Field Day T-Shirt Money & Order Form Due Wednesday, May 14!

Field Day T-shirts are $7 or $9, depending on size.  They come in yellow, navy, or royal blue.  But, you must order by Wednesday!

Expo is Saturday!

EXPO time is coming up this weekend. Please talk to your student to find out if he/she is on the roster to attend EXPO this year.  

The Student Innovation Expo is an annual highlight for the Center for 21st Century Skills and affiliated organizations. This event is the culminating experience for a year’s worth of hard work and innovation by high school students from across the state of Connecticut.ESUMS’ high school students participating in Center for 21st Century Skills & CT Career Choices programs will be celebrating a year's work of innovation, creativity, and imagination on May 17, 2014, at the Governor William A. O’Neill State Armory in Hartford, Conn.

Students are expected to wear dark shoes (brown or black) with khaki pants or skirts (no cargo pants) along with their polo shirt with their embroidered logo. All attire must be clean, pressed and wrinkle free. Students will be on their feet for most of the day, so heels aren’t recommended. Students must arrive at ESUMS by 6am to assist with the loading of team materials on the busses. The busses will depart the school promptly at 6:15 am. Students are expected to attend the event in its entirety from the setup phase, opening and awards ceremonies. The students’ participation represents a significant grade in their Chemistry, Biology and/or technology classes. 

If you would like additional information about EXPO, please use the following link:
http://innovationexpo.skills21.org

Tech Programs in New Milford, CT

Robotics and Beyond

These programs are far away, up near Danbury, but they are interesting and reasonably priced.

Board of Alders Meeting Tonight (re: Budget for School Nurses)

The Finance Committee will hold a workshop on Monday, May 12, 2014, at 7:30 P.M, in the Aldermanic Chambers, 165 Church St., New Haven, to discuss with selected city departments (Board of Education, Health Department) concerning portions of the Annual City Budgets proposed for the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2014.  

These meetings are open to the public; not sure whether there will be opportunity for public comment, but it will certainly be worthwhile to observe the debate.  

Education budget issues explained here.

Science Fair this Week

20th New Haven Science Fair, public viewing of projects.
1 pm - 6 pm, Tuesday May 13th
8 am - 8 pm, Wednesday May 14th 
Yale Commons, Grove Street
Awards ceremony at Sheffield-Sterling-Strathcona Hall 6:30 pm Wednesday.  
Admission: Free
Over 600 students present 240 projects from PreK-Grade 12 .

A Few Deadlines and Events

Student Council Elections will be held on June 2nd.  All applications must be submitted to Mr. Erazo (for middle school) or Ms. Meetze (for high school) by Wednesday, May 14th.  The positions available will be:

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, PTA Liaison,

and one Representative for each grade.

Pathways to Science applications are due by May 30th.  High school students can obtain forms from Mr. Davila, fill out the student contact information, ask their science teacher to fill out the recommendation and teacher contact info, and return the form to Mr. Davila, who will submit it to Maria Parente.  Alternatively, recommendations can be filled out separately online.  Middle school students wishing to apply to the program must contact their science teacher.

The CT Student Innovation Expo will be held on May 17th in Hartford, CT.  The event is open to public and everyone is welcome to come and support the school.

Mrs. Zenait is looking for parent volunteers to help out at this year's Arabic Carnival in late May.

ESUMS Students in the News (WTNH Interview)

WTNH conducted an interview with Valeria Rodriguez, Dominik Majkut and Mr. Tynes about the "Roadways" app they developed for CT Innovation Expo.

Update on the Website Fundraiser

Bring in all your loose change!  If possible, consider donating $100 for the Principal's Matching Gift.

"Manage Your Future" Youth Program

Manage Your Future provides multiple training workshops for youths including: Financial Literacy, Social Development, Job Readiness, Employment by Design.  Youths participate in two sessions per week and participate in one field trip per month.

We place eligible students in meaningful summer employment for a period of 5 weeks at 25-hours per work week. These are paid summer employment opportunities.

Between the ages of 14-18.

 Citizen of the United States.

 Residing in households eligible for or receiving Temporary Family Assistance (TFA).

 Residing in households eligible for or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

MYF Information Brochure

It's Educator Appreciation Week and Thank a Teacher Day

Take a moment to thank the dedicated, hard-working teachers and staff members who make ESUMS fantastic.  The PTO will co-sponsor a breakfast for the faculty and staff on Thursday morning.

THANK YOU!

Important: Board of Alders to Vote on School Nurse Budget

Please read this article from the New Haven Independent on the school nursing issue.  As many of you know, the ESUMS PTO sent a petition with 50 parent signatures to the Board of Education and New Haven Health Department requesting a full-time nurse in our building.  There will be a budget hearing of the Board of Alders on May 12 to discuss the hiring budget for school nurses.  The Health Department currently employs 31 nurses for 53 schools.  They have requested only 4 more full-time positions.

(1)  If you are a New Haven resident, please call or write your alder to support hiring more nurses.  You can find your alder's contact information here: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Aldermen/.  There is even a search tool to enter your address and find out who your representative is.  It is so important that they hear from parents.

(2)  All parents who care about this issue are encouraged to attend the May 12 hearing.  Details on time and place will follow, but it will most likely be in the evening at the BoA Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall, 165 Church Street.

(3)  Parents who wish to become even more involved and advocate for full-time nurses in all the schools (or seek creative alternatives like using nursing student assistants) can join the CPLT health services taskforce.

Today: Creative Minds Exhibit, Art of New Haven Youth

Opening Reception for the NHPS Arts Department's exhibit -- TODAY (May 1), 5 pm, Arte, Inc., 19 Grand Avenue.

Exhibits: May 1-30, Arte, Inc.
May 7 - June 14, BOE, 54 Meadow St.
May 14, June 14, City Hall Atrium

ESUMS student work will be a part of this display.  Artwork is FOR SALE, details available from lisa.davisrucinski@new-haven.k12.ct.us.

Recruiting Video for the Robotics Team

ESUMS Robotics Video

Go MathCounts!

The magnificent ESUMS middle school MathCounts team won 7 medals today at the New Haven competition.  Individual 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th place, every prize in the "lightning round" and top prize for a school.

ESUMS Junior Wins "Woman for the Next 40 Years" Honor

Odia Kane (photo New Haven Independent)

Parents: Awesome Magnet School Conference for Free, 5/17

In the upcoming Magnet Schools of America Conference, there is a day devoted to parents in Magnet Schools.  As a school we are able to pay for 2 parents who are interested in attending.  Please let me know if you are interested. 

Thanks,  Jennifer Jenkins

If you want to attend this conference, please see information at http://www.magnet.edu/conferences-and-events/2014-msahartford.  Two parents from each school may attend the parent day on Saturday, May 17.  We will register them as a group and provide bus transportation from New Haven to the conference in Hartford. The district was allotted 60 parent slots so these will be given on a first-come-first serve basis.  

Don't Forget BoxTops!

Please continue to send in your boxtops to the school.  Some boxtops expire June 1, 2014.  Let's help ESUMS 10cents at a time.  Thanks.

Sincerely, Cristina  (Boxtops Coordinator)

ps -- don't forget to check https://www.boxtops4education.com/marketplace?redirect=48eee1e7-a0a1-43bb-90fe-feabdbfbff8e before you make an online purchase.  If the vendor is listed there, the school can get a donation if you buy through their site.  

National PTA Program on Kids' Emotional Struggles

Find Out How to Tell When a Kid is Struggling Emotionally

It's not always obvious when your child—or one you care about—is struggling emotionally.  Recognizing the symptoms and seeking early and effective mental health services are critical  for educational achievement, as well as long-term health and happiness. Join the National PTA and American Psychological Association (APA) on Sunday, May 4  at 7 p.m. EDT for an important conversation: How to Tell When a Kid is Struggling  Emotionally.

Pancake Breakfast

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A PANCAKE BREAKFAST IN SUPPORT OF THE JUNIOR CLASS.

Tomorrow at Applebees in Orange, CT (see attached flyer!) join ESUMS staff and students for a pancake breakfast to raise funds for our first graduating class, the class of 2015. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the restaurant.

We look forward to seeing you.

Eric Maroney

English Teacher

6th Grade IKEA Projects

Check out some great 6th grade projects at the 6th Grade Blog.  The assignment was a practical one: to design and furnish a child's room with attention to budget and physical layout.  

Maker Fair(e) in Westport This Weekend

Free Mother-Daughter Coding Event in NYC

Sunday, May 4, in Manhattan or Brooklyn (two sites), Cupcakes and Coding.
(appropriate for computer programming/coding beginners)

http://mommypoppins.com/kids/free-learn-to-code-pre-mothers-day-event-for-nyc-moms-and-girls

Very Easy (Random Drawing) Scholarship Opportunity

Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier has launched Phase Two of CHET Advance Scholarship, which will award a college scholarship of up to $2,500 to 100 high school juniors and 100 sixth-grade students.  The application period is from 8 a.m. on March 18 to 5 p.m. on April 30, 2014.

Please take a moment to review the following attachments:

FAQs
Flyer

Additional details, including the official rules, are available at www.chetadvance.com<http://www.chetadvance.com>.

Appleby's Fundraiser Hosted by the Junior Class

On Saturday morning, 4/26, the Junior Class will hold a fundraiser pancake breakfast at Appleby's.  Tickets may be purchased from Mr. Maroney or Ms. Rice.  The class will receive a donation from your ticket even if you do not actually attend the breakfast.  Donations will support next year's Senior activities, like the Prom and Graduation.

Movie "Night"

The high school will hold a movie "night" right after school tomorrow afternoon (Wed. 04/23).  The film will be "Catching Fire" and the cost will be $1 for the film, $1 for a snack.

Parent University April 26

http://punh.org/

Parent University is a day of free workshops for parents of children in the New Haven Public Schools.

·         Families can register at www.punh.org<http://punh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8f549e665e761a46a76f8e718&id=e5c130bb91&e=eebea0575b>, by calling (203) 497-7055 (English) / (203) 497-7056 (Spanish), or at their child's school.
·         Click here for a downloadable flyer in English and Spanish.<http://www.nhps.net/sites/default/files/Final_April_2014_Flyer_PUNH_2.pdf>
·         Click here for a Registration Form in English<http://www.nhps.net/sites/default/files/Reg_Form_English__Workshops.pdf> or click here for Spanish<http://www.nhps.net/sites/default/files/Reg_Form_Spanish__Workshops.pdf>.
·         We will offer over 30 workshops and group discussions focusing on our four main areas: Early Childhood, Grades K-12, College Prep and Family & Community.
·         The event runs from 8:30am-2:30pm. We will provide breakfast, lunch, transportation and childcare for children ages 3-12.
·         If you would like to volunteer or know a high school student who needs community service hours please CLICK HERE <http://punh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8f549e665e761a46a76f8e718&id=7a9a693811&e=eebea0575b> to register.

Reminder for New Families

If your child has been accepted to ESUMS in the magnet lottery, welcome and congratulations!  But, you are not done!  You must register by April 25 or you will lose your place; please refer to your offer letter for details.

Spring Break: Are You Bored Yet?

Consider attending one of New Haven Public Schools' open schools programs.  Great non-violence workshops, but also fun activities and free dinner.

Dress-Down Days = Website Fundraiser

This drive is extremely important, and I hope that in a few months you will be reading this blog on the new ESUMS website!

"Don't we already have a website?"

The current website, esumsnewhaven.com, is a student production and an exceptionally good one.  But, it does not have the real design and functionality of a professional website.

As the school grows in numbers and complexity, event scheduling and communication become more challenging.  This website will allow all scheduling -- academics, PTO, after-school activities, special events, field trips, testing, etc. -- to be kept in one easily accessible place.

As the high school students apply to colleges, a coherent  online presence can help explain ESUMS's excellence to admissions offices.  As the school seeks outside sponsors, a school website can facilitate fundraising and partnerships.  A good school website is also helpful in recruiting new students, and it can put practical, routine activities online: filling out field trip permission slips, paying trip fees, and communicating with teachers.

Please donate generously to this drive and feel proud every time you click on the link!

ps -- For now, you can donate at the main office or send in a donation with your child.  It the website becomes a reality, you will be able to donate online.  Thank you so much for your support.

It's New and It's Blue . . .

Blue News April 8

Correction: Transportation Meeting is Thursday, April 10.

Tonight!

Please come out to the Town Hall/PTO meeting tonight at 5:30, and while you are there, check out the high school science/technology "mini-expo."  See you there!

CPLT meeting summary from April 3

(1) A parent reminded those present of the great summer and weekend programs available in the area: Yale Sprout & Splash, Hopkins Summer Bridge (7th & 8th graders), Miss Porter's School, and Upward Bound.

(2) A representative of the New Haven health department spoke on the school nurse situtation.  The department employs 31 nurses to attend 53 schools with over 20,000 students.  They have asked the Board of Alders to support 4 more positions.  There will be another city budget meeting on May 1.

(3)  A representative from Grandparents on the Move invited grandparents to join their group.  Call Charles Blango at 203-946-7443 for information.

(4)  A parent from Teach Our Children was seeking student speakers for the education conference at the Omni, but that event has now passed.

Bus Transportation Issues

Teddi Barra, the Transportation Director for New Haven Public Schools, will attend a meeting with parents from the Teach Our Children advocacy group and the Citywide Parent Leadership Team on April 10, 6pm, at Hill Central School on Dewitt St. in New Haven.  ESUMS parents with transportation problems are encouraged to attend and participate.

Paid Student Internship -- Food Policy

The New Haven Food Policy Council Youth Internship provides an opportunity for high school-aged youth who are passionate about food issues such as hunger, health, business development, school food, growing food and cooking, to deepen your knowledge, and work with the Council to advocate for change.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MONDAY APRIL 14th, 2014

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1czwzhukzMB_I4Ih5Ojm9eB2zRCQgR1aMNN0SVRbWQok/viewform

Upcoming Yale Science Events

Listed here.  Highlight: Science Saturday, April 5, "Germ Busters!"

CPLT Meeting Thursday

Have you ever wanted to get more involved in the New Haven school system?  The City-wide Parent Leadership Team is like a PTO for the entire city.  There will be a meeting Thursday, April 3, 5 pm, at Wilbur-Cross High School.  ESUMS should be sending several representatives to these meetings.  Please join us!

High School "Mini-Expo" April 8

Come to the school next Tuesday evening to view the 9th and 10th grade Expo science projects.  Student set-up is at 5.  Details here.

Math Morning Tomorrow (Sunday) at Yale

Patterns in the Prime Numbers

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.