Middle School Highlights | Middle School Announcements

Middle School News

Irene Allert, Middle School Director

In the final months of this school year, Middle School students have continued to demonstrate their enthusiasm for learning and their diverse talents. At our April Celebrations Assembly, we recognized the academic achievements of 54 students who, based on their January report card, qualified for our Honor Roll and 40 who qualified for our Head of School List. In order to be on the Honor Roll, a student must achieve a 3.5 grade point average; qualifications for the Head of School list include a 3.8 grade point average. We are proud of these students. Their achievement, in true Olympic fashion, is a result of daily commitment to achieving their personal best.

As we near finals and culminating activities, Middle School students and teachers are anticipating the exciting changes that await them next year. In September, our new Science and Humanities Classroom Building will be ready to receive the 7th and 8th graders, with Middle School classrooms, a Middle School Plaza, and a Student Life Center on the Library Level. The science classrooms have both lecture and laboratory areas and are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Our Fine Arts program will be expanded, providing students with an opportunity to make full use of the studios for theater, dance, vocal and instrumental music; photography, ceramics, painting, drawing, and sculpture.

Middle School offers students their first opportunity to make course selections in foreign languages and electives, and last month students began their course selection process for next year. All 7th and 8th graders will study English, History, Math, Science, and a World Language of their choosing. In addition, all students will be enrolled in Physical Education and a Human Development and Life Skills class. Seventh graders will also take Research and Technology and a year-long Art Survey course. Eighth graders will choose a one semester Art Elective and a one semester General Elective.

Co-curricular programs round out the Middle School program. Advisory, class meetings, assemblies, class trips, clubs, athletics, social events, community and school service, peer tutoring, and student government all provide students with opportunities for leadership and to develop social maturity.

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Middle School Highlights

Awards Abound as Middle School Students
Compete at a Variety of Venues

Eight Students Recognized by
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards:
A program of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, Inc.

In the fall, members of Mrs. Carol Serber’s 8th grade language arts class submitted entries in the Personal Essay/Memoir category to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. We are proud to have recently learned that eight of our students achieved Gold Key recognition at the regional level. Their submissions qualified for national level adjudication. Subsequently, we also learned that one of our young writers, Gabrielle T. ’12, received Silver Key recognition at the national level. In June, Gabrielle will be attending writing workshops at Carnegie Hall along with other national student winners from across the country.

The mission of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers is “to identify, motivate, and validate the next generation of artists and writers.” Through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the Alliance offers creative teenagers the opportunity to have their work professionally evaluated. Judges include writers, curators, critics, educators, and creative industry professionals, and some notable past judges include Robert Frost, Judy Blume, and George Plimpton.

Please take a few minutes to enjoy the writings of our young authors. Their submissions are linked below. Congratulations to these students and their teacher, Mrs. Carol Serber.

Victoria B. ’12: Rubio House
Katie C. ’12 : What Needs to Be Done
Michael D. ’12: The Regio Haarlem Cup
Remy K. ’12: Death Doesn’t Knock
Caitlin M. ’12: The Life and Times of a Synchro Swimmer
Creason M. ’12: iamsterdam
Lilly P. ’12: An Irreplaceable Friendship
Gabrielle T. ’12: Every Scar Tells a Story

Two Students Speak Their Minds at the Optimist Oratorical Competition

Providing young people with the opportunity to express themselves and gain confidence in their abilities, has been a focus for the Optimists since 1928, when they developed the Optimist Oratorical Contest. It provides them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship and express their views on a pre-assigned topic. And that is just what two Middle Schoolers did last month, when Amari O. ’13 and Courtney L. ’13, competed in different Club level competitions.

This year’s pre-assigned topic is Why Me? Why Not? and contestants are required to stay within the four to five minute time limit. Judging is based on poise, content of speech, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness. Amari won a $50 award for placing second in her Club competition, and Courtney won $100 for placing first in hers. Courtney now moves on to the Zone level. Winners of the Zone level advance to the district level where they will compete for a $1,500 scholarship for use at a college, university, or trade school.

Amari and Courtney’s speeches are linked below:

Amari O. ’13: Why Me? Why Not?
Courtney L. ’13: Why Me? Why Not?

Science Fair:
Student Projects Travel from Chatsworth to Los Angeles to Sacramento

Sierra Canyon Science Fair Winners

With over 400 projects on display, Sierra Canyon students once again proved that “there is an idea in all of us.” From fields as varied as medicine, engineering, and ecology, the student scientists made discoveries that are practical and useful. Our Upper School science staff had the difficult job of judging the Middle School projects. Judging for each project was based on scientific thought, creativity, and thoroughness. We appreciate their hard work and thoughtful consideration of our projects. Listed below are the results of the judging. The “best of show” project at our annual science fair is awarded the Grand Prize, the Blair Isrow Award. This year’s Blair Isrow Award winner is Aaron C. ’13, whose project on aloe vera has a useful application in the field of dermatology.

6th Grade Winners – Class of 2014

1st Place
Timothy L.
What Is The Voltage And Efficiency Of The Solar Panels At Different Angles Facing The Sun?

2nd Place
Grant G.
What Type Of Alga Will Produce The Most Oil?

3rd Place
Philip C.
Are Herbal Remedies As Effective As Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics Against Bacteria?

4th Place
Jackson R.
Which Paper Airplane Design Has the Greatest Lift?

5th Place
Jennifer C.
Does a liquid carbonated By Dry Ice Keep Its Bubbles Any Longer Than A Store Bought Liquid Or A CO2 Tablet?

6th Place
Jarrod E.
Does The Angle Of Launch Affect The Distance A Marble Will Travel?
Matthew V.
Compared To Potting Soil, Which Soil Would Absorb The Most Amount Of Water?

Honorable Mention
Jake B.
Will a Planet’s Core Temperature Affect The Movement Of The Tectonic Plates?
Alexia L.
Which Solar-Powered Water Still Differing In Surface Area Will Collect The Most Pure Water?
Kevin S.
Does The Amount Of Air Pressure In A Soccer Ball Affect How Far It Travels When Kicked By The Same Force?

7th Grade Winners – Class of 2013

Blair Isrow Grand Prize Award
Aaron C.
Will Higher Concentrations Of Aloe Vera Quicken The Regeneration Of Planaria?

1st Place
Shilpa M.
Which Blade Shape Is The Most Efficient For A Wind Generator?

2nd Place
Brooke B.
How Does The Amount Of Mitochondria In Cheek Cells Vary From Smokers To Non-Smokers?

3rd Place
Charles W.
Which Roofing Material Insulates Homes Most Efficiently; Wood, Tile, Sod, Or Aluminum?

4th Place
Lindsey L.
Which Type Of Sunblock Increases The Growth Of Saccharomyces Cerevesiae More?

5th Place
Pavan M.
Which Type Of Lubrication Is The Best For Reducing Friction?

6th Place
Nicole G.
Will Rifampin, Erthomycin, Or Azrithromycin Kill Staphylococcus Epidermis The Fastest?
Samantha K.
How Accurately Can Someone With A Hearing Disability Identify The Source Of A Sound?

Honorable Mention
Bryce B.
In What Soil Will Seeds Germinate Better?
Jordan E.
What Is The Effect Of Global Warming On Plant Life?
Nicole K .
Which Windmill Blade Shape Will Produce The Mist Energy?
Katherine S.
Which Solar Oven Cooks Food The Fastest?
Anish V.
Which Is The Best Absorbing Material For A Structure During An Earthquake?

8th Grade Winners – Class of 2012

1st Place
Ashley H.
Do Different Types of Light Affect The Development Of A Lady Bug?

2nd Place
Nicole G., Nicole G., Remy K.
Which Type Of Energy Drink Produces The Most Amount Of Ions?

3rd Place
Quinn M.
Simple Changes Can Make A Big Difference!

4th Place
Alex P.
Which Drink Contains The Most Vitamin C??

5th Place
Nina N., Randa N., Lauren V.
What Disneyland Ride Contains Coliform Bacteria?

6th Place
Saam B., Spencer L.
Does Temperature Affect Glow Stick Life?

Honorable Mention
Jake S.
Which Floorboard Material Is The Best Conductor – Wood, Tile. Granite, Or Slate?

Sierra Canyon Students Display Their Projects in County Competition

Thirteen students entered their projects in the Los Angeles County Science Fair, which was held on April 16-th – 18th at the Staples Center.

These students, along with six hundred other students from across the county, competed in the Junior Division in categories such as Physiology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Behavioral and Social Science, Engineering, and Microbiology. Students who received awards were interviewed by a panel of judges, who are experts in their fields.

We are proud of the students who represented Sierra Canyon at the county level. Congratulations, to those who received awards!

Sierra Canyon students were awarded the following places at the Los Angeles County Science Fair:

Aaron C. ’13
1st Place, Pharmacology
(Qualified for California State Science Fair and was a Grand Prize Sweepstakes finalist)

Timothy L. ’14
3rd Place, Environmental Management

Phillip C. ’14
3rd Place, Microbiology

Jennifer C. ’14
Honorable Mention, Chemistry Applied (Qualified for State Science Fair)

Ashley H. ’12
Honorable Mention, Animal Biology

Pavan M. ’13
Honorable Mention, Chemistry Applied

Shilpa M. ’13
Honorable Mention, Physics, Aerodynamics/Hydrodynamics

Grant G. ’14
Special Award: Alternative Transportation and Fuels

Congratulations also to the rest of the team and their teachers for representing Sierra Canyon. We are proud of all of you for your excellence in science.

Jackson R. ’14
Charles W. ’13
Nicole G. ’13
Katie S. ’13
Lindsay L. ’13

Teachers: Mrs. Robbie Revel, Mr. Bruce Buenaventura, and Mrs. Terry Lucera

Students Inducted into California Junior Scholarship Federation

The California Junior Scholarship Federation, or CJSF, recognizes students who possess high standards and are accomplished in academic scholarship, community service and citizenship. The organization promotes the education of academically motivated students, encouraging them to get involved in their communities through volunteer service. Sierra Canyon is one of approximately one thousand chapters located across the state, and membership into our chapter is based upon grades and good citizenship.

This year, our chapter was ably led by it officers:

President
Gabrielle T. ’12

Vice President
Katie C. ’12 and Shilpa M. ’13

Secretary
Ashley Himmelstern ’12

Faculty Advisors
Mr. Fred Melcher and Mr. Andy Mussack

CJSF Members for the 2007-2008 School Year Are:

Victoria B. ‘12
Jennifer C. ‘14
Kayla C. ‘12
Katie C. ‘12
Christopher H. ‘12
Madison H. ‘14
Ashley H. ‘12
Olivia H. ‘13
Shelby K. ‘13
Collin L. ‘14
Timothy L. ‘14
Miranda L. ‘14
Zoe L. ‘13
Lindsay L. ‘13
Shilpa M. ‘13
Pavan M. ‘13
Claire M. ‘13
Quinn M. ‘12
Zoe M. ‘14
Lily M. ‘13
Adam M. ‘12
Melissa M. ‘14
Alyssa N. ‘12
Amari O. ‘13
Elijah P. ‘14
Lilly P. ‘12
Pari P. ‘13
Christina R. ‘12
Ashley S. ‘14
Zack S. ‘14
Julia S. ‘12
Katie S. ‘13
Matthew T. ‘12
Gabrielle T. ‘12
Lauren V. ‘12
Janna V. ‘12

Sierra Canyon Excels at Drama Festival

The Drama Teachers Association of Southern California (DTASC) Shakespeare Festival was held on Saturday, April 26 at John Burroughs High School, Burbank. Sierra Canyon competed with 35 Middle Schools from as far away as San Diego with more than 800 students in attendance in all age categories.

Congratulations to the following Sierra Canyon award winners:

First Place Trophy
As You Like It
Lily R. ’12, Josh I. ’12, Miranda L. ’14, Michael D. ’12, Olivia H. ’13,
Zack S. ’14

First Place Trophy
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Spencer L. ’12, Courtney L. ’13

Third Place Trophy
Henry VI, Part 1
Ross H. ’12, Jake S. ’12, Chris H.’12, Caitlin M. ’12, Saam B. ’12,
Alex P. ’13

Fourth Place Trophy
Measure for Measure
Elizabeth W. ’13, John H. ’12, Karlyn B. ’13

Fifth Place Trophy
Hamlet
Nicole G. ’13, Nicole K. ’12, Alyssa N. ’12, Katie H. ’12

Julia S. ’12 who presented monologues from A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar made it to the finals.

Sierra Canyon won a Fourth Place Sweepstake trophy based on the accumulation of points won.

First place winners in all categories presented their scenes at DTASC's Salute To The Winners on Tuesday, May 6th at the Madrid Theatre.

Field Trips Are Important Adjuncts to Our Curriculum

Sixth Graders Enjoy Theater and Geology
During Two-Day Local Field Trip Experience

Under the expert guidance of their LA/SS teachers, Mrs. Clo Carlisi and Mr. Fred Melcher, and their science teacher, Mrs. Terry Lucera, our sixth graders enjoyed a two-day field adventure at the end of April.. Students, who were divided into two groups, alternated their destinations, one day visiting the Hall of Gems and Minerals at the Natural History Museum, and the other day seeing As You Like It at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.

The Theatricum Botanicum is a local, outdoor theatre in Topanga Canyon that is committed to bringing classic and modern texts to life for young audiences. Our students were able to experience Shakespeare's language in an exciting way that will serve to introduce them to Elizabethan English and provide a lasting impression. This field trip experience began with an in-class visit earlier in the month by a Theatricum artist-educator, during which students were given background information on the play they would be seeing, the comedy, As You Like It.

On the day of their trip, students traveled to the beautiful 300-seat outdoor amphitheatre, which is crafted out of the hillside and planted with a formal Shakespearean garden containing many of the 1,000 plants mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. They experienced this abridged production with original language intact and, for a unique twist, set in America during the Civil War. This highly acclaimed and dynamic performance engaged the audience in a personal and intimate way and provided us with a meaningful lead-in to our reading of an abridged version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and relates to our study of the Roman Empire. It was a pleasure to travel with the 6th grade class and to share this valuable experience with them as it unfolded.

Their trip to the Hall of Gems and Minerals provided an enrichment experience for the sixth graders’ studies in geology. As the junior geologists toured the exhibits, they worked in small groups to complete a “Treasure Hunt” assignment, a science lab away from school. Each team observed a spectacular collection of minerals, learned how minerals and gemstones are formed in nature, discovered how minerals are identified and classified, and traced the history of the California gold rush. The highlights of the whole experience were viewing the priceless display of famous gems in the high-security gem vault and the world’s largest crystal ball!

Seventh Graders Become Archaeologists for a Week

This field excursion forms the basis for the interdisciplinary unit, Archaeologist in the Southwest, incorporating language arts, social studies, science, art, and math in a most unique manner. On May 16th, seventh graders will begin their week-long journey with a night in Durango, Colorado. Early the next morning, our students and teachers will meet their field instructors at Mesa Verde National Park and spend the day touring this amazing site. Mesa Verde National Park is the only national park preserving a man-made site and designated by the United Nations as a “World Heritage Site”, one of the only 100 such treasures in the world.

The remainder of the week is spent at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in southwest Colorado for “in the field” activities designed to teach archaeology, ecology, and appreciation of ancient cultures through specially designed workshops.

This is a wonderful opportunity to provide our students with the opportunity to become part of an authentic research project, while working alongside archaeologists in the field excavating Anasazi ruins. Students will work in the lab analyzing artifacts and experience first hand, the work of scientists, historians, and researchers who are attempting to reconstruct the earliest civilization in this region. By using actual artifacts, students reconstruct the lifeways and chronological sequence of these early Puebloan occupants of the area. They will be guided to wash, sort, analyze, and catalog artifacts, and in the process, practice observation, data collection, and recording skills they have learned throughout their Sierra Canyon years.

The group living experiences of this week-long program and planned social activities are important factors for the students in developing social maturity and a sense of responsibility. Sketching, journal writing, storytelling, nature walks, and evening programs help students to personalize their experiences and document their memories.

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Middle School Announcements

Special Events Planned for Our Eighth Grade Class, Pulse

Universal CityWalk
Wednesday, May 21

This day is planned as a well-deserved break from finals and CAP preparation, as well as a day to enjoy the company of classmates. Before leaving school, students will have time to take pictures for their scrapbooks and then it’s off to Universal CityWalk! Our group will have Brunch at the Hard Rock Café, where the upstairs areas have been reserved for us. Brunch will be followed by the IMAX theater and then games and more food at Jillian’s. We will return to school by 3:00 p.m.

Solar Car Races
Wednesday, May 28

After weeks of designing, building, and testing, the eighth grade solar car teams are ready to race their entries! Cars will be judged for speed and stability, while spectators from both Middle School and Lower School enjoy the competition. Colorful team t-shirts, cheers, and refreshments will add to the festivities. Parents are invited to join the fun. Race time will be announced at a later date. Eighth graders, start your photons!

Continuing Achievement Presentations
Thursday, May 29 • Friday, May 30 • Saturday, May 31

During our CAP week, eighth grade students will be center stage while presenting their achievement recital to their invited guests. A reception will be hosted by the Parent Association. Invitations will be completed and mailed shortly. The students are hard at work preparing to integrate a large body of learning and accomplishment into one presentation. We always look forward to this uniquely Sierra Canyon culmination event and are extremely proud of the quality of these projects.

Early Dismissals
Thursday, May 29 • Friday, May 30

In order to allow time to prepare for CAP presentations, eighth graders will have a lunchtime dismissal on Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30. The exact time of the dismissal will be published as we get closer to the dates.

Graduation
Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Sierra Canyon Middle School’s graduation will be held Wednesday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m. The eighth grade will be dismissed at noon on the day of graduation. Students should be back at school, with cap and gown, by 5:30 p.m. for picture taking and final preparations.

Magic Mountain
Thursday, June 5

To celebrate their accomplishments as well as the friendships formed during their years at Sierra Canyon, the eighth grade class will spend the day together at Magic Mountain. We will leave at 9:00 a.m. and return to school at approximately 4:30 p.m. Students should bring some spending money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs.

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