Volume 16| December 15, 2019
Middle School News
Adrienne Floro named as Roycemore's next Middle School Head

Following an exhaustive search with candidates from around the country and the globe, Adrienne Floro has been named as Roycemore's next Middle School Head, commencing the 2020-21 school year.

Adrienne Floro served as the Middle School Principal for Chartiers Valley Middle School in PA until August of 2019. Prior to that she was the Assistant Middle School Principal and District Assessment Coordinator for Quaker Valley Middle School. Adrienne has been a fifth and sixth grade teacher, providing instruction in math, English language arts and social studies. Prior to moving from the classroom to school administration, Adrienne served as the Academic Specialist in the Quaker Valley School District serving the needs of gifted and talented students. She has a BS in Secondary Social Studies from Duquesne University, and an MA from Carnegie Mellon University in Public Administration. Adrienne was a finalist for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 2012 and was named the Outstanding Middle-Level Administrator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Middle Level Educators in 2018-19.

Roycemore was very fortunate to have three strong finalists, however, Adrienne's experience in advancing progressive educational practices, supervision of faculty, and knowledge of curriculum--plus positive reviews from faculty and students during her visit--culminated in her selection for the position.

About her appointment, Adrienne says, " I am honored and privileged to be joining the Roycemore team. From my very first interaction with Roycemore, the personalized focus on each student was apparent. The close-knit, collaborative, and nurturing community of staff, students, and parents provide the perfect trusting and supportive environment to help students reach their fullest potential. I am so very excited to join the Roycemore family. I can’t wait to get started."

We appreciate the involvement among many faculty, parents and students in the selection process. Adrienne will officially begin in her new role on July 1, 2020. Over the next six months opportunities will be sought to engage her appropriately and introduce her to the community to foster a smooth transition. She will be relocating from the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Patriot's Pen Essay Contest Winner and Recognition!!

The Patriot's Pen is an annual essay competition sponsored by the national Veterans of Foreign Wars. Students must write a 300 to 400-word essay on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. There are local, state, and national awards granted. The Patriot's Pen essay is the first large Humanities writing assignment of the school year, and all seventh and eighth-grade students are required to participate. Here in Evanston, we submit our essays to the VFW T/S Wm. Snell Post 7186. This year, our local Veterans of Foreign Wars, along with their Auxilary, visited our school and presented an award to their first place winner and runner ups. Macy O'Donnell won first place and a monetary prize. Her essay will be forwarded to the next level of the competition. Additionally, the following students received Award Citations: Conor Scheidt, Keira Kim, Aidan Scheidt, Xavier Miyazaki, Kees Mbadugha Keiper, James Harris, Rachel Ashley, Faelyn McGuire, and Krishna Jagannathan. Additionally, this year, Ms. Milner was recognized and given a Citizenship Education Award in recognition of promoting citizenship education and patriotic principles. 
Support Your Little Griffins With A Year-End Gift to the Griffin Fund!!

Middle School is currently in third place among divisions for participation in the Annual Fund! Let's not let the other divisions beat us! Here are Adrianne's TOP TEN reasons why giving to Roycemore just makes great sense:

#10 You've already made a commitment to your child's education by enrolling them at
Roycemore-- why short change it?
#9 If middle school is the first division to reach 100% parent participation, the students
will get to celebrate with something special just for them.
#8 High parent participation lets Roycemore leverage that to generate support from
grant making organizations. They want to know that parents give before they
make a commitment to the school.
#7 Your gifts are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
#6 100% of your gifts go right into supporting your child's education.
#5 Demonstrate your Griffin pride--and love for a school that loves your child as a
beautiful, wonderful individual.
#4 You'll be supporting our commitment to economic diversity- 40+% of our students
receive some amount of financial aid in order to attend. Our diversity is our strength!
#3 Your gift is a vote of confidence in our teachers, the current leadership and future
direction of Roycemore. EVERY GIFT COUNTS!
#2 We don't ask you to buy cookie dough or pizza-- just a gift that goes right to where it
can make a difference!
and #1.... Your child is totally worth it!!!


If you have already given, thank you, now encourage your fellow parents to join you and the other 40% of parents who have already made a gift- let's reach 100%!! (The Griffin Thermometer below was designed by lower school student Killian!- thank you Killian!)


Here are the participation percentages by division so far:
Early Childhood - 31%
Lower School - 49%
Middle School - 44%
Upper School - 45%
She Blinded Me With Science!

Sixth Graders Conduct and Film Physics Concepts
In science this week 6th grade students have been filming demonstrations to illustrate the main physics concepts we are currently working on. Raf is demonstrating Centripetal Force with a penny in a balloon. Sophia, Eva-Rae, and Gabe are demonstrating friction. Jacob and Marko are showing magnetic forces. 
5th & 7th Science

In 5th grade science, students are learning about the scientific method and preparing for their "popcorn lab experiment." They also began early discussions about Science Fair and had a visit from Sophomore, Mark C., who demonstrated his science fair project from when he was in middle school.

In 7th grade science, students discussed land forms and maps and then conducted a lab to assess which maps were most accurate.
Homeroom & Advisory

8th Graders meet with College Counselor- Mrs. Campbell
Eighth grade students received a sneak preview of the college counseling process at Roycemore during Homeroom on Wednesday. Mrs. Campbell, Roycemore's college counselor, took the students on a field trip of sorts through the building and up to her office to give them a sense of the personalized approach she takes with each of our high school students over the course of their four years in our Upper School.

Aside from looking at the bulletin board that shows graduate personal narratives of how they found their college "fits", Ms. Campbell had the 8th graders look at the map that shows acceptances and matriculations over the last four years and then also see the Common App map in her office and all the resources there including college guides and practice SAT and ACT tests. In addition, she showed them her electric kettle and tea selection and invited to come, hang out on the couch, and just talk. 

Students Explore Careers
In Homeroom this past week, students had discussions about different careers. Often times students only think about careers they are exposed to, so we want to get them thinking and talking about some lesser known careers. Students identified careers they were interested in learning more about, then looked up those careers online and discussed what was involved in both education and ongoing training to be prepared for these careers. Here is a list of some careers that was shared with students.
Acknowledging Each Other
In some Homerooms on Friday, students engaged in a whole group discussion on what they are most proud of from this past year, and what they most hope for themselves in the new year.

Students then acknowledged or encouraged each another recognizing areas where their classmates demonstrated positive cooperation, communication, assertion, responsibility, engagement, empathy, or self-control. Below is a photo from this activity undertaken by the fifth graders. A great, uplifting way to begin a Friday!
Hour of Code is a Big Hit!

On Friday after school an Hour of Code Celebration served as the culmination to a week of activities in coding throughout the school. Students from all divisions participated in this annual event!
Semester Exams

FINALS WEEK: TUESDAY 12/17- FRIDAY 12/20

Some Middle School students in world language and math classes will have semester exams next week. While semester exams is a given for Upper School students, for many Middle School students, this will be some thing new. Students should communicate closely with their teachers to ensure they are prepared for exams. If parents have a concern, feel free to reach out to the teacher or advisor.

Students who are not taking exams should plan to attend regular classes. Those students who are taking an exam and missing a middle school class, will be excused from that class and the teacher will be flexible and supportive regarding any missing assignments. A couple of students have two exams on the same day. These students will not be required to attend their other classes that day. In addition, lunch service will begin at 10:30am during these days to accommodate students' exam scheduled. Below is the schedule:

Wed. 12/18- 8:30-10:30 am ("C" Block Finals)- Euclidean Geometry & Alg I
Wed. 12/18 11:15-1:15 pm ("F" Block Finals)-French I & Spanish I
Thurs. 12/19 8:30-10:30 am ("D" Block Finals)- Applied Geometry
Thurs. 12/19 11:15-1:15 pm ("B" Block Finals)- Spanish II, Pottery


One very important reminder about scheduling: except in the case of illness verified by a doctor, students will not be given the option to take a final exam either early or late due to absence, and a student who does not take the final as scheduled may receive a zero for that exam. We appreciate your help in making sure students are here and ready for finals, including getting enough sleep so their brain works most optimally. 
Sports and Clubs this coming week!!*
Mon:
  • Homework Club 3:30pm-4:20pm
  • Board and Video Game Club

Tues:   
  • Homework Club 3:30pm-4:20pm

Wed:
  • Homework Club 3:30pm-4:20pm
  • Robotics Club- 3:30-4:30pm

Thurs:
  • Virtual Reality: Video Game Programming & Design 2:00-3:00pm 
  • Community Yoga 5:00-6:00pm


Fri:
  • NONE- Happy Holidays!
Upcoming Dates

  • Dec. 21- Jan. 5- Winter Break
  • Jan. 6- School Resumes
  • Jan. 20 NO SCHOOL- MLK Day
  • Jan. 21-21- Experience Week for MS


THIS WEEK...
House Competition!- Thursday Dec. 19th
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition- Oh what fun!!!

Wassail- Friday Dec. 20
Fri. Dec. 20-2:00-3:15 All-School Wassail
Students will tie blankets together for Project Linus, sing holiday songs from around the world, and enjoy cocoa and cookies. Families are encouraged to join us to welcome in the holidays!

All are encouraged to wear their "ugly" holiday sweaters!
Second Semester MS Clubs and Activities
New Baking Club
Starting in January!!

We're excited to announce a new Baking Club hosted by HandCut's Own, Chef Lily on Tuesdays after school starting January 14th! Chef Lily is a trained pastry chef and is looking forward to sharing her expertise with Roycemore Middle School students. Space is limited, download the flyer attached below to learn more and to register.
Violin and Ukulele Lessons + More!
Chicago School of Musical Arts is pleased to offer Ukulele and Violin Classes (January 6 - May 29, 2020). Ongoing private instruction is also available in many disciplines. All instructors are experts in their field and are excited to teach your children!
For further information and to register, please click  here !

Middle School Community Guidelines
We will create a community in Roycemore’s middle school based on RESPECT. We will respect ourselves, our space, and our peers. In doing so, we will assume the best intentions of others and create a space where we are welcomed, feel we belong, and are known!
(created by representatives from each grade 2019-20)
SPIRIT WEAR ONSITE THIS WEEK!!
Still looking for a holiday gift for your favorite Griffin? You can pick up spirit wear items in person this Tuesday through Friday morning! There will be holiday DISCOUNTS, so get your Griffin something fun!!!