Spring 2011-2012


  •  

    Spring 2012 Newsletter


    SLMS Presents Annie Jr. The Musical

          

    On May 4th and May 5th the Southern Lehigh Middle School presented Annie Jr.   The highly successful production featured 8 musical numbers, fully choreographed dance combinations and involved a cast of over 35 middle school students.   Annie Jr. is story about an orphan who, while in search of finding her real parents meets a wealthy business man who decides to take her in and together they find the true meaning of family.


    Mr. Voron Retires After 35 Years Of Service

    After graduating from West Chester State College Mr. Voron spent time teaching at Liberty Bell and Hopewell before finding his niche as the MS computer literacy teacher in 1986. During this time, he also received a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lehigh University.

    He has been with the district for more than 35 years and has served in a variety of capacities. These include Technology Council, Math Committee, MS Task Force, Liberty Trails field leader and MS Business Department Chairperson. 

    While at the MS, he has been a leader in technology education in and out of the classroom, serving as a technology coach before technology coaches existed. His accomplishments include, but are not limited to:

    • Introduced the first encyclopedia set on CD (pre-internet)
    • Connecting to other locations for the Jason project (pre-internet)
    • Internet and Internet safety education
    • Virtual language education
    • Classroom newspaper
    • Blackboard instructor
    • Network and student account administrator
    • Online gradebook trainer
    • Academy instructor                 

    Mr. Voron will always be remembered as our personal greeter due to his favorite line, “Welcome to the Middle School!”   

    In his retirement, Mr. Voron plans to travel, spend time with his wife and son, rehabilitate old computers for non-profit organizations, and tinker with projects he has designed over the past few years.

    Chinese Speech Competition Middle School Winners

    Fifteen Middle School students attended the second annual Confucius Classroom Chinese Speech Competition, co-sponsored by the Confucius Classroom at the Berks County Intermediate Unit and the Confucius Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.

    Students of all levels of Chinese language learning competed through written translation and oral delivery against other students for first, second, and third place. The day included the competition as well as cultural events, such as, a traditional dragon dance, showcased student artwork, cultural games, and Chinese song learning. 

    Ten school districts through Pennsylvania participated in the competition. Southern Lehigh Middle School 8th graders Christopher S. and Nolan B. won first place and second place of Level 1A respectively.

     

    Lehigh Valley Youth Leadership and Ethics Conference

     

    On March 27th, six 8th grade students from Student Council attended the Lehigh Valley Youth Leadership and Ethics Conference. The students who attended include; Libby D., Nick M., Dani S., Jocelyn B., CJ M. and Ryan P..  The students were chaperoned by Mrs. Cooper and Mr. Assise. These students had an opportunity to participate in workshops and listen to speakers which focused on the topics of leading with character, teamwork and communication, and appreciating differences. They also were able to meet and work with students in leadership roles from other Lehigh Valley Middle Schools. Mrs. Cooper also presented at this conference on how character education can be integrated into the curriculum as demonstrated in our "Empty Bowl Night" program. This program was designed and implemented by our Art and Family Consumer Science classes at our Academic Showcase night at the Middle School.


    Learning the Relevance of Ratios

          

    Ms. Grube’s and Mr. Strobl’s 7th grade math classes learned all about different types of Ferris wheels in an engaging activity investigating ratio, proportion, measurement, and unit rate during the week of March 26th. Students met in the Voice Café as they researched a select number of unique Ferris wheels from across the world. While using iPads, partners found important information such as height, location, cost to build, cost to ride, and length of ride, among other things. Once students completed appropriate conversions they created scale models of each Ferris wheel. In total over 15 Ferris wheels were constructed per class. Students then compared their models with classmates to see the differences from one wheel to the next. Students clearly enjoyed this hands-on activity!


    Year Two For Middle School Speller

    Congratulations to Naomi L. who came out the victor after intense competition in the regional final spelling bee held on March 22nd at Northampton Community College.

    She will be advancing on to the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, DC for the second time. The spelling bee will be broadcasted live on ESPN on May 30th and May 31st. Good Luck Naomi!

     

    Click HERE to read more in Lehigh Valley Live.com


    National Junior Honor Society

    On Thursday, May 9, 2012, The National Junior Honor Society at Southern Lehigh Middle School inducted 58 new 7th grade members and said goodbye to 44 8th grade members. NJHS is an national organization which promotes recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship, and service. The NJHS member is one who exhibits academic achievement (GPA of 3.8 or higher), leadership, honorable and admirable character, citizenship, and service that demonstrates the member is willing to use his or her talents and skills for the improvement of society. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be selected to participate in the National Junior Honor Society.  NJHS members serve the middle school by serving as peer tutors, working in the school store, participating on the birthday committee, assisting with various service learning projects, and helping when needed.

     


    Over $2,300 Raised For the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society

    The final results from Pasta for Pennies are in. During the month of March, the middle school together raised over $2, 300 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! What a huge amount! A big thank you to everyone for their dedication and cooperation for this fundraiser. The top three homerooms that raised money were:

    • First place and the winner of the Olive Garden lunch was Mrs. Rothenberger's homeroom. They raised over $884 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    • Second place went to Mrs. Solley's homeroom. They raised an amazing $802.
    • Third place was Mrs. Kerrick's homeroom bringing in $220.

    Congratulations and thanks to everyone who gave so generously.

     

    Ratio and Proportion

    Ms. Grube’s and Mr. Strobl’s 7th grade math classes engaged in an exciting activity investigating ratio and proportion March 16, 19 and 20.  Students gathered in the newly the remodeled Voice Café as they chose partners and measured each other’s heights in inches.  The following Monday, students gathered outside and estimated the height of objects by using their partner, along with their own thumb up to project these values. Students then measured how many thumbs (representing their partner’s height) it would take to cover different objects on the middle school campus.  Objects ranged from the lights on the football field to the height of the tennis court fence.  On Tuesday, classes once again gathered to find the actual height of these objects and discuss their results using the best measures of central tendency.  A wonderful math experience was had by all!
        


    Mariachi Band Visits SLMS


    Students celebrated Cinco de Mayo by participating in a high energy assembly by Mariachi Rey Azteca of Reading, PA

        

    On behalf of World Languages, students danced, sang and spoke in Spanish to celebrate a little Mexican culture and history. Several Spanish students translated into English what band leader José Armando read about the famous victory of the 1862 Battle of Puebla. They also translated some reasons why Cinco de Mayo continues to grow in popularity here in the United States.To close the assembly, several band and orchestra students performed "Cielito Lindo" along with the band.