Term 1 Grades, Report Cards, Award Assemblies, Parent-Teacher Conferences

The first term came to a conclusion on Friday, October 29th.

Report cards will be issued on or about November 10th.

First term academic award assemblies are scheduled as follows:
Grade 7 November 17th Period 3
Grade 8 November 17th Period 4

Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on November 17th from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm

New Student Orientation - Parent Information Session (September 2010)

To assist our students (and their families) with the transition to the 7th grade, we are providing a two-day orientation (September 1st and September 2nd) for students and an evening information session (September 2nd) for parents and guardians.Please note, the orientation has been change from three (3 hour)days to two (4 hour) days because of the schedule of our building renovation/construction project.

The two-day orientation will provide students with an opportunity to tour the building, meet some of their classmates as well as some of our teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators, learn our behavioral and academic expectations and receive advice on how to be successful O’Bryant students (e.g., organizational and time management skills). Students will receive light refreshments each day and a gift-bag of O’B paraphernalia on the last day of orientation.

The orientation will start each day at 8:30 am and end at 12:30 pm. Students must arrange for their own transportation to and from orientation. Signs will be posted to direct students to the appropriate location in the building. Students must bring a three-ring binder (minimum of 1 ½ inches) and pencils and pens to orientation.

The information session will provide parents/guardians with an opportunity to meet some of our teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators, an overview of our behavioral and academic expectations, and suggestions on how they can help their children be successful at the O’Bryant, and a chance to ask questions. The information session will be held in the main auditorium and will start at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm.

You should receive a letter (dated August 9, 2010)inviting you to the orientation.

RSVP by no later than Friday, August 27, 2010 either by:

E-Mailing dmacleod@boston.k12.ma.us

or by mailing the form at the bottom of the letter to:
David S. MacLeod, Assistant Headmaster
John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science
55 Malcolm X. Blvd.
Roxbury, MA 02120

Students Entering Grade 8 - Science Summer Readings (Summer 2010)

In addition to the ELA and Social Studies assignments found on the link to the right, students entering the 8th grade must also read one of the following books:
Chew On This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson
Close To Shore by Michael Capuzzo
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
Life As We Knew It by Susan Bell Pfeffer
Dr. Art’s Guide to Science: Connecting Atoms, Galaxies and Everything in Between
by Art Sussman
Dr. Art’s Guide to Planet Earth: For Earthlings Ages 12-20 by Art Sussman
If you have any questions concerning the Summer Assignments for Science please contact Mr. M. Sullivan at msullivan4@boston.k12.ma.us.

O'Bryant Middle School Astronomical Adventures !

This summer, follow Ms. Mendillo (O'Bryant middle school science teacher) as she visits 12 of the major astronomical observatories in the Southwestern United States.

See the link to her Astronomical Adventures Blog on right.

Summer 2010 - Middle School Readings and Assignments

All Middle School students are required to complete summer readings and assignments for their ELA, History, and Science classes. There are no required readings or assignments for math class.

Please see the Links section of this Middle School Blog or the O'Bryant website for a description of these assignments.

Summer Readings and Assignments - 2009

All Middle School students are required to complete summer readings and assignments for their ELA, History, and Science classes. There are no required readings or assignments for math class.

Please see the Links section of this Middle School Blog or the O'Bryant website for for a description of these assignments.

New Student Orientation - Parent Information Session (September 2009)

To assist our students (and their families) with the transition to the 7th grade, we are providing a three-day orientation (September 1st, September 2nd, and September 3rd) for students and an evening information session (September 2nd) for parents and guardians.

The three-day orientation will provide students with an opportunity to tour the building, meet some of their classmates as well as some of our teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators, learn our behavioral and academic expectations and receive advice on how to be successful O’Bryant students (e.g., organizational and time management skills). Students will receive light refreshments each day and a gift-bag of O’B paraphernalia on the last day of orientation.

The orientation will start each day at 8:30 am and end at 11:30 am. Students must arrange for their own transportation to and from orientation. Signs will be posted to direct students to the appropriate location in the building. Students must bring a three-ring binder (minimum of 1 ½ inches) and pencils and pens to orientation.

The information session will provide parents/guardians with an opportunity to meet some of our teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators, an overview of our behavioral and academic expectations, and suggestions on how they can help their children be successful at the O’Bryant, and a chance to ask questions. The information session will be held in the main auditorium and will start at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm.

You should have received a letter (dated August 10, 2009)inviting you to the orientation.

RSVP by no later than Thursday, August 27, 2009 either:

E-Mail dmacleod@boston.k12.ma.us

or by mailing the form at the bottom of the letter to:
David S. MacLeod, Assistant Headmaster
John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Scienc
55 Malcolm X. Blvd.
Roxbury, MA 02120

Term 2 Report Cards/Parent Teacher Conferences/Academic Awards Assemblies

Please be advised of the following important dates:

Friday, January 16, 2009 Term 2 Report Cards sent home

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 Parent Teacher Conferences
7:25 am to 9:20 am

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Term 2 Academic Awards Assemblies

Term 1 Academic Awards Assemblies

On November 19, 2008, the following 7th and 8th grade students were recognized at the Term 1 Middle School Academic Awards Assemblies:

Grade 7 Awards

Grade 7 - Headmaster’s List
Jailene Cabrera
Timothy Chiu
Aylin Garcia
Brysen Greene
Sandy Hoang

Grade 7 - Honor Roll
Helen Ashley
Blerta Bajrami
Shirley Bang
Kalani Butler
Kadeejah Clayton
Joel Diaz
Abigail Ezedonmwen
Siham Fatmi
Ixchel Garcia
Rusheika Gordon
Genesis Guerrero
Anna Lee
Bonnie Li
Man Ting Li
William Ma
Vinnette Marrero
Stephanie Medor
Ariel Mejia
Ernest Mejia Ramirez
Andrea Novelle-Ruddy
Edwin Ortiz
Ricardo Ortiz
Dayja Prophet
Patrick Stepnowski
Tommy Suen
Surith Sun
Fu Peter Tang
Kalaina Thorne
Kitha Un
Diana Villatoro
Stanley Wong

Grade 7 - Honorable Mention
Lindzeybeth Alicea
Elisonia Almeida
Anthony Bruno
Demeisha Daniels
Julio Diaz
Kimberly Diaz Volaquez
Joshua Frias
Ariana Gardner
Zipporah Griffith
Ariel Guzman
Lore Huynh
Liliana Jacobson
Joe Le
Amy Mai
Aaliyah Malone
Esmeralda Mendez
Suada Noor
Kemi Pham
Dave Pierre
Sule Rene’Carthy
Tamarah Riddick
Dominic Sobrecarey
Lavonne Vick-Warren
Malachi Villaluz
Moriah Wiggins

Grade 7 - Students of the Term
ELA
Ms. Chaney Aaron Goldsmith
Ms. Jones Kadeejah Clayton
Ms. Tamerat Jailene Cabrera

MS Algebra
Mr. Keung Man-Ting Li
Mr. Prebys Anna Lee

Science
Ms. Hibbard Ixchel Garcia
Ms. Terry Ernest Mejia

Geography
Ms. Cardoso-Barbosa Javon Clark
Ms. Erilus Stanley Wong
Ms. Fanning Kalaina Thorne

Grade 7 - Supplemental Academic Awards

ELA – Ms. Tamerat
Class Leader Ernest Mejia
Most Diligent Blerta Bajrami
Most Improved Elisania Almeida

ELA – Ms. Chaney
Class Leader Eugenia Phillip
Most Diligent Timothy Chiu
Most Improved Vanna Tran

ELA – Ms. Jones
Class Leader Javon Clark
Most Diligent Tommy Suen
Most Improved Aaron Nguyen

Middle School Algebra – Mr. Keung
Class Leader Jailene Cabrera
Most Diligent Rusheika Gordon
Most Improved Ricardo Ortiz

Middle School Algebra – Mr. Prebys
Class Leader N/A
Most Diligent Kimberly Diaz Volquez
Most Improved Yousra Nasri

Science – Ms. Terry
Class Leader Abigail Ezedonmwen
Most Diligent Zipporah Griffith
Most Improved Edwin Ortiz

Science – Ms. Hibbard
Class Leader Javon Clark
Most Diligent Tommy Suen
Most Improved Minhan Nguyen

Geography – Ms. Fanning
Class Leader N/A
Most Diligent Ernest Mejia
Most Improved Blerta Bajrami

Geography – Ms. Erilus
Class Leader Zipporah Griffith
Most Diligent Edwin Ortiz
Most Improved Timothy Chu

Geography – Ms. Cardoso-Barbosa
Class Leader Jeremy Aquino
Most Diligent Man-Ting Li
Most Improved N/A

Grade 8 Awards

Grade 8 - Headmaster’s List
Nicholas Miller

Grade 8 - Honor Roll
Viola Bame
Derek Briggs
Ashley Dixon
Laetitia Dorsinville
Bi Yi Huang
Huyen Le
Weiqi Liao
Cuong Linh
Samantha Michel
Emmanuel Poz Diaz
Allen Tan
Helene Tran
Hong Oanh Tran
Mimi Vuong
Yi le Wang
Jia Ye

Grade 8 - Honorable Mention
Venus Abhar
Barry Bhagwandeen
Jasmine Brown
Wendy Chacon-Badilla
Amanda Collier
Toan Dao
Kyanna Dixon
Ali Farrahani
Shacoya Fisher
Aleena Hill-DaCosta
Kamela Hysa
William Jean
Vernice Liles
Saudy Luzuriaga
Johnny Mejia
Kerlie Merizier
Ahadu Molla
Thalia Montalvo
Kristen O’Brien
Christian Peguero
Kate Perez
Maryjo Raei
Sairanny Rodriguez
Suzette Schand
Kevin Sin
Melissa Thai
Sakiroh Tran

Grade 8 - Students of the Term
ELA
Ms. Lazo Cuong Linh
Mr. Marotta Kristen O’Brien

Algebra
Mr. Hodjat Nicholas Miller
Ms. Lawrence Yi Le Wang

Science
Ms. Hall Helene Tran
Ms. Mendillo Suzette Schand

Civics
Ms. Bailey Amy Tamakloe
Ms. Cardoso-Barbosa Mimi Vuong
Ms. Erilus Allen Tan

Grade 8 - Supplemental Academic Awards

Grade 8 – Lazo, Lawrence, Hall Team
Assistant Headmaster Award Samantha Michel

ELA – Ms. Lazo
Class Leader Zenubia Cameron
Most Diligent Yi Le Wang
Most Improved Tingho Tam

Algebra – Ms. Lawrence
Class Leader Wei Qi Liao
Most Diligent Breona Galvez
Most Improved Mary Jo Raei

Science – Ms. Hall
Class Leader Valerie Nieves
Most Diligent Johnny Mejia
Most Improved John Paul

Grade 8 – Marotta, Hodjat, Mendillo Team
Assistant Headmaster Award Sairanny Rodriguez

ELA – Mr. Marotta
Class Leader Suzette Schand
Most Diligent William Jean
Most Improved Biruk Sirmollo

Algebra – Mr. Hodjat
Class Leader Cristian Polanco
Most Diligent Karl Li
Most Improved Barry Bhagwandeen

Science – Ms. Hall
Class Leader Biyi Huang
Most Diligent Steffany Connolly
Most Improved Malik Willis

Civics – Ms. Bailey
Class Leader Kristen O’Brien
Most Diligent Carly Johnson
Most Improved Biruk Sirmollo

Civics – Ms. Erilus
Class Leader Suzette Schand
Most Diligent Barry Bhagwandeen
Most Improved Nicholas Miller

Civics – Ms. Cardoso-Barbosa
Class Leader N/A
Most Diligent Samantha Michel
Most Improved N/A

Grade 7 Orientation ~ August 26 - 28

To assist our students (and their families) with the transition to the 7th grade, we are providing a three-day orientation (August 26th, 27th and 28th) for students and an evening information session (August 27th) for parents/guardians.

The three-day orientation will provide students with an opportunity to tour the building, meet some of their classmates as well as some of our teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators, learn our behavioral and academic expectations and advice on how to be successful O’Bryant students (e.g., organizational and time management skills). Students will receive light refreshments each day and a gift-bag of O’B paraphernalia on the last day of orientation.

The orientation will start each day at 8:30 am and end at 11:30 am. Students must arrange for their own transportation to and from orientation. Signs will be posted to direct students to the appropriate location in the building. Students must bring a three-ring binder (minimum of 1 ½ inches) to orientation.

The information session will provide parents/guardians with an opportunity to meet some of our teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators, an overview of our behavioral and academic expectations, and suggestions on how they can help their children be successful at the O’Bryant, and a chance to ask questions. The information session will be held in the main auditorium and will start at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm.

You should be receiving a letter in the mail this week (August 11th) inviting you to the orientation and information session.

If you do not receive the letter or you have any questions, please e-mail me Dave MacLeod at dmacleod@boston.k12.ma.us (at any time) or call (617) 635-9932 (starting August 18th)

Students Entering the 8th Grade ~ Summer 2008 Reading and Activities

All students entering the 8th grade in the Fall of 2008 must complete the following readings/activities for History, ELA, Science, and Math during the Summer of 2008:

History:
You must read:
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beales (fiction) (test book)

and you must read any one (1) of the following (activity book):
Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave by Virginia Hamilton (fiction)
April Morning by Howard Fast (fiction)
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (fiction)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (fiction)
With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for Women's Right to Vote by Ann Bausum (non-fiction)

There will be a writing prompt on the required grade 8 history reading (Warriors Don't Cry)in early September. Directions for the choice grade 8 history reading activity assignment may be found at the following website: http://www.obryant.us/files/File1766.doc

ELA:
You must read:
Lord of the Flies – Golding (fiction) (test book)

and you must read any one (1) of the following: (book jacket & quotation assignment)
Ryan White: My Own Story – White (non-fiction)
Road to Memphis – Taylor (non-fiction)
Esperanza Rising– Munoz-Ryan (fiction)

There will be a writing prompt on the required grade 8 ELA reading (Lord of the Flies) in early September. Directions for the choice grade 8 ELA reading book jacket and quotation assignment may be found at the following website: http://www.obryant.us/files/File1771.doc

Science:
Students will read the complete Middle School Science Fair Manual. The MSSF Manual can be found at the following link:
http://massscifair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=69

Students will also read the following guides, which can be found at:
http://massscifair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=98
Student Guide: How to Do a Science Fair Project
A How-To Guide for Students by Students (Powerpoint)

Students will come to school with an idea and potential title for their science fair project. Students should be ready to present their project idea to their teacher, and upon teacher approval, start work on their project immediately.

Math:
To be posted.

Students Entering the 7th Grade ~ Summer 2008 Reading and Activities

All students entering the 7th grade in the Fall of 2008 must complete the following readings/activities for History, ELA, Science, and Math during the Summer of 2008:

History:
You must read:
Captain Courageous by Rudyard Kipling (fiction) (test book)

and you must read any one (1) of the following (activity assignment):
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne (fiction)
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez (fiction)
Child of the Owl by Laurence Yep (fiction)
Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry (non-fiction)
In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World by Virginia Hamilton (fiction)
To Be Young In America: Growing Up With The Country, 1776-1940 by Sheila Cole (non-fiction)

There will be a writing prompt on the required grade 7 history reading (Captain Courageous)in early September. Directions for the choice grade 7 history reading activity assignment may be found at the following website: http://www.obryant.us/files/File1766.doc

ELA:
You must read:
The Old Man and the Sea – Hemingway (fiction) (test book)

and you must read one (1) of the following(book jacket and quotation assignment):
Hatchet – Paulsen (fiction)
House on Mango Street – Cisneros (fiction)

There will be a writing prompt on the required grade 7 ELA reading (The Old Man and the Sea) in early September. Directions for the choice grade 7 ELA reading book jacket and quotation assignment may be found at the following website: http://www.obryant.us/files/File1771.doc

Science:
Students will read the complete Middle School Science Fair Manual. The MSSF Manual can be found at the following link:
http://massscifair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=69

Students will also read the following guides, which can be found at:
http://massscifair.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=98
Student Guide: How to Do a Science Fair Project
A How-To Guide for Students by Students (Powerpoint)

Students will come to school with an idea and potential title for their science fair project. Students should be ready to present their project idea to their teacher, and upon teacher approval, start work on their project immediately.

Math:
Dear Incoming O’Bryant 7th Grade Mathematician:
Congratulations on your admittance and your decision to become part of the O’Bryant learning community. We eagerly anticipate your arrival in September and extend to you a summer assignment designed to prepare you for the rigorous curriculum we will explore throughout the school year.
As we are a school grounded in the disciplines of math and science and being that we actively implement technology in our curriculum, you will need to gain access to a computer with Internet access in order to explore the following activities. The two specific websites have been chosen to highlight skills that we expect you to be comfortable with as an incoming 7th grader.

Website #1: National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (at http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html)
Skill: Integer Operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers)
Summary: The site homepage is setup as a grid. Select the heading ‘Number and Operations.’ In the page that opens, select and explore the following activities in the order they are given here.

 Number Line Arithmetic
 Number Line Bounce
 Circle 3 Game
 Circle 0 Game
 Circle 21 Game

Each activity has a comprehensive set of instructions that detail the activity objective and instructions. They are meant to be self-guiding and easy to comprehend.

Website #2: Shodor Education Foundation Project Interactivate (at http://www.shodor.org/interactivate)
Skill: Number and Operations (arithmetic, fraction literacy and order of operations)
Summary: Select the Activities link under the Learners heading on the site homepage. On the next screen, choose the Number and Operations heading then explore the following activities in the order they are given here.

 Arithmetic Four
 Fraction Four
 Order of Operations

Each activity has both a learner and help tab designed to help you navigate the lesson.

While we encourage pure exploration with the websites and any independent activities you may want to try out, you are advised to write brief summaries of all eight assigned activities once you have used them extensively. Consider this summer assignment an introduction to the many independent explorations you will be expected to complete as an O’Bryant student. Your seventh-grade teachers will assess you formally to confirm your understanding once the school year commences.

We again extend our best wishes to you and your family and look forward to a productive school year together

Sincerely,

Mr. Keung
Mr. Hodjat
7th Grade Math Teachers

First Term Report Cards - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Grades for the 1st marking term closed on Friday October 26, 2007
Report Cards will be distributed to students on Thursday, November 8, 2007
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2007 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Middle School Expectations - FAQs (2007 - 2008)

We want you to do well in the 7th and 8th grade so you will move on to become a successful high school student at the O’Bryant; and so you are prepared to attend the “best colleges.” To this end, we have established certain expectations for our middle school students that we believe will help you to excel. The following are some frequently asked questions about what we expect from you:

What should I do when I arrive at school(before homeroom starts)?
All 7th and 8th grade students are to proceed directly to the 2nd floor upon their arrival at school. Students may not leave the 2nd floor before school other than to go to the first floor cafeteria for breakfast or to go to the library.

Students are not allowed in classrooms without adult supervision; and are not allowed to loiter in the locker area or hallways.

All 7th grade students must wait for the start of school in Cafeteria B (street-side cafeteria). No 8th graders are allowed in Cafeteria B before school.

All 8th grade students must wait for the start of school in Cafeteria A (field-side cafeteria). No 7th graders are allowed in Cafeteria A before school (other than to see Ms. Choi)

What happens if I am tardy to school?
All 7th and 8th grade students will be seated in class by 7:25 AM. Students who are late to homeroom are subject to the following consequences:

1st offense > warning by homeroom teacher
2nd – 4th offenses > homeroom teacher calls home and assigns lunch time detention, student completes reflection during detention
5th + offenses > homeroom teacher assigns after school detention, student completes reflection during detention, Mr. MacLeod calls home

What happens if I am tardy to class (period 2 – 6)?
All 7th and 8th grade students will be on time for class. Students who are late to class are subject to the following consequences:

1st and 2nd offenses > teacher calls home and assigns lunchtime detention; student completes reflection during detention
3rd + offenses > teacher assigns after school detention, student completes reflection during detention, Mr. MacLeod calls home

What happens if I cut class?All 7th and 8th grade students will attend all of their classes. Students who skip class are subject to the following consequences:
1st offense > teacher calls home and teacher assigns after school detention, student completes reflection during detention; Mr. MacLeod notified
2nd + offenses > teacher refers student to Mr. MacLeod; Mr. MacLeod calls home and has student complete reflection, student subject to disciplinary hearing

When can I go to my locker?Grade 8 students may only go to their lockers: before school, after 2nd period; before lunch, and at the end of the school day (escorted by teacher).
Grade 7 students may only go to their lockers: before school, before lunch, and at the end of the school day (escorted by teacher).

Where do I eat lunch?
All 7th grade students eat during 1st lunch period (between 3rd and 4th periods)
All 8th grade students eat during 2nd lunch period (between 4th and 5th periods)

Students in the homerooms of the following teachers eat in Cafeteria B (street-side cafeteria) during their assigned lunch period: (1st lunch: Gray, Keung, Tamerat) (2nd lunch: Hall, Lawrence, Lazo)

Students in the homerooms of the following teachers eat in Cafeteria A (field-side cafeteria) during their assigned lunch period: (1st lunch: Chaney, Hodjat, Terry) (2nd lunch: Marotta, Mendillo, Tapia)

All students will sit by homeroom at their assigned table. We will consider revisiting this policy for the 8th graders at end of September.

No more than two students (one boy, one girl) may leave the cafeteria at a time to go to the lavatory. Students must ask for permission and take a lavatory pass.

All students will be dismissed from the cafeteria by homeroom and will be escorted to their next class by the teacher of their next class.

How should I act when I travel off the floor?When possible, students will be escorted by a teacher when they have to travel off of the floor. Whether or not you are being escorted, you must proceed in an orderly and respectful manner.

How am I expected to act at school as well as on the way to and from school?
All 7th and 8th grade students are expected to comply with the Code of Discipline of the Boston Public Schools as well as the School-Based Rules. In addition, we expect all 7th and 8 grade students to demonstrate respect for themselves and others through their words and actions. We have a zero tolerance policy for bullying, name calling, harassment and fighting.

Remember that the Code of Discipline must be followed even when you are on the school bus or on the MBTA (to/from school).

What happens if I misbehave?
Your parents/guardians will be called and depending on what you did, you might receive a detention (lunchtime or after school) or a conference might be arranged with your parents/guardians (which may result in a suspension).

Can I use my cell phone at school?
Cell phones must not be used during school hours and must be turned off (not just on vibrate) and put away. Cell phones will be confiscated in accordance with BPS policy.

If a family member needs to get in touch with you during the school day, they should call the main office, Mr. MacLeod or Ms. Choi and the message will be promptly communicated to you. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be permitted to make a telephone call in the main office or in Mr. MacLeod or Ms. Choi’s office.

Can I use an IPod, GameBoy, PSP or other electronic device in school?
No. These items must be put away as soon as you enter the building. We strongly suggest that you don’t even bring them to school.

Does the school have a dress code?
Yes. Students should dress in a modest fashion. Shorts and skirts must be no more than 3 inches above the knee. Revealing shirts (low-cut, halters, spaghetti strap, etc.) or shirts with obscene or other inappropriate words or images can not be worn. Hats, doo-rages, scarves and other headgear must be removed as soon as you enter the building. For more details, please read the School-Based Rules.

When and where do detentions take place?
Lunchtime detentions are held in room 3-226 for students assigned to Cafeteria B (street-side cafeteria) and in room 3-239 for students assigned to Cafeteria A (field-side cafeteria).

Students must report directly to the detention room (not the lunch line) when they are assigned lunchtime detention. Students will be allowed to obtain lunch after the line diminishes

Students must complete a reflection during lunchtime detention; and must be silent during lunchtime detention.

After school detentions are held on Thursdays from 1:50 PM to 2:30 PM in room 3-242.

A 24 hour notice letter will sent home to parents/guardians so alternative arrangements can be made for transportation home.

Students must complete a reflection during after school detention; and must be silent during after school detention.

What is a reflection?
When you fail to meet our expectations, we want you to think about what you did (or didn’t do) and what you can do (or not do) in the future to avoid this same behavior. Depending on the circumstances, you will be required to complete the following reflections during detention: Tardy to Homeroom Reflection, Tardy to Class (Periods 2-6) Reflection, Cut Class/Unexcused Absence Reflection, Behavior/Problem Solving Reflection.


When and how will I be dismissed from school?Students whose 6th period classes are located on the street-side of the building (Lazo, Lawrence, Tamerat, Gray and Keung) will be dismissed through the exit door/stairway across the hall from 3-216.

Students whose 6th period classes are located on the 2nd floor, field-side of the building (Tapia, Marotta, Chaney, Hodjat and Terry) will be dismissed through the exit door/stairway across the hall from 3-209.

Students whose 6th period classes are located on the 3rd floor, field-side of the building (Mendillo and Hall) will be dismissed through the exit door/stairway across the hall from 3-308.

Can I stay in the building after dismissal?
All 7th and 8th grade students must leave the building at dismissal unless they are supervised by an adult and we have the explicit permission of their parents/guardian for them to stay at school.
Students scheduled to take the school bus must do so unless we have the explicit permission of their parents/guardians for them to get home otherwise.

How often will I receive homework in my classes?
All 7th and 8th grade students should expect to receive homework in every class almost every night (including weekends).

How much time should I spend on homework each night?
All 7th and 8th grade students are expected to spend approximately 2 – 3 hours every night working on homework.


We have high expectations for you and are confident that you will rise to the challenge.

Have a great year!

Remember O’Bryant “PRIDE”

Perseverance

Respect

Integrity

Discipline

Excellence

Middle School Summer Reading/Project Assignments ~ 2007

Introduction
Excellent analytical and reading comprehension skills are essential if you want to do well in your classes at the O’Bryant. These skills will also help you do well on the S.A.T.’s, and in college. Furthermore, one of the best ways to improve your writing is to do more reading. To this end, all O’Bryant students must complete the required readings and or projects in history, English, science and math this summer (see below). In addition, you must complete the journal activities for each book.

Summer Reading Journal Activity
All O’Bryant non-Advanced Placement students must complete Summer Reading Journals for all of their assigned summer reading. Reading journals should have the following two sections:

PART I:
Use the following format for each fiction book read:
1. List in complete sentences the major events in the plot. (approximately 8-10 sentences

2. Write a brief paragraph describing the setting and its impact on the story.
3. List and identify briefly the main characters. Explain the contribution of each to the story. (one paragraph for each main character)
4. Explain the major conflict in the story. (one to two paragraphs)
5. Write a paragraph explaining your reactions to the author's message or theme.
6. Select 5 important quotations from the book. Write a few sentences explaining
the importance of each quotation you chose. Include page numbers in parentheses.

Use the following format for each non-fiction book read:
1. What is the subject of the book? What is the book about? (one to two paragraphs)
2. Who is the author’s intended audience? Explain (one paragraph)
3. What is the author’s purpose in writing this book? What conclusion does the author hope that the reader will come to believe? (one to two paragraphs)
4. Did the author successfully achieve his/her purpose? In what way was his/her argument convincing? (one to two paragraphs)

-AND-

PART II: As you read the book (fiction or non-fiction), pause periodically and reflect on what you have read and prepare the following:

• a question beginning with “Why”
• a question beginning with “How” You don’t have to answer these questions
• a question beginning with “What”
• a statement beginning with “I predict” or “I remember,” followed with a “because” statement.

By the time you have finished reading each book, you must have prepared, at least, 5 “why” questions, 5 “how” questions, 5 “what” questions, and 5 “I predict” or “I remember” statements for each book.

Approximate Length of Journal for each book: Part I – one to two pages; Part II – one to two pages; Total – two to four pages

Due Date: All of your Summer Reading Journals should be turned in to your teachers on Friday, September 7, 2007. Your Summer Reading Journals will help you prepare for the in class writing prompts scheduled for early September. Both assignments will be assessed as test grades during the first marking period.

Format of Journal: Typed, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1 ½ space. Your name, grade, the date you completed the report, the book title (underlined or in italics) and the author’s name should be at the top of the first page

Parent/Guardian Signature Form: Please have your parent/guardian sign the Parent/Guardian Signature Form which should be turned in with your Summer Reading Journals on September 7th. (see O'Bryant website (http://obryant.us)/to download a copy of the same)

Students Entering

Grade 7:

History – World Geography:
You must read:
Captain Courageous by Rudyard Kipling (fiction)

and you must also read any one (1) of the following six (6) books:
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne (fiction)
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez (fiction)
Child of the Owl by Laurence Yep (fiction)
Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry (non-fiction)
In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World by Virginia Hamilton (fiction)
To Be Young In America: Growing Up With The Country, 1776-1940 by Sheila Cole (non-fiction)

English:
You must read any one (1) of the following three (3) books:
Hatchet - Paulsen
The Friends – Guy
House on Mango Street - Cisneros

Science:
You must read one (1) of the following two (2) books:
We Beat the Streets -Dr. Samson Davis, Dr. George Jenkins, and Dr. Rameek Hunt (non-fiction)
Think Big-Dr. Ben Carson (non-fiction)

Mathematics:
Congratulations on your admittance and your decision to become part of the O’Bryant learning community. We eagerly anticipate your arrival in September and extend to you a summer assignment designed to prepare you for the rigorous curriculum we will explore throughout the school year.
As we are a school grounded in the disciplines of math and science and being that we actively implement technology in our curriculum, you will need to gain access to a computer with Internet access in order to explore the following activities. The two specific websites have been chosen to highlight skills that we expect you to be comfortable with as an incoming 7th grader.

Website #1: National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (at http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html)
Skill: Integer Operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers)
Summary: The site homepage is setup as a grid. Select the heading ‘Number and Operations.’ In the page that opens, select and explore the following activities in the order they are given here.

<>Website #2: Shodor Education Foundation Project Interactivate (at http://www.shodor.org/interactivate)
Skill: Area and Perimeter of Polygons
Summary: Select the Activities link under the Learners heading on the site homepage. On the next screen, choose the Geometry heading then explore the following activities in the order they are given here.

Students Entering

Grade 8:

History - Civics:
You must read:
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Beales (fiction)

and you must also read any one (1) of the following five (5) books:
Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave by Virginia Hamilton (fiction)
April Morning by Howard Fast (fiction)
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (fiction)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (fiction)
With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for Women's Right to Vote by Ann Bausum (non-fiction)

English:
You must read:
Lord of the Flies – Golding (fiction)

and you must also read any one (1) of the following three (3) books:
Ryan White: My Own Story – White (non-fiction)
Road to Memphis – Taylor (non-fiction)
Esperanza Rising– Munoz-Ryan (fiction)

Science:
You must read one (1) of the following two (2) books:
Phineas Gage:A Gruesome but True Story about Brain Science -John Fleischman (non-fiction)
Rocket Boys- Homer Hickman (non-fiction)

Mathematics:
The math summer project is posted on the O’Bryant website at <http://obryant.us/>.

O'Bryant Middle School Academic Award Ceremonies - Terms 3 and 4

On Thursday, May 24th, academic award ceremonies were held in the auditorium during 5th and 6th periods to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our middle school students for the 3rd and 4th marking terms.The following students were honored at the assemblies:

Grade 7
Honor Roll - Term 3

High Honors
Wan Yi Huang
Michaela Murray

Honors
Addonisio, Corrado
Bennettguallp, Kiara
Blackmore, Caitlin
Boudreau, Jessica
Brito, Bianca
Delpebrice, Pascal
Elwell, Meghan
Hua, Tony
Huang, Wan Yi
John, Danielle
Le, Ngan
Lui, Kathy
Moraes Jr., Fabiano
Murray, Michael
Nguyen, Anh
Nguyen, Christina
O’Keefe, Brett
Pearson, Fantasia
Pham, Benji Truong
Phan, Joanna
Qorri, Ilva
Salmi, Fatimaezzahar
Sanchez, Yaritza
Sanders, Xavier
Soto, Nathalie
Straus, Peter
Thornton, Adrienne
Valcin, Josie
Watkins, Vanessa
Wong, Jeremy
Wong, Sara

Honorable Mention
Charles, Jean
Comeau, Meghan
Dang, Kathy
Daniels, Raishon
Dumornay, Wousthanya
Gonzalez, Astrid
Harris, Greykia
Hill, Vanessa
Jaber, Talal
Kersaint, Regine
Martinez, Crisamar
Mouton, Alexis
Nguyen, Tom
O’Neil, Shannon
Patterson, Courtney
Pena, Stanely
Prevot, Rony
Rama, Kelvisa
Shkreta, Sara
Situ, Cynthia
Tejeda-Diaz, Alexandra
Thomson-Allen, Shai
William, Shaniesha

Grade 7
Additional Academic Awards – Term 3

7A Team

Assistant Headmaster’s Award
Adrienne Thornton

English Language Arts
Student of the Term – Caitlin Blackmore
Class Leader – Lucille Germaine
Most Diligent – Edward Martinez
Most Improved – Xavier Sanders

MS Science 7
Student of the Term – Kathy Lui
Class Leader – Corrado Addonisio
Most Diligent – Raishon Daniels
Most Improved – Rosanny Sanabria

MS Algebra
Student of the Term – Tiffany Wong
Class Leader – Crisamar Martinez
Most Diligent – Christina Nguyen
Most Improved – Kathleen Eccleston

Geography (Kennelly)
Student of the Term – Rachel Joseph
Class Leader – Crisamar Martinez
Most Diligent – Tony Hua
Most Improved – Sharif Hussain
Grade 7 Middle School Academic Awards – Term 3

7B Team

Assistant Headmaster’s Award
Yaritza Sanchez

English Language Arts 7
Student of the Term– Michaela Murray
Class Leader – Anh Nguyen
Most Diligent – Michael Murray
Most Improved – Alexandra Tejeda

MS Science 7
Student of the Term – Kelvisa Rama
Class Leader – Josie Valcin
Most Diligent – Kiara Bennett Galluap
Most Improved – Alicia Perez

MS Algebra
Student of the Term– Ashaunte Martinez
Class Leader – Anh Nguyen
Most Diligent – Rosa Soto
Most Improved – Danielle John

Geography (Fanning)
Student of the Term – Michaela Murray
Class Leader – Fabiano Moraes Jr.
Most Diligent – Irayuleiki Mejia
Most Improved – Tiajia Suell Austin

Chorus
Student of the Term – Janelle Kennedy
Class Leader – Michael Allen
Most Diligent – Anh Nguyen
Most Improved – Tiajia Suell-Austin


Grade 8
Honor Roll – Term 3

Headmaster’s List
Chan, Alice

Honors
Arnold-Scott, Jade
Brito, Vicmarys
Bumar, May
Durand, Pierline
Li, Tony
Moy, Annie
Nguyen, Betsy
Nguyen, Wendy
Prifti, Gjergji
Tan, Xiolan
Wu, Tiffany
Zhu, Christine

Honorable Mention
Barnes, Carmen
Cartwright, Jalila
Cummins, Marleah
Dagondon, Margaret
Fajardo, Yaritza
Gomez, Florelis
Lara, Ramsel
Pena, Yaritza
Ransom, Chandler
Tan, Brendon
Tang, Tai


Grade 8
Additional Academic Awards – Term 3

Assistant Headmaster’s Award
Manuel Rios Alers

Civics
Student of the Term - Lydia Price
Class Leader – Victoria Strojwas
Most Diligent – Brendan Tan
Most Improved – Krista St. Louis

MS Science 8
Student of the Term - Alice Chan
Class Leader – Pierline Durand
Most Diligent – Aldwayne Demontegnac
Most Improved – Lydia Price

English Language Arts 8
Student of the Term - Manuel Rios Alers
Class Leader – Vicmarys Brito
Most Diligent – Iris Lapaix
Most Improved – David Vu

Algebra I
Student of the Term - Yarelis Diaz
Class Leader – Marleah Cummins
Most Diligent – Annie Moy
Most Improved – Angelica Meng

Spanish I
Student of the Term - Obinna Ndugba
Class Leader – Jade Arnold Scott
Most Diligent – Marleah Cummins
Most Improved – Obinna Ndugba

MCAS Prep
Student of the Term - Allen Vuong
Class Leader – Manuel Rios Alers
Most Diligent – Angelica Meng
Most Improved – Lydia Price

Grade 7
Honor Roll - Term 4

Headmaster’s List
Michaela Murray

Honors
Corrado Addonisio
Bianca Brito
Caitlin Blackmore
Kiara Bennettguallp
Pascal Delpebrice
Wousthanya Dumornay
Astrid Gonzalez
Danielle John
Kathy Lui
Anh Nguyen
Christina Nguyen
Ashaunte Martinez
Crisamar Martinez
Fabiano Moraes Jr.
Michael Murray
Brett O’Keefe
Rony Prevot
Kelvisa Rama
Fatimaezzahr Salmi
Yaritza Sanchez
Sara Shkreta
Cynthia Situ
Maressia Sneed
Adrienne Thornton
Shaniesha William
Sara Wong
Tiffany Wong

Honorable Mention
Michael Allen
Meghan Comeau
Kathy Dang
Kathleen Eccelston
Meghan Elwell
Greykia Harris
Tony Hua
Janelle Kennedy
Casandra Leveille
Amy Lyu
Frankline Mardi
Taylor Martin
Edward Martinez
Irayuleiki Mejia
Rosa Soto
Peter Starus
Shai Thomson-Allen
Josie Valcin
Vanessa Watkins
Jeremy Wong

Grade 7
Additional Academic Awards – Term 4

7A Team

Assistant Headmaster’s Award
Kathy Lui

English Language Arts
Student of the Term – Tiffany Wong
Class Leader – Joselina Fontes
Most Diligent – Christina Nguyen
Most Improved – Erica Butler

MS Science 7
Student of the Term – Pascal Delpebrice
Class Leader – Vanessa Watkins
Most Diligent – Meghan Comeau
Most Improved – Frankline Mardi

MS Algebra
Student of the Term – Christina Nguyen
Class Leader – Crisamar Martinez
Most Diligent – Caitlin Blackmore
Most Improved – Kathleen Eccleston

Geography (Kennelly)
Student of the Term – Joselina Fontes
Class Leader – Crisamar Martinez
Most Diligent – Caitlin Blackmore
Most Improved – Tan Nguyen

7 B Team

Assistant Headmaster’s Award
Brett O’Keefe

English Language Arts
Student of the Term– Michael Allen
Class Leader – Sara Shkreta
Most Diligent – Michaela Murray
Most Improved – Michael Allen

MS Science 7
Student of the Term – Ashaunte Martinez
Class Leader – Michaela Murray
Most Diligent – Joanna Phan
Most Improved – Cassandra Leveille

MS Algebra
Student of the Term– Joanna Phan
Class Leader – Alex Morrabal
Most Diligent – Regine Kersaint
Most Improved – Astrid Gonzalez

Geography (Fanning)
Student of the Term – Cynthia Situ
Class Leader –
Most Diligent – Kelvisa Rama
Most Improved – Tom Nguyen


Grade 8
Honor Roll - Term 4

Headmaster’s List
Alice Chan

Honors
May Bumar
Annie Moy
Betsy Nguyen
Wendy Nguyen
Yaritza Pena
Brendon Tan
Xiolan Tan
Tiffany Wu

Honorable Mention
Vicmarys Brito
Jalila Cartwright
Marleah Cummins
Yareliz Diaz
Pierline Durand
Yaritza Fajardo
Floraelis Gomez
Iris Lapaix
Tony Li
Angellica Meng
Melissa Nash
Christina Perry
Christine Zhu

Grade 8
Additional Academic Awards – Term 4

MS Science 8
Student of the Term - Alice Chan
Class Leader – Ramsel Lara
Most Diligent – Tri Pham
Most Improved – Florarelis Gomez

English Language Arts 8
Student of the Term – Yaritza Fajardo
Class Leader – Menwon Brisbane
Most Diligent – Iris Lapaix
Most Improved – Tilian Miles

Algebra I
Student of the Term – Tiffany Wu
Class Leader – David Vu
Most Diligent – Wendy Nguyen
Most Improved – Yessica Lopez

8th Graders Celebrate Women's History Month - Perseverance Essay Contest

In celebration of Women's History Month (March), the Boston Women's Heritage Trail sponsored an essay contest. Students in Mr. Marotta's ELA class were invited to write an essay where they selected a woman in their life who made a difference to those around them, and persevered. The contest was open to all students in the Boston Public Schools, and our students did exceptionally well. Not only did we have the overall second-place winner (Pierline Durand), but we also had several honorable mentions (Melissa Nash, Brianna Miller, Vicmarys Brito, Christine Zhu, Courtney Oben, Yessica Lopez, and Alice Chan. A ceremony honoring the students was held last week at the Lila Fredericks Pilot Middle School and most of our winners appeared with their mother, and in one case her father.

Report Cards

On Thursday, March 15th, report cards were given to all students to bring home.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Please be reminded that parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, March 29th from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

All 7th and 8th grade students should report to school at the regular time.

O'Bryant Middle School Students Excel at Citywide Science Fair

O'Bryant 7th and 8th grade students recently participated in the Boston Public Schools Science Fair. Overall, our students did a great job and were recognized for their excellence. Award winners were as follows:

First Place:

Michael Creese "Environmental Pressures on Daphnia"

Gjergi Prifti "How Does Distance Affect the Size of Reflection on Flat, Concave, and Convex Mirrors?"

Third Place:

Vicmarys Brito and

Yaritza Fajardo "How Do Different Types of Milk Affect their Mineral Content?"

Fabiano Moraes "The Effect of a Mousetrap Car on Speed"

Honorable Mention:

Kiara Bennett and

Kathy Dang "The Effect of Friction on the Wheels of Rocket Cars Distance"

Jasmin Alicea and

Wan Yi Huang "Building and Testing the Strength of Truss Bridges"

Alice Chan "How do Different Materials Affect Light Reflection and Refraction?"

Betsy Nguyen and

May Bumar "How Does the Amount of Baking Soda Affect Bubble Formation in a Closed Container?"

Melissa Pena and

Yaritza Pena "How Does the Color of Water Affect Its Evaporation Rate?"

Additional Awards:

Michael Creese U.S. Navy Award

Gjergji Prifti U.S. Navy Award

The winners will go on to compete in the State Science Fair the first weekend in June. Congratulations to all who participated.