Middle School Boys: Baseball Tryouts

BASEBALL ANNOUNCEMENT! !

New Haven Middle School

Baseball Team Tryouts

College Application Workshop April 1

Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School 

invites NHPS families, students, and guidance counselors to 

An Introduction to Applying to College

Tues., April 1, 6pm

Holly Franquet, Director of The College Place--CT, will speak at Co-op High School about the college application process and how to prepare. All NHPS parents and students from grades 9-12 are welcome. Co-op High School is at 177 College St, New Haven, two blocks from the New Haven Green. Co-op does not have a parking lot, so please carpool.

84 Hour Film Challenge

Some ESUMS high school students will be working on the CT Student Film Festival 84-hour film challenge this weekend.  Good luck to the participants!

Middle School Dance April 4

That Middle School Dance is sneaking up on us: it's NEXT Friday!  The PTO asks parents to donate snacks, to volunteer as chaperones or set-up/clean-up, and to remind their children to buy tickets.  Please contact dlcobbs-lomax@att.net with questions or to volunteer.

A snack donation sheet is here; please add your name or email if you don't see it.  We could use drink mix powder (rather than plastic bottles or jugs; we have those big PTO water coolers).  If you wish to donate cups, many smaller paper cups are better than the big plastic ones.  And of course, baked goods, pretzels, chips, fruit, candy, bagels and sandwiches are always welcome.  Thank you in advance!

Common Core Workshop

Come learn all about the Common Core and SBAC tests.  This workshop looks informative and non-political.  The speakers are teachers, administrators, professors, and college admissions staff.  

March 29, 9-1, Wilbur Cross High School.
Details here: http://www.nhps.net/sites/default/files/Common_Core_March_29_event_0.pdf

Blue News & Principal's Message

Blue News and a message from Ms. Blue-Ellis about Magnet School of Excellence.

Highlights: CT State Science Fair Honors, Math Counts, early dismissal and April break dates, final exam schedule, middle school dance (typo: tickets will be $5), dress-down days, and an important announcement about after-school activity schedules.

Middle School Girls' Softball

Interested in trying out for the NHPS Middle School Softball Team?

COME TO THE PARENT MEETING AND TRYOUT

 When: Saturday, March 22^nd

Time: 10:00am 

Where: Betsy Ross Gymnasium,

              150 Kimberly Avenue

Be a Frog Watch Volunteer!

The Peabody will teach you how to count frogs.  Then, once a week in the spring and summer, you can help monitor the frog population in a local wetland.  Info here. 

Some More Common Core

At this link, you can read Superintendent Harries' testimony on the Common Core.   Testing for Common Core (SBAC = "Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium") will begin at ESUMS next Wednesday.  There will also be a Spanish-language workshop on the Common Core on Saturday, March 15 at Christopher Columbus School:

Last Call for Magnet Applications

Today is the last day to apply!  http://www.nhps.net/node/616.

Program for "Tech Savvy Girls"

Grades 6-9 at CCSU in New Britain, March 22, $5.  Info here.

Green Careers/Women Leaders Event at Yale

Click here for schedule.

Hydroponics Workshop in Westville

This Sunday at 10 a.m. is a Barrel Hydroponics Workshop at Brad Armstrong's Urban SEED storefront 847 Whalley Ave in Westville. $10 for adults, $5 for kids to learn how to create a sustainable system for growing fish and food. Participants will build a demo system which will remain on display at the store.

Here is a pdf of the plans for the system:http://www.aces.edu/dept/fisheries/education/documents/barrel-ponics.pdf

And here is more info about Brad and his business:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeryl-brunner/treasures-in-new-haven_b_4898306.html

Email fixedgear.armstrong@gmail.com to register or for more info.

College Tour 2014

The high school College Tour has been postponed until May, and the trip will now be open to 9th graders.  Cost of the trip is $200, and students will visit colleges in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington, DC.  Please contact Ms. Goodridge for more information.

From the Guidance Department

Newsletter, featuring summer programs, scholarship opportunities, SAT testing dates, and more.

Robotics News

The ESUMS Robotics Team won the "Rookie All Stars" award in this weekend's meet, which means they will participate in the New England Regionals competition.

Women in Science

In honor of International Women's Day (yesterday) here is a nice list of  "Women Scientists You Need to Know."

Friday is Pi Day -- Get Baking!

Reminder

TODAY is the re-scheduled UNH Engineering Workshop.  It begins at 9:30 and costs $20.  Registration has officially closed, but you could try UNHDay@gmail.com to see if there are any last-minute openings.

Mr. Mac and Mr. Davila in the News

Super Tutors!

photo New Haven Independent

Town Hall and PTO Meeting

Please come out to the PTO Meeting (5:30) and Town Hall (6-7) on Tuesday.  If you can't make it, then try to come to the Coffee And . . .  Wednesday morning.  The Town Hall will focus on non-violent communication, and the PTO meeting will discuss -- among other business -- officers and committee chairs for next year.  If you'd like to get more involved, this is your opportunity!

PTO Gratitude

Thank you to the parents who were so generous with donations for the winter dance snack table.  The kids had a great night.

First FIRST Robotics Competition

Wish the ESUMS Robotics Team success in their first-ever real FIRST Robotics meet.  Live streaming should begin here soon.

Get Your Blue News!

Blue News

ESUMS Wins "Magnet School of Excellence" Award

The only New Haven school to win!

Our Partner Blog: ESUMS Curriculum

Ms. Jenkins is writing this new blog to keep you informed of ESUMS academic developments.  Be sure to visit it often to learn about the school's academic progress.

ESUMS Students in the News

The group of ESUMS students whose film project won Honorable Mention in the White House Film Festival was on TV tonight: video here.

ESUMS Poetry Club Show TOMORROW

Tuesday, March 4 2014  ESUMS Poetry Club  Presented by: The Space  6:30 PM  Tickets: $Free.00

---

Please come support ESUMS Poetry Club, as well as The Space! There will also be some music and art provided by ESUMS artists. (Donations suggested at the door.)


http://www.thespacect.com/esums-poetry-club/

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

A 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

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 1^st 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.

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."

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.)

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

Video of ESUMS Black History STEAM Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8AXexJDXjw&feature=share

ESUMS Engineering Week Activity

5th – 10th Grade Students Invited To Workshops at UNH Feb. 22

 Engineering and science workshops for students in 5^th to 10^th 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

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.

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

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.

Tomorrow: Town Hall w Superintendent & West Haven P&Z Meetings

See you there!

Turning STEM Interest in STEM Careers

Plugging Holes in the STEM Pipeline

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.

Tomorrow: Science Saturday at Yale

SCIENCE ON SATURDAY:

“Making Valuable Materials from the Greenhouse Gas Carbon Dioxide”

Saturday, February 1^st       10am - Demonstrations; 11am - Lecture

Sterling Chemistry Lab, 225 Prospect St.

FREE and open to the public.

Summer Opportunity -- Computer Camps at Yale

http://www.idtech.com/locations/connecticut-summer-camps/new-haven/id-tech-yale/

1-2 weeks, $1000-4000

Extra! Extra! A New Blue News!

Please check the Blue News Jan. 27 for dates of important events and several upcoming dress-down days.

Half Day Today, Report Cards Wednesday

This is a reminder that there's an early dismissal on Monday, January 27. School will end at 11:25 today.

Report card conferences will be held on Wednesday, January 29. Between 4:30pm and 6:30pm report cards can be picked up in the cafeteria. Teachers will be available for brief meetings. Conferences will conclude promptly at 6:30.

The meeting with the West Haven Planning & Zoning Board, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.  

Lecture on Computer Chips at Yale Saturday (Tomorrow!)

CRISP: What Makes Your iPhone Tick? From Transistors to Microchips

Free and open to the public.  10 a.m.  Davies Auditorium.

Two Terrific Opportunities

A. Free Computers To New Haven Families:

Each Child Learns (a 401-C3 non-profit)  is providing a 4 week free training to parents to close the technology gap for students. Those who complete the workshop will receive a FREE computer set up, essential software, and free one year internet subscription. www.EachChildLearns.org.

B. Bank of America Scholarship:

Bank of America's Student Leaders Program is open for high school juniors/seniors from greater New Haven area. Selected candidates will receive a paid 8week summer internship with a local non-profit bank and attend its leadership summit in Washington, DC. Deadline: Jan 31st. Contact:Constantine.g.andrews@bankofamerica.com or 860-952-6505

Cancelled: Superintendent Harries at ESUMS, Jan. 22

New Haven Superintendent of Schools, Garth Harries, will be the guest speaker at the next Town Hall & PTO Meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at 6 pm.  Bring your questions, comments, and concerns.

A workshop in Non-Violent Communication is also scheduled for that evening.

Correction: in an earlier version of this post, a busy, tired, distracted blogger mis-printed the date as Feb. 22.

Yale Summer Program -- U.S. Grant

Science Programs: K-12 Students

Yale University has a special commitment to education and New Haven area youth. The University makes its world-class laboratories, courses and talented faculty, students and staff available to encourage young scientists and engineers. Many of our programs are exploratory and inquiry-based, making them particularly engaging for students. We welcome new participants in our educational programs and encourage you to look at our featured events page for upcoming activities. Gaining research experience in a Yale University laboratory, examining specimens at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and watching a planetarium demonstration are just some of the science experiences your students can have through our programs.

Web address:  http://onhsa.yale.edu/science-programs-k-12-students

Our Ms. Streets Speaking on the Common Core

This is an informative New Haven Register video on teaching and testing the Common Core in New Haven.

Let's start a discussion about the Common Core.  Please leave a comment with your impressions and opinions, and be sure to bring all of your questions to the PTO meeting with Superintendent Harries on the 22nd.

High School Exam Schedule, Middle School Enrichment

HIGH SCHOOL

Jan 14		Jan 15		Jan 16	Jan 17
7:36-8:47	Per 9-10	7:36-8:47	Per 15-16	Repeat 1/14	Repeat 1/15
8:49-10:02	Per 11-12	8:49-10:02	Per 17-18
10:04-10:54	Per 13-14	10:04-10:54	Per 23-24
10:54-11:19	LUNCH	10:54-11:19	LUNCH

		PERIOD CLASS TESTED
		J	Jan 15	Jan 16	Jan 17
7:38-9:28	EXAM 1	1 History	2 IED	6 Tech	4 Pre-calc
9:33-11:23	EXAM 2	3 Biology	7 English	8 Arabic	5 Art
11:25	Dismissal

For Middle School Schedule --

Winter Gloves & Socks

There is a box in the front hall of the school to collect donations of warm gloves, mittens and socks for students.  Please consider bringing some in next week; it is no fun to wait for a bus with cold hands or feet.

CPLT Meeting Summary

Summary of CPLT meeting, Jan. 9, 2014

(1)  An organization called Raise the Bar will hold a Parent Advocacy Conference in Atlanta, Jan. 24-26.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Danny Diaz (Daniel.Diaz@new-haven.k12.ct.us). The entire cost of the trip will be covered by Raise the Bar.

(2)  A parent reported that their school had won a $700 Target Field Trip Grant.  (This seems like a good idea for ESUMS).

It's Blue & It's New!

Blue News Jan. 9, 2014

Urgent Call for Parent Volunteers -- Saturday!

Mr. Tynes writes:

The ESUMS Debate Team is in desperate need of judges for this weekend’s meet. It will be held at Fairfield Warde High School in Fairfield. Judging will be from 9am to approximately 3pm.  

Please contact the school if you can spare some time to act as a debate judge.  You can offer a few hours or stay the whole day, but training is given at 9 am.

High School Summer Program

Yale's "Global Scholars" summer program (only open to sophomores and juniors; $5000 but financial aid is available).

http://globalscholars.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/YYGS_Prospectus_2014.pdf

High School Summer Program

From the guidance department.  Parents should be aware that the program cost is $4500-$6000, and that no financial aid is offered.

Dear Counselor: Last year, Northeastern University experienced great success with its Summer Programs for High School Students. This year, we are confident that the program will be our best yet. As we look forward to Summer Programs 2014, we encourage you to tell your talented students and their parents about this opportunity.

Good NHI Article on ESUMS 10th Grade English Class

Holocaust Survivor Speaks to 10th Grade

CPLT Thursday, Jan. 9

The next Citywide Parent Leadership Team meeting will be Thursday, at 5:30, at Cross High School (in the lobby).  ESUMS should really be sending more parents to this monthly meeting.  It is the best forum to discuss and work on transportation problems, the lack of school nurses, questions about Common Core curriculum and testing, and many other system-wide parent concerns.  Plus dinner and child care are provided.  Join us this Thursday!

For Prospective Students: Magnet Application Schedule

This is a reminder that the deadline for applying to Magnet Schools has been changed.

This year, the district will hold one lottery and application process for magnet schools and kindergarten seats in neighborhood schools. 

The new dates are as follows:

Feb. 3 – Online applications open
Feb. 5 – Citywide Magnet Fair at the Floyd Little Athletic Center (6-8 p.m.)
Feb. 8 – Inter-district Magnet Fair at Hill Regional Career High School (12-2 p.m.)
March 14 – Application deadline
April 9 – School Lottery

ESUMS students interested in representing the school at one of the magnet fairs should speak with Ms. Jenkins.    

It's Robotics Season!

ESUMS's robotics team, the Robo Dominators, made a strong start this weekend, placing third in a First Tech Challenge scrimmage.
Congratulations!







The team is currently fundraising for expensive robot parts and competition entry fees.  If you can donate -- or if your employer or company can make a larger donation to the team -- please contact Mr. O, Mr. Mac, or the school office.