CAREER DAY AT SLEEPY HOLLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL

Career day at Sleepy Hollow Middle School was a complete success. Our students had the opportunity to learn, hands-on, about possible future careers. We had the pleasure of welcoming people from around the community to educate our students on a variety of jobs. Some students analyzed crime scenes with a lawyer, studied animals with a Veterinarian and worked closely with a sports writer. It was special to see the students' eyes brighten with joy and interest as they planned possible futures. Sleepy Hollow Middle School students are determined to work up to their highest potential to achieve their goals and become successful participants in our community.

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Mr. Garguilo, 7th Grade Science Teacher Receives NASA "Right Stuff" Award/Honor

Mr. Garguilo, 7^th grade science teacher in Sleepy Hollow Middle School, has received the “Right Stuff” honor/medal from NASA for his outstanding contribution to the continued growth of Middle School science students in the field of astronomy. This year Mr. Garguilo hosted a NASA Space Seeds experiment where students grew basil seeds flown into space.   He also integrated concepts of space flight into his classroom instruction, has taken over 15 hours of professional development with NASA through online conferences, and has been a NASA ambassador for two years. Students were given the opportunity to visit the Moon and Mars through 3D labs, discover the importance of the Hubble Space Telescope by role-playing the technology, use a NASA Lunarnautics computer program, and watch two “live” shuttle launches this year.  Mr. Garguilo said, “Ever since I was given the opportunity to go to space camp as an educator my goal has been to one day see a Sleepy Hollow student become a member of the NASA programs and pursue their dreams. It would be a real honor to teach in the future what one of my students has achieved.” Congratulations to Mr. Garguilo! (Posted 06/11/09)

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Middle School Math Regents Prep

"Almost 40 students from the 8th Grades Honors Integrated Algebra classes of Ms. Albukerk and Ms. Voytovich came in to school on Saturday afternoon, May 30th, to participate in a Mock Regents exam in prepartion for their upcoming test on June 19th. For many students, this was their second exam of the day after taking science that morning! Ms. Albukerk and Ms. Voytovich were very happy with the turnout (up from previous years). They graded the exams and students now have specific topics to focus on as they review over the next few weeks.

Dates for Math Regents Exams:
Geometry - Tuesday, June 16th, 8:30am

Integrated Algebra- Friday, June 19th, 12:30pm

Math - Tuesday, June 23rd, 12:30pm"

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New Microscopes at Sleepy Hollow Middle School

Sleepy Hollow Middle School received 17 new Stereoscopes (Microscopes) from a donation by “The Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns”. The donation of Microscopes has allowed the students at the Middle School level to see into the microscopic world. Mr. Garguilo said, “The excitement and motivation the students gain for the field of science by the simple use of the microscopes has no price tag attached to it.” The creativity and enthusiasm of the Middle School Science staff is being used to implement these new tools into the classroom curriculum. Students will be given the chance to see animals, plants, rocks, and other amazing things in the microscopic world as they pass through the 7^th and 8^th grade at Sleepy Hollow. The Middle School staff is confident that these instructional devices will lead to a larger success on State Performance Tests. Thank you to the “Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns” and the community members; for the generous donation of microscopes that has expanded the young minds of thousands of students that will soon pass through the walls of the Tarrytown School District. (Posted 05/27/09)

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 Sleepy Hollow Middle School Concert Band Newsletter - May 2009 Issue

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Sleepy Hollow Cares about Birds!

Mr. Garguilo, Mrs. Linteau, and Mrs. Randazzo, with the help of Middle School students, created a bird house for the Annual Tarrytown Beautification Foundation's home-made bird house event. The bird house creation coincided with the Earth Day celebration and the National Environmental Education week. The bird house makes connections to the continued progress toward a more sustainable and “go green” attitude adopted at the Middle School. Mr. Garguilo said, “We decided to make the bird house out of recycled bottle tops to show students the multiple uses of everyday objects, we used sticks from nature to demonstrate the renewable resources nature has for us, and a solar paneled roofing to support the use of energy from the sun.” The bird house was entered into the competition as “Sleepy Hollow Middle School’s 1st Home-made Bird House.” (Posted 4/23/09)

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Sleepy Hollow Middle School Guidance News and Events April-June 2009

Middle School Guidance Department awarded grant from The Foundation  The Middle School Guidance Department was awarded a grant from The Foundation for the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns for an Anti-Bullying Resource Center. This grant will aid in providing the necessary materials for the counselors to visit classrooms, provide lessons and share experiences with students on a broad range of topics that relate to anti-bullying and conflict resolution. The materials will be stored and shared in the Middle School Guidance suite so that they can be easily accessible to the entire school community.

Middle School Counselors visit 7th Grade Classes for Lessons and Discussions on Anti-Bullying and Tolerance
Since the start of the school year, counselors Miriam Ocasio and Jamie Steiner have visited all 7th grade classes to present lessons on anti-bullying. The counselors recently facilitated a discussion about teaching tolerance. These lessons are part of the Guidance Department initiative to enhance students’ understanding and respect of others as a vital part of life.

8th Graders Attend Middle School College Fair – May 4, 2009  As part of the middle school Guidance program, the counselors will be taking the eighth graders to the Westchester Middle School College Fair. The fair will be held at the Westchester County Center. Over one hundred colleges and their representatives will be participating. This will be a great opportunity for students to meet with college representatives, obtain information and ask questions. Ms. Ocasio and Mrs. Steiner will help prepare the students with ways to get the most out of the fair. We will be leaving the building by 8:45 AM and returning by 12:30 PM. Students are required to obtain parent permission in order to attend.

During the month of June, the Middle School Counselors will be visiting current 8th grade classes for a transitional activity using the Naviance system to help prepare students for high school. 8th graders will receive their own logon information and password in order to begin their portfolio on the Naviance system. This system enables the middle and high school Guidance Department to offer a comprehensive program that students and their families can use to help in making decisions about colleges and careers. The Naviance system is also used in the Guidance Department to track and analyze data about college and career plans that provide up-to-date information that’s specific to our school. For more information about the Naviance System, please contact the Guidance Department at 332-6207  (Posted 4/22/09)

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Ms. Herrnstadt, HS/MS Library Media Specialist, happily announces the 2009 Great Sleepy Hollow Middle School Reading Contest winners: Mr. Tejeda’s 7th grade period 6/8 class was the winning class overall, receiving a framed certificate for the classroom and a fabulous pizza party on April 3rd. 7th grade winners: First place, Deborah Feliciano; Runner-up, Jojo Thayer. 8th grade winners: First place, Maddy McGovern; Runner-up, Benjamin Tschan. First place winners received a gift certificate to Barnes& Noble and the Runners-up won a gift certificate to Main Street Sweets.

 

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Thank You

Thanks to all who participated in the 8th graders coffee sale and supported our 8th graders in their trip to Washington DC this year. Thanks to your support, student raised over $900 in scholarship money for this year's trip. When we add this money to the generous scholarships provided by the Foundation, every student who wants to go on the trip will be able to attend! (Posted 4/2/09)

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Middle School Transition Meetings

 

 

See the PowerPoint

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7th Grade Science Teacher Mr. Garguilo Hosts NASA “Space Seed” Experiment

On Monday March 9th, 7th grade science teacher Mr. Garguilo hosted a NASA sponsored program to determine if space flight will have an effect on plant seeds. Normal Earth basil seeds were planted as a control while basil seeds flown on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, sent to Mr. Garguilo by NASA, were used as the experimental factor to see if space flight had an effect on seed health. Mr. Garguilo said, “It was great to give the students the opportunity to be part of an important experiment which they may see the end result (colonization of the moon) in the future of their lives. It helped confirm for many students the desire to work in the scientific field in the future.” NASA sent a note to the Sleepy Hollow students along with the seeds stating, “basil in space is cutting-edge research. Astronauts on future missions to the Moon and beyond are going to need to take plants along for the ride--for food, oxygen and even companionship. It's important for NASA to learn how these seeds endured space conditions.” Students and Mr. Garguilo will grow the plants and record the data through the remainder of the school year. The results of the experiment will be reported to NASA after the Summer growing season.

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Team Lucas Fundraiser Dance

On Friday, March 6th, students and staff from Sleepy Hollow Middle School joined “Team Lucas” in his fight against Cancer by participating in a special fundraising dance, bake sale and Team Lucas bracelet sale. A special thanks goes out to the students from both grade levels who donated an enormous amount of baked goods for the bake sale. Students in both 7^th and 8^th grades danced their hearts out, enjoying the music, the food and the Team Lucas bracelets.  Many thanks to our terrific DJ, Desmond Turner, who donated his time, equipment and talent!  Special thanks also to Heidi Larsen, team leader and Team 8A for coordinating the dance and bake sale.  It was truly a team effort, with such a wonderful turn out, to support Lucas and his family. (Posted 3/16/09)

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Science Experiment at the Bowling Alley a Success

7^th grade students went to “Lucky Strike Lanes” bowling alley at the Palisades Mall on Thursday.  They performed a physics experiment using bowling balls. Mr. Garguilo said, “We have been working on physics equations all year and this finalized the application of those equations in the real world.”  Many students got to experience bowling for the first time.  One student is quoted saying, “It was fun and I liked bowling with friends and we got to use our knowledge we learned in school.”  The teachers hope that the success of the lab and field trip motivates students to continue to work hard throughout the year.

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Middle School Fundraiser to Support Washington DC Trip

Please support the fundraiser for 8th grade students going to Washington DC which helps to defray the cost of that trip for some of our students.  We are selling coffee again this year from a company called Grounds for Change -- it is organic, shade-grown and fair trade.  The coffee comes in 12 oz. bags. It costs $12 a bag.  The attached menu gives you the varieties available.  Place your orders through Bridget McGraw at bmcgraw@tufsd.org through February 26.

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Congratulations to 7th grader, Dhruv Suri, who competed Saturday, February 7^th at the Regional MathCounts Competition at Pace University against students from 16 schools across the county.  Dhruv placed 36^th out of the 104 competitors representing the best mathematical minds from Westchester.  MathCounts is a national enrichment, coaching, and competition program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement in every U.S. state and territory.   It is open to every student in the middle school.  The MathCounts competition in which Dhruv competed on Saturday has written and oral rounds, as well as individual and team components. Dhruv is looking forward to competing again next year.  Dhruv’s MathCounts coach, Ms. Albukerk, says “Dhruv’s accomplishment as a 7^th grade competitor is extraordinary.  I’m proud of his hard work and I look forward to what he will achieve at next year’s competition.”  Congratulations, Dhruv!

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Sleepy Hollow Middle School Concert Band Newsletter - February 2009 Issue

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Slime Lab - Local College Professor Performs Science Lab with 7th GradeProfessor Garguilo, Westchester Community College science teacher, and wife of Mr. Garguilo 7th grade science teacher worked together to present a field trip experience in the classroom. The 7th grade students got their hands dirty as they created slime on Friday. The lab was titled “Slimy Yet Satisfying” and the excitement and motivation it created for students in the field of science was definitely satisfying. The slime lab fit nicely into the chemistry unit being covered in class. “We are lucky to have so many great educational institutions like Westchester Community College nearby which can lend support to motivating the students of Sleepy Hollow” says Mr. Garguilo. The students thank Professor Garguilo for her time, interest, and expertise in the field of science.

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7th Grade Science Students Help Save the Last Wild United States Jaguar

 They call him “Macho B” and he is unique. Macho B is the only wild jaguar living in the United States. Macho B’s land is in danger of being destroyed and Mr. Garguilo’s 7th grade science classes wanted to help prevent this from happening. Mr. Garguilo and his students raised $10 in an effort to help “The Nature Conservancy” save Macho B. Mr. Garguilo promised to match any contribution made by the students in a classroom donation box. The students donated a total of $10 of their personal money over a two week span. Mr. Garguilo matched the donation with his own money for a total of $20 dollars raised. Mr. Garguilo says, “The students were given 100% freedom to give or not give to the cause…it was amazing the passion they had for the future of our planet. It is important to give students a chance to contribute toward a cause they believe in. Sleepy Hollow students proved that they are a part of a community that cares by giving any spare change they had to an environmental cause.”

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8^th Graders Visit Ellis Island

On Friday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 25, the 8^th grade class took a trip to Ellis Island as a culmination of their study on immigration.  Even though the weather was cold and rainy at times, 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 students were even able to find relatives on the Wall of Honor.  (Posted 12/4/08)

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7^th Grade Science Teacher Enters Sleepy Hollow into Young Astronomers Competition

7^th grade science teacher Mr. Garguilo and a team of four students, Max Berdik, Evalyn Hart, Naomi Straus, and Tomas Correa, have entered into the Astronomy magazine and the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) video competition. The competition was to create a three minute video answering the question “Is Pluto a planet or not?” The team decided to make a breaking news story about the topic. Students played the role of Pluto and Neptune to explain the situation. Mr. Garguilo and the team are hoping to place in the competition. Mr. Garguilo says, “Even if we don’t win, it was a fun and educational experience. It was nice to work with the students on an activity outside of the everyday curriculum.” Mr. Garguilo is always keeping his eyes open for any possibilities for Sleepy Hollow to get their name out into the world. “National competitions give us (Sleepy Hollow) recognition and a chance to let the world experience our highly motivated student body. I hope to continue to take advantage of the vast educational opportunities presented to the schools.”  (Posted 11/7/08)

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DC Trip Rescheduled

The Sleepy Hollow Middle School Washington DC Trip has been rescheduled to May 20, 21 and 22nd.  (Posted  11/7/08)

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Sleepy Hollow Middle School Club Directory

Sleepy Hollow students can be involved in clubs to enrich their experience at the Middle School.  Please take a look and see all the exciting clubs that are available for you to join.

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2^nd Annual Sleepy Hollow Leaf Races

October 31^st was the 2^nd Annual Sleepy Hollow Leaf Race. Students of Sleepy Hollow Middle School, with the guidance of 7^th grade science teacher, Mr. Garguilo, explored the falling rates of leaves. Students experimented with the size and shape of leaves to determine which ones are affected by the least air resistance.

“Students have been collecting and testing leaves outside of class for up to two weeks to get ready for race day,” says Mr. Garguilo. Students drop their leaves from a starting line and the first leaf to hit the ground is the winner.

Mr. Garguilo began this experiment to meet New York State Standards on Air Resistance last year and has found it a huge motivation for students. “I wanted to find an interesting way to incorporate the fall season and air resistance; I don’t know if anyone ever tested which leaf actually falls fastest. We may have stumbled upon a major scientific discovery.”

Students, in their costumes for Halloween, compete and collect data for this laboratory experiment. They all try at a chance to be crowned this year’s winner. The winner receives a leaf necklace, symbolizing their victory in the leaf races. “The reality is that all students that participate are winners since they all learn a new aspect of science.” (Posted  10/30/08)

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Middle School Students Visit The Madden Outdoor Education Center

 During the week of September 22, the Sleepy Hollow Middle School students visited the Madden Outdoor Education Center in Kent Cliffs, New York with their instructional teams.  Each team enjoyed a full day at the center participating in organized recreational activities emphasizing teamwork and cooperation.  Groups were challenged with such tasks as scaling a 12-foot wall with the help of a ladder on the reverse side, using only each other for climbing assistance.  Other groups were faced with the task of moving everyone from one platform to another several feet apart using only two planks, neither of which spanned the distance between the platforms.  The Spider’s Web, See Saw, and Rope Swing were among the other elements groups faced.  Throughout this exciting day students on all four teams were challenged to work together, communicate effectively, and rely on the help of teammates to overcome challenges.  Students will draw upon this experience to help them work together effectively in school.  The middle school students wish to extend a great big thank you to Mr. David Benedict, Sr. for organizing the trip for all four teams and to Mr. Cy Hughes for helping with transportation! (Posted:  9/29/08)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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) 

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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. 

 

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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) 

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Be a part of  Frankenstein The Spring Middle School Play!