & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY MAGNET SCHOOL IS

A Message from Ms. Blue-Ellis

Parents,
I am honored to update you about the growth of ESUMS.  We are in our 6 year and have a lot about which to be proud.  Academically our program is second to no magnet school in the district or area.

Photos from Middle School Honors Breakfast (Fall)

directory of photos

Photos from Open House


Information Session in the Gym
Student Tour Guides
New 3-D Printer
Showing off 7th Grade Engineering Projects


National Science Talent Search

It's for Seniors -- but Juniors and younger should start thinking now!  Highly competitive and prestigious with significant scholarship prizes.

http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts-2014-finalists

High School Summer Opportunity -- Girls Who Code

FREE 7-week computer programming immersion program for juniors and seniors (girls only) in New York City.  Scholarships are even available for transportation and lunch.  There is no housing, however, so you must live in the "metro area" and commute daily -- or perhaps stay with a relative in the city.

http://girlswhocode.com/programs/

Winter Dance Postponed

to Mar. 7th.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The New ESUMS Building is Really Happening!

Many thanks to the West Haven Planning & Zoning Board members for their unanimous vote to surmount the final obstacle to the new building!

Free SAT Prep for Juniors

Test Prep

Please consider sending in snacks for the students who will be taking the SAT on Feb. 26.  See the Blue News for details.

Blue News

Feb. 12 Blue News

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Winter Wonderland Dance (with Sound School)

The high school will be holding a Winter Wonderland dance on Mar. 7 Feb. 28, 7-10 pm.   Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.  "Dress to Impress."

Parents have been asked to contribute snacks and drinks.  Look for a PTO Hospitality sign-up sheet soon.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Transportation Issues

Attention Parents with Bus Transportation Problems!  

It's been a long time coming, but supposedly the director of transportation, Teddi Beara, has agreed to meet with a group of parents advocating for better routing and scheduling.  If you want to be part of this important meeting, you must sign up immediately for the Transportation Taskforce.

The sign-up link is also good for anyone who wants to work on getting more school nurse hours, recycling, or any other issue.  


School Climate Surveys

Please make sure to fill out your school climate survey and mail/turn it in.  Or you can take it online, if you have the code on your survey form.  It is your opportunity to let the board of education know how well ESUMS is doing and where improvements might be needed.

Chess Tournament, Feb. 22 (up to age 12 only)

At the Mitchell Library, 37 Harrison St., 1 pm.  To register, please call John Roberts at (203) 946-2282 or jroberts@nhfpl.org.

Considering ESUMS in the Magnet Lottery? Welcome!

Hello to prospective parents and students!

Visit the NHPS Magnet Schools website for all of the details and application: NHPS Magnet.  Please join us for an open house at ESUMS, 130B Leeder Hill Rd. in Hamden, on Feb. 12, 3:30-4:30.  

Yale Sprout and Splash

There is still time to register for the spring sessions of Sprout and Splash, where middle and high school students can take short classes taught by Yale students on all sorts of fun subjects, like Feminism in Harry Potter, Protein Folding, Black Holes and Chinese Philosophy.

https://yale.learningu.org/learn/sprout.html

Blue News!

Feb. 7, Blue News

Highlight: Town Hall with Superintendent Harries next Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4:30 pm, followed by West Haven Planning & Zoning meeting about the new building.

Better have a look at the new Snow Day Policy, too.

Want Your Voice Heard?

Go to Superintendent Evaluation to give your opinion on Superintendent Harries' progress this year.  Today is the deadline; the School Board wants to hear from you!

CPLT Report

The Citywide Parent Leadership Team met on Thursday, Feb. 6.  

(1) Parents can give feedback on Superintendent Harries' re-appointment online at Superintendent Evaluation.  TODAY is the deadline!

(2)  CT Center for Nonviolence will be giving a 2-day workshop on Kingian Non Violence, Feb. 28 and Mar. 1 at Adanti Student Center at SCSU.  For information, send email to morcaldik1@southernct.edu or visit ctnonviolence.org.

(3)  The next Parent University will be held Saturday, April 26 at Gateway.

(4)  New Haven Parks & Rec will hold a series of Hot Shot basketball contests on several evenings in February.  They will also hold a Sports Camp and a Nature Camp over February vacation.  For information, visit www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks.

(5)  There will be a forum to discuss the Common Core at Wilson Branch Public Library, 303 Washington Street, THIS Saturday, Feb. 8, from 1-2:30.  Event is free, all are welcome.  

(6) There will be an open meeting about School Food Policy on Feb. 22, 9-1, at Career High School.

(7)  There will be a presentation called "The SBAC is the New CMT" about Common Core testing, on Feb. 12, at Hill Central School, 140 Dewitt St., at 6 pm.

(8)  The state has launched a new Common Core website, CTcorestandards.org.

(9)  CPLT has also launched their new website, NHPSparents.org, which should soon replace the monthly updates posted here.