Science & Social Studies - Ms. Aikin
This is my first year at SCS and I am so happy to be working here. Adjusting to this school was not hard at all. Everyone made me feel welcome and treats me as if I wasn't new. I did bring my son to SCS this year too. He is a third grader and is just loving it! He didn't have any problems fitting in or adjusting to this school. His teachers have helped him in so many ways. This school strives to be the best it can both Spiritually and Academically. I can't say enough about our first year's experience at SCS. This is definitely the place to be!
Subjects I Teach
Science 6-8
Social Studies 7-8
Education -
Medaille College - Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education
Canisius College - Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision
New York State Permanently Certified in both areas
Years in Education - 12 years
Homework for Social and Science: 
Every day spend at least 15 minutes reviewing vocabulary (key terms). Vocab. is a major part of remembering history and scientific methods. Once you know the vocab. you will be well on your way of mastering the rest of the information.
Other assignments like end of section questions and study guide sheets will be given as we finish each section. I will tell you in class what they are and keep these assignments in your agendas. They are also written on the board.
If any student needs to meet with me for extra help on a topic, chapter, test, etc. I am in school every morning by 7:30AM and after school until 3:00PM. Stop by and let me know what you need to work on and we can set up a time to meet. I am here to help, all you need to do is ask and be ready to work!
News:
The middle school students have been given a project as a final assessment for Social Studies/ELA. The project is due to their homeroom teacher by Thursday, May 24, 2012. They have a packet of instructions to follow. The students are researching a state of their choice (they picked them already). After collecting the research they are to design a power point, research paper, or make up a song/rap to explain the information about their state. Once again, this is due May 24.
Along with the project, the students will be making a food of choice and brining a receipe to accompany the dish. This is called an Ethnic Nosh (TASTE EXTRAVAGANZA). This part of the project is not due until Wednesday, June 13. This is when we will share the dishes with each other and celebrate our findings. In the afternoon of the 13th of June, we will also have our Awards Ceremony for the middle school students. If the students have any questions they are to ask their homeroom teachers.
It is amazing that we are already into May. The class has been preparing for their NYS Science Test. They will be taking the performance part of the test on May 31st. The written part will be administered June 4th.
As of Thursday, May 10th the 8th graders will be allowed to dress down on Thursdays. This is a special privilidge and must be treated as one. They are to dress and act appropriately in order to keep the privilidge.
I have finished planning the retreat for 8th grade. We will be taking the kids to
Camp
Pioneer
in
Angola
on Wednesday, May 2nd. This is a day of
Team
Building
and Reflection. They will be outside doing an obstacle course, climbing, and spending a devotion time at a camp fire. They will be at the camp from
9AM
-2PM. Lunch is being provided for them. More information will follow with a permission slip to sign (after Spring Recess).
Our class trip is complete in preparation. We will be going to
Holiday
Valley
to do some ziplining and roller coaster riding. Our trip will be on Friday, May 18th (no school the next day :) ). We will spend the day in Ellicottville. After
Holiday
Valley
we are going to walk the strip for a little shopping, then off the the Pastuzynski's Chalet for a barbeque and games. It looks as though the class will have enough money to pay for this day without asking the parents to contribute (best trips!). As we get closer to the date, I will be sending home a letter with all the information and a permission slip. Parents are welcome to attend any and all parts of our day.
Remember some important May dates:
Every Friday Morning we have Mass at
9:00
, please join us.
Wednesday, May 2nd 8th Grade Retreat @ Camp Pioneer
Friday, May 4th Pastor Appreciation Day
Thursday, May 10th Free Jeans Day
Friday, May 11 Early dismissal Teacher Appreciation Day
Tuesday, May 15th Diocsean Track Meet
Wednesday, May 16th Spring Concert
Thursday, May 17th Ascension Thursday/ Father Peter's 15th Anniversary
Friday, May 18th Class Trip to Sky High Adventure (Holiday Valley)
Friday, May 25th Pastor Holiday no school
Monday, May 28th Memorial Day no school
Thursday, May 31st Science Performance Test
If there is ever a question or concern please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here whenever you need me. I can be reached at school 716-627-5011 or eaikin@southtownscatholic.org .