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The Horseman Herald

The spring edition of the Horseman Herald has been published. Click here to view the paper.

7th Grade Teacher Attends Space Camp

7^th Grade Science Teacher Mr. Garguilo trained to be an Astronaut for one week. During the one week program, Mr. Garguilo participated in astronaut-style training and simulations, along with activities designed to promote life-long learning in a classroom setting. One teacher reaches hundreds of students; that's why Honeywell Hometown Solutions created the Space Academy for Educators program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Mr. Garguilo was selected as one of three hundred educators selected for the camp this year from seventeen countries. All lessons and activities are correlated to National Science and Math Standards and are ready to use in the classroom. “The experience reminded me of why I love science. The enthusiasm for science will surely have a ripple effect through the students, other teachers and administrators.” says Mr. Garguilo. (Posted 6/18/08)

8th Graders Share Storybooks with 1st Graders

A month ago, 8th grade students from Sleepy Hollow Middle School visited 1st graders from John Paulding in order to interview the first graders for an 8th grade storybook unit. The goal was to survey the 1st graders' interests, current vocabulary, types of books they've read, and colors to appear in the illustrations. Recently, we went back with our final pieces and shared the results with the 1st graders.

On Tuesday, June 10th, 8th grade Writers' Workshop students from Mrs. Setness' class, Mrs. Linteau's, and Ms. Kula's classes visited Mrs. Salazar's 1st grade class at John Paulding, and Mrs. Larsen's Writers' Workshop class visited Ms. Fradkin's class on Thursday, June 12th; On June 18th, Mrs. Emmerich's class visited Mrs. Ferrari's class to share their hard work, as well.

Mr. Kennedy's Writing Workshop class visited Ms. Buckley's class on the 18th, sharing their storybooks with students they had interviewed during a previous visit. 8th graders Sarah Alfonso and Amelia Bonvento shared their books with the entire class, receiving an enthusiastic response from a very well-behaved audience!

These were truly wonderful experiences for all involved! It has been a pleasure spending time with the first graders, and we're looking forward to next year's publications!

(Posted 6/18/08)

Poet Patricia Smith Visits Sleepy Hollow Middle School

On Thursday, June 12th, poet Patricia Smith visited all 7th grade English classes. Ms. Smith shared her published work with the students, read aloud her poetry, and gave students ideas to begin writing their own poetry with voice, style, and freedom.

She helped to illustrate the oral importance of reading poetry aloud, and she also demonstrated the melodic, singsong rhythm that poetry offers. Ms. Smith has written various anthologies of poetry, and she is currently working on a young adult fiction text. Thanks to all that participated! (Posted 6/12/08)

Sleepy Hollow Middle School Orchestra, Chorus, and Band ensembles net three excellent ratings!

Congratulations to the Orchestra, Chorus, Concert and Band for winning excellent ratings at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival, May 30!!! The Music Department is very proud of your hard work and dedication!! (Posted 6/10/08)

Middle School / High School Summer Reading Lists

Summer reading lists, assignments reading records have been posted on the middle and high school websites for your convenience. Please be sure to follow the directions that are written at the bottom of each list depending on which grade and level of English you will be taking in September. Have a great summer and don't forget to do your summer reading!

Click here for Summer Reading Lists

Click here for Reading Records

Middle School Students Collaborate to Create Entrance Mural Where the Legend Begins...!

The new middle school entrance has been transformed by a colorful mural designed and painted by the Sleepy Hollow seventh and eighth grade students under the guidance of international artist Pedro Ospina. Pedro, who is a Sleepy Hollow High School graduate of 1982, has work with the students of Sleepy Hollow on two previous school art projects Totems and Cultural Mosaic. Born in Bogota, Columbia, but raised in New York City and the surrounding area, Pedro received his academic training in the US and then traveled to varied apprenticeships with artists in Wales, Mexico, Brazil and Columbia. Because he sees the importance of art and how it can impact individuals’ lives, Pedro is dedicated to working extensively in marginalized communities and in inner city schools.

Delighted to see the new construction and additions to his alma mater, Pedro was eager to work with the middle school students helping them design and paint their collaborative legend. Pedro had the students focus on their villages, culture, future goals and what they valued as individuals. All the middle school students participated by making sketches, refining drawings, transferring the images onto the wall and finally painting the entry hall wall. The final product is a mural of colorful imagery that helps instill cultural pride and dignity. The students are excited about their creation.

We are extremely grateful to the Foundation of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and the Art Boosters for sponsoring Pedro Ospina’s latest Sleepy Hollow Art Project. Come and see our Hudson River Town, New York City and all the many images and dreams of our middle school students. (Posted 6/8/08)

Oceanographic Trip

This past week has been an exciting one for our 7th grade science students as they made three trips to The University of Connecticut's Project Oceanology Center in Groton, Connecticut. Our students boarded the Enviro-Lab III research vessel on the Thames River and sailed out into Long Island Sound.

The students set a fishing net in which they caught sea stars, winter flounders, lobsters, soft shell and spider crabs, fluke, sea robins, squid, shrimp, and windowpanes. Along with studying the marine life of Long Island Sound, the students using laboratory skills learned in class performed many experiments testing water quality, oxygen and salinity content, pH, and ocean floor sediments. The students enjoyed the experience of working in a floating classroom and studying the world of Marine Science. (Posted 6/4/08)

Eighth Graders Visit Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, May 14 through Friday, May 16, the eighth-grade class at Sleepy Hollow Middle School went on their annual trip to Washington, D.C. The students toured Arlington National Cemetery; the Lincoln, Washington, and FDR Memorials; the Smithsonian’s Air and Space, Newseum, and Holocaust Museums; and the Vietnam War, World War II, and Korean War Memorials.

At the Lincoln Memorial, the students and chaperones viewed the 10-foot marble statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in his chair. At the Holocaust Museum, the 8^th-graders and chaperones were moved by the images and videos of the victims of such severe brutality. At the Vietnam War Memorial, everyone saw the huge wall with the engraved names of soldiers who were lost in the war. At the Air and Space Museum, the students learned about NASA’s aircrafts and the history of aviation. A highlight of our visit to D.C. was a 4-D movie at the Newseum, which awed our students with its realism. Our final night in Washington, D.C. included a cruise through Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Overall, the Washington, D.C. trip was an educational and fun time for all. The students would like to thank their chaperones and The Foundation for helping to make this trip so successful. (Posted 5/20/08)

Dr. Parens, Holocaust Survivor, Visits the 8^th Grade

On May 5th, the 8th grade was privileged with a visit from Dr. Henri Parens, a child psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. Dr. Parens visited with each team, discussing his experiences during the Holocaust and the time he spent in a relocation camp in France before he escaped to the United States. The students also took part in a questions and answers session with this real life primary source. Dr. Parens also spoke about the dangers of prejudice and bullying. We would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Parens for taking the time to visit with us and sharing his harrowing experience. (Posted 5/13/08)

Sleepy Hollow Middle School Presents

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

WASHINGTON IRVING SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 am & Thursday May 8 at 12:15 pm and 7:00 pm Evening performance tickets $10 adults, $5 children 4th grade and up.

IBM Engineers Visit 7th Graders at Sleepy Hollow Middle School

On Monday, April 14th Scientist from IBM provided all 7th grade science students with an opportunity to study Superconductivity. Using liquid nitrogen, the scientist demonstrated the chemical properties and behavior that takes place on different forms of matter.

The students were presented with a problem concerning the use of liquid nitrogen and its affects on a superconductivity plate. Using the scientific information and laboratory skills learned in class, the students accepted the challenge and provide many solutions to enhance the superconductivity process.

The students found the experience working with the IBM Scientist most rewarding and challenging. (Posted 4/14/08)

Be a part of Frankenstein The Spring Middle School Play!

WHAT: YMCA Theatre, in conjunction with Sleepy Hollow Middle School, presents FRANKENSTEIN, a theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic HORROR tale about a mad scientist who creates a monster on the laboratory table. The Creature rises up to confront its creator with the ultimate question: “Why am I here?” Full of compelling characters, breathtaking set pieces and special effects, FRANKENSTEIN is an unforgettable theatrical experience!

WHEN: Auditions: March 18 & 20 after school on the South Side of the Cafeteria. Rehearsals: start after the SHHS Spring Musical is over. Performances: _May 7 & 8 (4 performances; 3 daytime, 1 evening).

WHERE: Rehearsals will take place at SHMS, Mondays Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays after school. (Posted 3/6/08)

In celebration of National Library Week coming in April, Middle School students have launched the Great Sleepy Hollow Library Reading Contest. Seventh and eighth graders will read and review books and submit entries, hoping to capture the top prize for their English class: a very "literary" party hosted by the Library. See the special displays of good books to read in the Library and ask the staff for further suggestions. Good luck to all and READ ON!!! (Posted 1/23/08)

According to Gillian Berger,“It’s really helpful to get different

perspectives on the issues in genetics.” On Monday, January 7, Ms. Jackson’s Living Environment classes enjoyed just such a unique perspective. Guest speaker, Dr. Robert Marion, delivered a lecture that he usually gives to medical school students. Dr. Marion is a Professor of Genetics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Director of the Center for Pediatric diagnosis and Development of the Einstein Medical Center. His very engrossing lecture concerned three US presidents and a bit of genetic speculation. Dr. Marion led the class through the steps of differential diagnosis. Dr. Marion was impressed with the breadth of knowledge displayed by the 8^th grade students, lingering to answer their questions after his talk. “These kids have a terrific grasp of concepts. This material is tough for my med students,” he remarked, “I’d really like to come back next year.” Sophie Parens agrees, ”He should come back next year. Hearing from someone who works with kids with genetic differences gave me a much better understanding.” The students always benefit from “real world” visitors revealing the worth and applications of the material they are just learning. Great thanks go to Ms. Doran, who was instrumental in bringing us such a distinguished lecturer. (Posted 1/21/08)

IBM Mentor Place Mentoring Program Recruiting 7th Grade Middle School Girls:

IBM Mentor Place gives students the unique opportunity to communicate online with an IBM employee. Each student will have weekly interactions with experienced female scientists and engineers as mentors. These mentors will be available throughout this academic school year. Only ten students will be given the opportunity to receive one-on-one online mentoring. In the exchange of electronic messages, both student and the IBM e-Mentor are encouraged to work together on online activities and discuss career interests.Students will not meet with the mentor outside of class. A teacher appointed by the school will monitor messages regularly for content. The fulfillment of this commitment, (including weekly attendance and participation) during this school year will determine their admission into the IBM EXITE Camp starting July 28th until August 1st, 2008. For more information email DBenedict@tufsd.org or Ms. Sandy Ocasio, CSI Director socasio@tufsd.org. (Posted 1/17/08)

Due to Mr. Borsari's impending departure from Sleepy Hollow Middle School, we are in the process of searching for his replacement for the 2008-2009 school year. We are most interested in your input which will be very useful during the selection process for the new principal.

Please take a few moments to complete this survey using one of the links below, no later than Friday, January 25, 2008.

Eighth Graders Visit Sagamore Hill and the Dolan DNA Center

The eighth grade classes of Sleepy Hollow Middle School recently enjoyed a full-day field trip to Long Island to visit Sag

amore Hill, President Theodore Roosevelt’s home, and the Dolan DNA Center, a world-renowned center for genetics research. At Sagamore Hill, students walked through the 26^th President’s home, which is preserved as it was during his residency from 1887 to 1919. The visit to the Sagamore Hill Museum gave students a glimpse into TR’s life before, during, and after his presidency. The experience at the Dolan DNA Center offered our eighth grade students an opportunity to experiment in the wonderful world of molecular biology in a genuine laboratory. Students genetically engineered bacteria with the GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) gene for bioluminescence. A great time was had by all. A special thank you to Ms. Virginia Jackson for organizing the trip for the entire grade and to Mr. Cy Hughes for his assistance in transportation! (Posted 12/19/07)

Students from the 7^th grade Red Hot Legendz Team collected and prepared four care packages to be sent to the 64^th Armored Unit of the 3^rd Infantry Division, currently stationed in Iraq. Additionally, the students created holiday cards, postcards, and some wrote letters to help maintain or boost the spirits of our American servicemen and women during this holiday season. A plethora of items were donated to help benefit the 64th who is at the forefront of the Iraqi War. A big thank you is extended to all the students and parents who helped make this a successful endeavor. This event proved to be extremely valuable to the students who really showed the true meaning of the holiday season. Go Red Hot Legendz!! (Posted 12/3/2007)

Last week, the 8th grade class took a trip to Ellis Island as a culmination of their study on Immigration. Even though the weather was cold and rainy, the students still had a great time. After completing a scavenger hunt which took them through the Great Hall, Reception areas, Baggage Room, Dormitory, and Medical Ward, a number of children were even able to find relatives on the Wall of Honor. (Posted 11/28/2007)

Eighth Graders Visit Sagamore Hill and the Dolan DNA Center

MS Survey