• 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 27, 2015

A Welcome for Ms. Heba, Our New Middle School Arabic Teacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,  “As-Salamo Alikom” Peace Be Upon You.

I am Abir Zenait, the lead Arabic teacher at ESUMS and instructor in the high school. I am writing this letter to invite you to an Introductory Welcome for the new ESUMS Arabic teacher, Ms. Heba AlKahouli, who will replace Ms. Hajjar for the rest of the year. Let’s have a little break and get closer to Ms. Heba while we enjoy my special Arabic Coffee & Sweet. The welcome will be in my room “329” between 10:00-12:00 on Monday 3/2/2015

Interesting School Summary

Ct Mirror

Very out-of-date, though.  Remember when the school day was 9:30-3:50??  Also somewhat misleading in many categories: they apparently don't consider Engineering to be Technology Education, and they don't know about Arabic as a world language.  But interesting overall.


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Ms. Hajjar is Leaving ESUMS

Ms. Hajjar has found a full-time position in another town.  Click to read her letter.  We will miss her so much and wish her all the best until perhaps she can return one day -- Mahbruk!  

Monday, February 23, 2015

ESUMS Launches Writing Center

esumsnh.net
We are proud to announce the opening of the ESUMS Writing Center. Our tutors are working in conjunction with University of New Haven. They have been trained by the Director of the Writing Center at UNH (Dr. Mary Isbell) and are excited to work with our students, grades 6-12, on improving all aspects of their writing.  If you are interested in utilizing the ESUMS Writing Center, or would like to refer a student, please contact Ms. Robinson or any of the tutors listed below.

Reminder: Mixed Bags

The Mixed Bags fundraiser is one which Ms. Anna has personally organized.  Funds raised will support the school and school programs.  PTO volunteers would be most welcome to help with paperwork and distribution of the bags.  Please return your order forms this week.  Of course, anyone who can't find a mixed bag they like can always make a direct donation at Support ESUMS.

Reminder: Parent Volunteers Needed for Open Houses

Please contact Dr. Kerrison to volunteer.  Volunteers will welcome visitors, lead tours of the building, and answer questions from prospective parents and students.  It's only an hour commitment.

Congratulations to Odia and Mama!

From esumsnh.net:
Odia Kane has been selected as a 2015 Women of Innovation honoree in the Youth Innovation and Leadership category.  This year the Committee reviewed over 200 nominations and faced a difficult task selecting finalists from an outstanding group of nominees.
Mama Soumahoro (10th grade) has won FIRST place in an arts and writing competition, honoring Black History Month, sponsored by the Connecticut People's World Committee. Her poem "Song of the Shadows" earned her the top spot. She will be honored and given her prize on Sunday Feb. 22 at 4 pm at the People's Center 37 Howe St. in New Haven

Nonviolence Presentation Saturday, Feb. 28

Event is free and features Joe Brummer, who sometimes conducts workshops at ESUMS.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Peabody Tour Opportunity

ConBio's exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Peabody Museum's Dry Collection (including bird and mammal species) is coming up THIS WEEK on Friday, February 20th at 1:00pm-2:00pm. There are still open slots to join the tour! You will be able to see an abundance of interesting specimens including some endangered species! If you are interested, please sign up here.  

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Financial Aid Workshop Next Wednesday (at Yale, but for any college)


Cool Solar Energy Tool

Ever wondered if your house is a good candidate for solar power?  This website looks at your roof in Google Earth and gives you a rough estimate of what solar panels would cost and how long it might take to "pay for itself."  This and other interesting articles are on engineering.com.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Minds in Motion Program


Registration for the February 28 MonroeMinds in Motion™ has been extended to Monday February 16.  Read the brochure, select your workshops, and register now. Registration is also open for MIM Milford March 7MIM Middletown March 14 and MIMWestport March 21. Register today because workshops are sure to fill up fast. Registration for MIM Milford closes February 27. Registration for MIM Middletown closes March 2, and registration for MIM Westport closes March 9. 

Good Article -- Think Carefully on Social Media

NY Times: Don't wreck your future using social media -- offensive jokes often fall flat with long-term consequences.

Teenagers Need More Sleep to Perform Well in School

NY Times says 9 hours.

A Fun Engineering Bio

Lonnie G. Johnson
(1949– )
He was an engineer for NASA, but Johnson may be most famous for inventing the Super Soaker!
Background: Johnson was born in Mobile, Ala., and attended college at Tuskegee University. After completing his master's degree, he joined the U.S. Air Force.
Invention: Johnson began working as an engineer for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1979. During his time at NASA, Johnson worked on the Galileo mission to Jupiter, the Mars Observer project, and the Cassini mission to Saturn. He earned multiple awards from NASA for his spacecraft control systems.
But Johnson is possibly best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. The inspiration hit him while he was working on an eco-friendly heat pump. "I accidentally shot a stream of water across a bathroom where I was doing the experiment and thought to myself, 'This would make a great gun'," Johnson said. The Super Soaker's success allowed him to work for himself and fund his own research in green technology. Johnson holds more than 100 patents.
Did You Know? Johnson considers a robot that he built in high school one of his top three inventions, along with the Super Soaker and his work for the Galileo project.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Free Practice SAT on Monday

C2 Education Westport will be hosting a free testing event to celebrate Presidents’ Day. Students will have the opportunity to take practice tests for the New SAT, current SAT, ACT, or Grade Level Testing.

Free Homework Help during February Break


C2 Education is offering Free Homework Help in your community!
Whether a student is having difficulty with a certain problem, preparing for a big test, or writing an important essay, they are welcome to stop by for assistance from one of our skilled tutors*.
Homework Help is available 2/16/15 - 2/19/15 from 1:35-3:25 pm. Seating is limited.  For the best experience, we recommend calling to reserve a spot and avoid a wait.
Subjects available:
--English
--Biology
--Algebra I & II/Geometry/Pre-Calc
--Reading & Writing
--Chemistry
Unlike other programs, which tend to be one-size-fits-all, C2 Education’s tutoring programs are personalized to meet the unique needs of each student.
*One two-hour session per student allowed.  Non-C2 students only.  


Principal Blue-Ellis Attends Prestigious Educational Summit

Press Release

Two Opportunities for Student Council / Student Government

2015 Challenge to Educational Citizenship Award:  Every year the State Student Advisory Council on Education accepts applications for the "Challenge to Educational Citizenship Award Program."  Projects should demonstrate good citizenship, a commitment to others, civic awareness, leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and an opportunity to students to help others.  The application is due April 17th.

Jack Kent Cook Foundation Scholarships for 7th Graders

National Scholarship Opportunity from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

As a member of Magnet Schools of America, we are proud to let you know about the following scholarship opportunity for 7th grade students as part of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's Young Scholars Program.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Coffee And Tomorrow, 8 a.m.

Sorry for the late notice!  We'll be discussing PTO budget and funding policy.  Do not miss it!

NHPS School Change – Initiatives under Consideration

Read the latest updates.

Parents: Volunteer to be an Expert on Powerschool & Naviance

“Parents Engaging in Their Children’s Education Using Technology"
Train the Trainer Series is a training series to create Leaders in our schools that would then train our parents on the various tools available to help our students. 
We will be hosting training on Naviance, PowerSchools and the NHPS App. The training will cover the many ways that parents can use these technology resources to be more engaged in their child's education, and will allow parents leaders to better explain to other parents how to get the most out of these valuable resources.
Training will take place on Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19, from 9:00am - 12:00pm at Columbus Family Academy, 255 Blatchley Avenue.  Interested parents should contact Daniel.Diaz@new-haven.k12.ct.us immediately!  

Handouts from CPLT

The documents handed out at yesterday's CPLT meeting are now available.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Drama Club -- Another Round of Auditions


MathCounts Team Advances to State Competition

The ESUMS 8th Grade MathCounts Team placed 4th in the New Haven County Chapter Competition on Saturday.  They will advance to the State Competition in March along with the teams from Dodd Middle School, the Foote School and Hopkins Middle School.  Individual team members Hizami Anuar and Prastik Mohanraj also won individual awards, and the sixth grade participants performed well in their first meet.  Congratulations to all!

Cultural Activity for Feb. Break-- Kids' Brazilian Carnival


Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Care to Debate the Proposed NHPS Charter Elementary School?

Pro or Con, there will be an opportunity for public comment at the Governance Committee meeting, Feb. 17 at 5:30 pm. Details are in the links from this NHI article summarizing the issues.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Two ESUMS Seniors Found Skateboard Company

Story in the New Haven Independent.

Something Fun for your Friday Early-Dismissal Afternoon

Yale Center for Engineering Innovation and Design
"Engineering Makes Scents -- Engineer a signature scent for you or your Valentine"
1-3 pm, 15 Prospect St., free & open to the public.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Honors Breakfast Thursday

Students who received honors and their parents are invited.  High school 8-9 a.m., middle school 9:15-10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Principal's Report February 2015

Please read Ms. Blue's Report.  Highlights: Honors (Schools of Distinction Grant, Cantinas Entertainment Award, Verizon App Challenge Finalists, Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Finalists, UNH Outstanding High School Senior Program, Selma (movie), Hour of Code, Teacher and Staff Professional Development, UNH Partnership, Community Service, Math Competitions, Assessments and Data, Planning Ahead.

Jeans for Teens

The student council is collecting gently used jeans for homeless teens.  Please bring to room 122 by Feb. 13.

Please Support Ms. Anna's Mixed Bags Fundraiser!

mixedbagdesigns.com  - there you can check out designs in a larger format than the catalogs.  All order forms with payment should be sent to the school no later than Wenesday, February 25.

ESUMS Wins Schools of Distinction Best Practices Grant


(HARTFORD, CT)The State Department of Education today announced the winners of a new grant designed to help top-performing schools share best strategies for boosting student performance and replicate those practices throughout Connecticut.

The first Schools of Distinction Best Practice grants were awarded to four schools: Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Engineering and Science University Magnet School in New Haven, Clark Lane Middle School in Waterford, and Masuk High School in Monroe. They will serve as Spotlight Schools and help lead efforts to replicate their award-winning programs in schools throughout the state.

“With this grant, we want to shine a light on the best practices for improving student performance and make them available to other schools and districts in the state,” said Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell. “These four schools have earned recognition as Schools of Distinction by excelling at high levels of performance. By taking their best ideas and putting them into practice, we will strengthen our efforts to turn around underperforming schools. The winning proposals will serve as models for others to follow, and we will be working with them to help disseminate their ideas and practices.”

New Haven’s Engineering and Science University Magnet School (Grades 6-12) received $40,000 for a school climate and culture program focused on attendance, behavior management, and engaging families in their children’s education.

“In efforts to prepare young people for success in college, career and life, engagement has become one of our top priorities,” said New Haven Superintendent of Schools Garth Harries. “It is an honor to be recognized by the State Department of Education for the best practices that Engineering and Science University Magnet School has implemented to meet each individual student’s needs. We look forward to sharing our successes throughout Connecticut to improve student learning.” 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Citywide Parent Leadership Team Meeting

Make sure your school is represented at this meeting.  We encourage parent leaders to engage, participate and provide us with Feedback.
Join us for our next   
Citywide Parent Leadership Team Meeting
Wednesday  February 11th at 5:00 p.m.
Wilbur Cross High School Cafeteria
Dinner served promptly at 5:00 p.m.
Please let us know if you need child care
Contact 203 946 7005 (Hunter)