Student Leadership

Mr. C. met with our students in grades 4 and 5 to talk about an upcoming conference on student leadership. Students will be nominated for this conference by their peers with the result of eight students attending in January. During the conference, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that are designed to foster leadership skills in productive thinking, decision-making and communication. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students.

ASMM

Today was a busy community gathering as we accepted a grant from Dominion for our students to attend Nature's Classroom and for students at DLAA to have a technology-math supplement; Ms. Donna's class sang songs for us in Spanish; Ms. Liz's class advertised a food drive they are organizing for families in need; and Mr. Hugh, Mr. K., and Mr. C. helped us to reflect as they sang "Let There Be Peace."

Ma'as salaam -- end of Arabic for the semester!

Our students thrived during the afterschool language classes. Classes will be offered again next semester with our ongoing growing partnership with Connecticut College. Many thanks to Mrs. Goldstein, Ms. Kate, and Ms. Tarana, as well as Connecticut College professors of foreign languages Dr. Vonschl, Dr. Dooling, Dr. Kobayashi, Dr. Harb, and Dr. Page and their dedicated students. Thanks to Kate Collelo, Jonah's mom, for the great picture!

Collect Tabs

Ms. Amy and Ms. Kelley’s classes talking about the project collect tabs for Ronald McDonald House with Officer Tony from the NLPD.

Ms. Cinderella's Storytelling Group

Ms. Cinderella inspires the storyteller and artist in each of us. Students learn about storytelling and art in different cultures. Second and third graders learned about Hawaii, made leis, and wrote poems. They take a trip around the world through the power of words and images.

Ms. Kate and friends

Ms. Kate and friends sing "Platanos" at All School Morning Meeting.

Student Teachers

Our teachers value the importance of sharing knowledge and striving to always keep current. These values lead to the responsibility of preparing a new generation of educators. We welcome dozens of interns, college volunteers, student teachers and various individuals through other partnerships with local colleges and universities this and every semester. We have the incredible pleasure to have many student teachers this fall who have been with us since the end of August. They have set themselves apart by going above and beyond with curriculum, instruction, and participation in our learning community. We value what they give to us each day in enriching the lives of our students and our adults. Today is their last day at RMMS. We will miss them, but wish them luck as they go out and change the world.

Teacher of the Year

La Musica esta en nuestro corazon!

Music is in our hearts. Music is Life.

Our teacher of the year inspires each of us to find the artist within,

to think and reflect quietly,

to sing with passion,

to try something new,

to strive to capture the inner spaces of peace that rest between the noise and clutter that often surrounds us,

to listen, to breathe.

Our teacher of the year is often quiet,

Speaks thoughtfully from the heart,

Even protects us when crossing the street in crosswalks.

This colleague and teacher inspires our children to reach down to their deepest selves and give their all, to cooperate and work together toward a common goal, to achieve the best.

What this individual brings from the students is described by one of our teachers as "breathtakingly beautiful."

He reminds each of us to "clear the table in order to keep in focus that which truly is important in our lives, the music that is inside each of us.

La Musica esta en nuestro corazon!

Our teacher of the year, LEARN's district teacher of the year, Mr. Kevin Salley.

Namaste.

Jump in the Lake

As budding environmentalists, and conscious citizens, our students learned about the importance of not wasting food. As an incentive for getting their food waste down to less than a pound the last day of Nature's Classroom, Ms. Britney and Mr. K agreed to jump in the Lake in Ivoryton as a goal. Congratulations! (Mr. K and Ms. Britney may still be shivering from the experience.)

Multicultural Meal

A group of grade 4/5 students guided by the culinary genius of Ms. Shelley, Ms. Pam, Ms. Gloria Rich, Ms. Lauren, and Ms. Maria created and served an incredible multicultural meal. The students planned the menu, followed the recipes, and decorated the venue for their culminating event. Bon appetit.

Nature's Classroom

Our 4th and 5th grade students spent the week at Nature's classroom in Ivoryton. They spent time getting to know each other and learning about nature and conservation. Great appreciation to all the staff and parents who made this incredible week possible.

What did you notice? What did you wonder?

Our amazing partnership with Connecticut College Literacy Cohort continues. The group observed lessons in many classrooms focusing on literacy components. Students then reflected on what they noticed and wondered in classrooms. The distinction between observable behaviors and interpretation was a point of discussion as future educators continue to hone their skills. Observers shared many salient points including: Many lessons were presented multimodally, repetition was present, students were engaged, and they wondered how assessment helped to determine the lessons' objectives. We will convene again on October 26th with a focus on the emergent reader.

Funga Alafia- Welcomes and Blessings

Ms. Leah's Grade 1 students and Ms. Kate Fioravanti's middle school students from ISAAC collaborated to performa at both school's all school celebrations. They sang Funga Alafia, a traditional song from Western Africa (Nigeria) sung in the Yoruba language and means "welcomes and blessings.

Funga Alafia, a West African Welcome Song

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

With my thoughts, I welcome you.

With my words, I welcome you.

With my heart I welcome you.

See, I have nothing up my sleeve.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay. Funga alafia, Ah-shay Ah-shay.

Partnership with Connecticut College

We are so very lucky to have a great partnership with Connecticut College. In working to deepen this partnership, the students in Dr. Roberts' literacy course, their mentor teachers, literacy coaches and administration at RMMS have embarked on a cooperative learning experience. In addition to the field experience requirements, this cohort will meet several times to enrich our understanding of the complexities and components of literacy- both its theoretical, as well practical applications. Through observations, lesson development, reflection, and group work, we will work together to enrich the learning for all of students.

Student Monitoring

Staff have been engaged in meeting in teams over the past few weeks to design supports, discuss student learning, and work together to help our students reach their potentials as learners and as community members. It has been an amazing process and we celebrate our incredible community of adults and students.

On your mark, get set, Go!!!!!

Staff gathered at Williams Park on Friday to run a mile and inspire our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to run their best for CT Fitness assessment which will be happening in a few weeks. Students cheered loudly and many people in the area joined in the excitement. A big cheer for Ms. Lauren who organized the run and always inspires us all to do our best, be healthy and support each other.

Back to School Night

The school was bustling with activity on Thursday 9/16 with families, students and staff welcoming a new school year with presentations about curriculum, showcasing activities, and discussing expectations for the year.

The Cafeteria

"What would you like to play at recess? What did you do this weekend? What was your favorite part of Nature's Classroom?" These questions and more are heard on a daily basis as students socialize and use good words with their friends in the cafeteria. Students started by practicing in their classrooms and then grade levels transitioned to the cafeteria over a couple of weeks. All grade levels are now eating in the cafeteria together. Students work together to clean up and make the lunch time experience a positive time for all.

RMMS and Fresh!

Ms. Joanne's class checks in for their first time as official members of the Fresh Community Garden. They will plant, care for, and harvest vegetables - as well as study science and social studies!

Our First All School Morning Meeting of the Year

Our community gathered to share songs, practice audience manners, and build our sense of belonging by attending the All School Morning Meeting.

First Day of School 8/30/2010

The halls and classrooms were filled with the happy sounds of our students and staff returning to us after summer vacation. Wishing each of you a beautiful school year!

RMMS Selborne Projects at The New London Customs House

A number of the RMMS Grade 4/5 students Selborne projects were selected to be on display at the Custom House Maritime Museum at 150 Bank Street in New London. The official opening is on Saturday, July 24, in conjunction with the Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails.

http://newlondonmainstreet.org/pub/gen/event/435/fulltext/New%20London%20CT%20Event

The Custom House will be open free of charge throughout the Fish Tales Festival. See the Custom House website for more information.

http://nlmaritimesociety.org

Bring the whole family to New London and share in this exciting event.

Math Minds in Motion

"What are all the factors of 21? How would you solve that problem a different way?" were just a few questions heard above the joyful games led by our third grade afterschool math students. Families and staff were challenged to play games and test their mathematical knowledge. Many thanks to Ms. Sally and Ms. Tarana for their amazing work.

History in action

A message from Ms. Izzy:

Stephen Shaw, a Color Guard member of the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution came in on Monday June 14th to speak to our 4/5's about Nathan Hale and the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse. The students enjoyed learning more information that directly relates to our km2 Selborne Project. Mr. Shaw informed us about the personal history of Nathan Hale, why he became a spy and his ultimate sacrifice for his country. We also learned of the many different locations of the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse. Mr. Shaw also dressed in his traditional colonial uniform and brought in his reproduction musket.

Many thanks to Ms. Izzy for arranging for Mr. Stephen Shaw to visit and share with our 4/5 students.

Field Day

The joyful sound of children's laughter could be heard from Williams Park to Bulkeley Place on May 28th. From three legged races, to hula hoops, and pizza box races everyone participated in games, sports, and fun. The whole school gathered together to sing with Mr. K, Mr. C and Mr. Hugh followed by Latin dancing led by our own Mr. Leo. Kudos to Ms. Lauren for an amazing day that will always be remembered!

Taste of the Arts

Going, going, gone! Students' artwork was auctioned off as family and friends sampled food from around the globe. Entertainment included a latin dance troupe, our own chorus bringing the audience to tears, and music from Taton y Tremendo.

Hope Parade

RMMS students and families gathered in New London to participate in the Hope Parade which is a gathering and celebration of our youth. The parade ended at Waterfront Park where all were able to enjoy the RMMS chorus.

Dead Poets Society? Not if he can help it

By KYLE CHEROMCHA Special to The Day

Publication: The Day

Workshop lets NL students meet a 'living writer'

New London - When Bruce Snider agreed to host a poetry workshop with a group of fifth-graders from the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, he wanted to help children relate to poetry and poets.

"One of our main goals was to introduce kids to a living writer," said Snider, the poet-in-residence at the James Merrill House in Stonington this spring. "Since most poetry they read is written a long time ago, I think a lot of kids have the feeling that in order to be a poet you have to be dead."

Snider teamed up with the school's literacy coach, Heidi Simmons, to put on two workshops for selected students, designed as an extension of the yearlong, in-class poetry instruction.

Despite being pulled from an all-school assembly to attend the workshop, the group of 10 students filed into the conference room last Friday morning eager to share the poems they had written for homework.

"What did you notice about that poem?" Snider pressed the group after each student finished reading their work. "What stood out to you? How did it make you think in a different way?"

Despite the onslaught of questions, the kids had no shortage of answers. Often, multiple hands were wiggling in the air before he had even finished his sentence.

Friday's workshop focused on the use of sounds in poetry, including alliteration, repetition, rhythm and onomatopoeia - words that imitate the sounds they describe. After guiding the group through an analysis of "Ode to a Drum," in which the students debated the various interpretations of the words, Snider set them to work on their own sound-inspired poems.

"I want you to think of a sound, any sound, and find a way to capture it in the way you write the poem," he said. "Make it as vivid, as strange and as memorable as you can."

One student wrote about the "blip-plop" sound of pots boiling over on the stove in her busy kitchen at home; another wrote about the sound of scribbling pencils that filled the room as the other students worked on their poems. Snider said that it's important for them to write their own poems because it's a kind of experiential learning they can't get from just reading.

Principal Sally Myers was thrilled at how well the students responded to Snider's instruction.

"This is the first time we've had a poet come in and work with the kids in this way," she said. "From what I saw, I thought it was amazing."

Arbor Day Award presented to Lia Scala

Lia continues to make a mark on the world with grace, humility, influence and great care. Her artwork was selected as the official Connecticut Arbor Day Poster. A ginkgo tree was donated to RMMS and was planted by the parking lot on Bulkeley Street. Ms. Chrismae and Ms. Traci's class celebrated this tree planting with Lia's family. We are so very proud of Lia.

All School Morning Meeting

RMMS celebrated as a learning community with a song in Spanish from Ms. Melissa and Ms. Gloria's kindergartners, an arbor day award presented to our own Lia Scala, some incredible dancing from some students in the after school program choreographed by Mr. Leo, and of course music by Mr. Hugh and Mr. K. What a wonderful way to start our day!

RMMS Staff vs Student basketball game

The staff of RMMS bravely took the court on Thursday to play the multitalented 4/5 student team coached by Mr. Jeremy. After 4 six minute, very close quarters, the student team came away with the win. Way to go RMMS!

Message from Mr. Jeremy:

A HUGE thank you to Mr. C, Ms. Joanne, Ms. Kathy, Ms. Kristin, and Mr. Nate for showing off their basketball skills against the 4/5 Grade Team.
Without any substitutes, these five stars put on a great show for the spectators.

Also, thank you to Ms. Cara for co-coaching the 4/5 Team.

GO RMMS!

Poetry in Motion

On Friday, May 7th, our whole community participated in a Poetry in Motion celebration. Students and families engaged in language scavenger hunts, walked the halls to read all of the amazing student and staff poetry, and shared poems at the All School Morning Meeting. Kudos to Ms. Jo for organizing and inspiring the poet in each of us!

Please enjoy the pictures from our day and a poem from one of Ms. Jo's third grade students.

Butterfly Magic

by Dasha Klein

Butterflies

Maroon, fuchsia, chartreuse,

Every color you can think of

Darting here and there

Landing on lilacs and lilies

Wings beating wildly

Fanning out in an array of color

Bringing beauty to the world

That is the butterfly magic

RMMS Alum are named CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athletes

CAS-CIAC RECOGNIZES SCHOLAR-ATHLETES
The Scholar-Athlete Program annually recognizes two high school seniors - one boy and one girl - from each member high school whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary, whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage. 3 former RMMS students were recognized this spring at the Aquaturf: Brianne Mirecki (East Lyme), Rachel Gavin (New London), and Carlos Lozada (New London)

Email from Mary Mirecki, (Parent):

Good morning -
Thought you would want to know -
Last night we were at the Aquaturf for the CT Assoc of Schools Scholar Athlete banquet with Brianne (Mirecki).
Seated at the table next to us were Rachel Gavin and Carlos Lozada.

This is quite an accomplishment for our school - these kids have distinguished themselved in both the classroom and on the playing fields -- and in the case of these 3 students it is track and field where they have excelled. It was mentioned that the academic criteria to be considered for Scholar Athlete is a minimum 3.5 GPA.

As Brianne went through the 2002 yearbook she found 4 more RMMS alum who have been All State track athletes - Sam Saccamano, Ally Mason, Jasmine Cox, and Joe Massad (cross country).

What a wonderful community we have; I'm proud to be part of what you all do every day.
Have a great week-
Mary

Language Celebration

In building our learning around multiculturalism, our second and third grade students had the opportunity to experience Chinese or Arabic after school through a partnership with Connecticut College. Many thanks go to Mrs. Goldstein and the wonderful students and faculty in the language department at Connecticut College. They shared their new learning with family, friends, and food today!

4/5 Colonial Day Fair

On Friday, the 4/5 students and teachers brought RMMS back in time. The students have been studying life in Colonial times and demonstrated their learning through an interactive fair and living museum with hands-on activities, demonstrations and displays of traditional items. Thanks to all for the hard work and dedication.

Toshiyuki Shimada, conductor of the ECSO visits with the chorus

Toshiyuki Shimada, conductor of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orhcestra, as well as Isabelle Singer, the executive director of the ECSO visited our 4/5 chorus rehearsal today. He could not have been more impressed. He has invited Mr. K. and our students to collaborate, possibly performing before a symphony performance or with the Eastern Connecticut Youth Symphony. He could not believe what Mr. K. has accomplished with our students during the short time he has them for chorus each week. As Ms. Laureen was walking him out he said, "Your music teacher is brilliant, a very talented teacher." How lucky are we to have Mr. K. share his time, talent and love of music with us!

Hope Week Parade

New London’s Memorial Day

and Hope Week Parade

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the

United States Coast Guard Academy

www.newlondon.org

Saturday, May 22, 2010

10:00 a.m. – Noon

RMMS will be participating as a school. All families that participate should wear an

RMMS t-shirt or a purple top. Contact Sally Bondy at 437-7775, Ext. 152, if you

need to purchase one.

If your family would like to be part of celebrating our wonderful school as a part of

the parade, please call the school at 437-7775 and let Ms. Gloria at the front

desk know.

All parade participants must be at Williams Park by 9 a.m.

We will meet at RMMS by 8:45 and then move toward Williams Park.

Notecards for sale at Taste of the Arts!

Our students have created some incredible artwork that will be on display for the Taste of the Arts on May 21st. You can also purchase notecards that picture some of the amazing work created by our talented students (and staff). These are just a few highlights of the notecards. We hope to see you on the 21st!

Come to HEART!!!

Mark your calendars. Came and support the children of the

Regional Multicultural Magnet School!

HEART and More

Helping Education through Art

Friday, May 7th 7:00 - 10:00 PM

The Crocker House Ballroom

33 Union St.

New London

Tickets are available at the school

or at the door

$25.00 donation

Come,enjoy and bid for wonderful art, goods and services

(photos, paintings, crafts, movie tickets, tickets

sports equipment - including signed basketball from the NCAA champion

UCONN Women's Team!!

Outstanding food and drink from Go Fish

Just Ducky!!!

704 lucky ducks were adopted by RMMS family and friends for the 12th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race. This is a new school record! Thank you to all students and parents. RMMS received $2,007.00 to be used for special assemblies and enrichment activities. If you want to see your lucky duck race down the river the event is this Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 10:30 AM. The location has changed to the Westerly Yacht Club, One Watch Hill Road, Westerly, RI. For more information call 401-596-7761.

José Luis Orosco

José Luis Orosco singing The Chocolate Song with friends at our bilingual assembly.

Traditional Indian Dancers

Traditional Indian dancers share their culture through song and dance with our grade 2/3 students on Friday, April 23rd.

RMMS Yearbook

Each year we have been able to produce a wonderful yearbook that captures the memories of our RMMS family events and activities. We need a strong team effort from parents/caregivers to be able to successfully produce our yearbook again this year.

If you are interested in helping out, we have scheduled a planning meeting on Wednesday, April 7th at 3:45 at RMMS in the library. If you can attend the meeting, or help in any way, please contact Sally Bondy at 437-7775 Ext. 152 or email (sbondy@rmms.k12.ct.us).

Please help by being one of the creative folks (adults and students) to turn our memories into the 2010 yearbook.

Reading Buddies

Mrs. Candy's third grade and Mrs. Smith's first grade friends spend time each week reading together. This is a great experience for all in nurturing the love of reading. A quote from one of the friends says it all, "We love doing this!"

K/1 Field Trips to the CT Science Center

Our kindergarten and first grade students visited the CT Science Center. They spent some time in the Arctic exhibit sliding down an ice luge, taking a tour of an arctic garden, climbing into a polar bear's den, and much, much more. It was an exciting expedition for all!

Heart and More is here!!!!

On Friday, May 7th the RMMS Foundation will be hosting Heart and More, a silent auction fundraiser to support programs for the children of RMMS. It will be at the Crocker House Ballroom in downtown New London, on the corner of Golden and Union Streets, from 7:00-10:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00, which includes delicious food and beverages donated by Go Fish. There are many exciting items up for auction (wonderful jewelry, art, ceramics, services, tickets to Broadway Shows, and a bi-plane ride have all been offered in the past). Please come and support the RMMS Foundation! This is an adults only event.

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER FOR RMMS LOTTERY!

Please share with any friends who are interested in having their children attend RMMS next year that this is the last week to register for the lottery. Please call RMMS and ask to speak to Laureen Pierandi for more information. Our Open House for prospective parents is this Wednesday at 6:00PM - 7:00PM. You need to register for this Open House ahead of time by calling the school.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences at RMMS

We have just completed a very busy and successful week of Parent/Teacher/Student conferences at RMMS. A number of parents approached Mr. C and Ms. Bridgette during the week to share how powerful the communication at our school is toward contributing to their child's success. We would love to hear from any parents/caregivers regarding your experience with your child's conference as we continue to strive to explore strategies to improve what we do as a community of learners. Please email any thoughts/questions regarding conferences to pcarolan@rmms.k12.ct.us or bghickey@rmms.k12.ct.us

2/3 Chinese and Arabic Language Experience Project at RMMS

Beginning on Monday, March 29, RMMS will be piloting a focused language/culture experience for students at the 2/3 level in either Chinese or Arabic. The program will be for one month and will be held from 3:30-4:15 after school either on Monday/Thursday (for Arabic) or Tuesday/Thursday (for Chinese). Connecticut College students will be teaching these classes under the supervision of RMMS staff. We are so lucky to be able to utilize the language/culture expertise of our Conn College family.

Trip to Fiddleheads

Ms. Amy's and Ms. Joanne's classes visited Fiddleheads, our local food coop to continue their learning about conservation, the environment and nutrition. They sampled organic milk, saw baby broccoli, and learned about a self-sustaining dairy farm. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this learning trip happen.

RMMS Basketball Team

We have a new after school basketball team as part of Magnet Kingdom. Congratulations to Mr. Jeremy and the students... They played against Fishers Island and won 28-25!!!