Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and the Columbus Community, Welcome to an exciting 2010-2011 school year. This year I have two goals for our school: to improve the core instruction for academic success of our students and to improve our community relations as a school. To that end we have several initiatives that you will find in this newsletter and the future ones. We met federally mandated Adequately Yearly Progress ( AYP ) this school year as well, 3 years in a row. We are rated Continuous Improvement by Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Horizon Science Academy High School is rated Excellent this school year. Our goal is to be- come Effective next year in our path to Excellent. This year we have added another 6 th grade class, 6 Brown to our roster and we started the school with full capacity, over 325 students. As you already know our class names are all IVY league schools, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Brown. These names reflect our commitment to send our students to these IVY league universities. We are starting a new program this year, IVY League Path. Students will be selected based on their GPA and teacher recommendations for these programs. Students will meet on Saturdays to study and have fun activities afterwards. Another initiative we already started this school year is our Parent Breakfast every first Thursday of the month between 7:30am-8:30am. Please stop by to meet other parents and school staff while you enjoy a delicious breakfast. To improve our community relations with our parents and community, we are in the planning stages of a Parent Program on Saturdays. It will include concurrent sessions such as ESL, Basic Computer Skills and some others. Please contact our school if you would like to be involved in this initiative. In this newsletter you will also find Lead Poisoning Prevention Information. Please review it so you are prepared to prevent any lead caused issues. We would love the receive feedback from our parents to put on our school website. Please feel free to email us your comments and testimonials, send it to school in writing or simply find our school on GreatSchools.org by searching for ―Horizon Science Academy Columbus Middle School‖ and submit your comments and testimonials as a parent. You made the right decision by choosing Horizon Science Academy so let’s make it a wonderful school year together. Mr.Sechen Director From the Director October 2010 October 2010 Meet the Teachers Pages 3—7 October 9th 9 AM-3 PM A Letter from the Instructional Coordinator Page 2 Dean’s Report Page 10 Focus On Clas- ses 8—10 Focus On Clubs Page 11 Calendar Page 12 8th Grade Parents—Meet and Greet your child’s teachers on Wednesday, October 20th from 6:30 pm –8:00 pm. Horizon Science Academy Middle School will host an 8th grade Fall Family Night. We are inviting the families of our students to enjoy an evening of fun, food and games. 8th Grade—2010 FALL FAMILY NIGHT
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Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and the Columbus Community,
Welcome to an exciting 2010-2011 school year.
This year I have two goals for our school: to improve the core instruction for academic success
of our students and to improve our community relations as a school. To that end we have several
initiatives that you will find in this newsletter and the future ones.
We met federally mandated Adequately Yearly Progress ( AYP ) this school year as well, 3
years in a row. We are rated Continuous Improvement by Ohio Department of Education (ODE).
Horizon Science Academy High School is rated Excellent this school year. Our goal is to be-
come Effective next year in our path to Excellent.
This year we have added another 6th grade class, 6 Brown to our roster and we started the school
with full capacity, over 325 students. As you already know our class names are all IVY league
schools, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Brown. These names reflect our commitment to
send our students to these IVY league universities. We are starting a new program this year,
IVY League Path. Students will be selected based on their GPA and teacher recommendations
for these programs. Students will meet on Saturdays to study and have fun activities afterwards.
Another initiative we already started this school year is our Parent Breakfast every first Thursday
of the month between 7:30am-8:30am. Please stop by to meet other parents and school staff
while you enjoy a delicious breakfast.
To improve our community relations with our parents and community, we are in the planning
stages of a Parent Program on Saturdays. It will include concurrent sessions such as ESL, Basic
Computer Skills and some others. Please contact our school if you would like to be involved in
this initiative.
In this newsletter you will also find Lead Poisoning Prevention Information. Please review it so
you are prepared to prevent any lead caused issues.
We would love the receive feedback from our parents to put on our school website. Please feel
free to email us your comments and testimonials, send it to school in writing or simply find our
school on GreatSchools.org by searching for ―Horizon Science Academy Columbus Middle
School‖ and submit your comments and testimonials as a parent.
You made the right decision by choosing Horizon Science Academy so let’s make it a wonderful
school year together.
Mr.Sechen
Director
From the Director
October 2010 October 2010
Meet the Teachers
Pages 3—7
October 9th 9 AM-3 PM
A Letter from the
Instructional Coordinator
Page 2
Dean’s Report
Page 10
Focus On Clas-
ses
8—10
Focus On Clubs
Page 11
Calendar
Page 12
8th Grade Parents—Meet and Greet your child’s teachers on Wednesday, October 20th from
6:30 pm –8:00 pm.
Horizon Science Academy Middle School will host an 8th grade Fall Family Night. We are inviting the families of our students to enjoy an evening of fun, food and games.
8th Grade—2010 FALL
FAMILY NIGHT
Page 2 October 2010
Welcome!
Whether you are returning to HSA or joining us for your first year, I’d like to personally welcome you to our school
community and to a brand new school year. We are off to a great start to the school year. Students and teachers
alike have gotten back into the swing of school life. We have conducted our first school wide student achievement assessment and
will be using the information to further develop student programs. So, the excitement of returning to school after the long summer
break is behind us, and now the work begins. Each of us has a role and a purpose. As parents, one of your greatest tasks is com-
municating—with your student, with your family, with teachers, and with administration. Please also ensure that we always have
current contact information on file for you. If you have not received phone calls or mailings please call the office to double check
your contact information.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Our first Parent Teacher conference will be held on Saturday, October 9 from 9-3 at HSA. We urge each of you to meet with your
child’s teachers. You can sign up for conference times by visiting the school or by emailing the teachers.
DATABASE
Directions to access the database were mailed in mid-September to all students. If you did not receive a letter for your child with
their unique username and password or need assistance using and navigating the database please call me at 428-6564. To access
the database please go to http://grades.ms.horizoncolumbus.org.
TEXTBOOKS
Our textbooks are all new and they are on the Internet. You can access them online from anywhere. Just visit our school website,
HorizonColumbus.org/ms and click on the ―TextBook‖ link on the left hand side.
TUTORING
Tutoring is available to all students free of charge after school from 2:10-3:00 pm.
The tutoring schedule is as follows:
Mathematics/Social Studies: Mondays and Wednesdays between 2:10pm-2:55pm
Language Arts/ Science: Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2:10pm-2:55pm
We encourage all of our students to attend the tutoring sessions if they are having difficulty in those subject areas.
Please check our website HorizonColumbus.org/ms for any updates and any other links.
You made the right decision by choosing Horizon Science Academy so let’s make it a wonderful school year together.
Jessica Lindskog
Instructional Coordinator
From the Instructional Coordinator
Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips
Homes built before 1978 may have lead in them ␣ Childhood lead poisoning can result in:
— Learning problems
— Lowered attention span
— Hyperactivity
— Hearing loss
␣ To prevent lead poisoning: — Watch out for peeling and chipping paint
— Keep children and pregnant women away from renovations in pre-1978 homes
— Children and pregnant women should eat a diet rich in calcium and iron
— Wash hands before eating
— Wash toys often
— Use wet cleaning methods
— Let water run for at least one to two minutes before using for drinking and cooking
Hi, my name is Mr.Siraj. I am the Computer Science teacher and the IT Coordinator at Horizon
Middle School. This is my second year in Horizon schools. I teach the computer to all grades. Students like
the computers and I try to make enjoyable lessons. At this time I want to prepare my students to learn every-
thing about computer science. My goal is to teach modern technical knowledge to our students. I hope we
will have success together.
¡Hola! I’m Michael Hopper, and this is my first year teaching Spanish at Horizon. I attended
Miami of Ohio University, but later transferred and graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.
From there I taught for many years in Chicago in both public and independent schools.
I left the classroom in 1992 and moved to Orlando, FL, where I spent 13 years working as the Executive
Editor in charge of Spanish Reading and Language Arts programs for Harcourt School Publishers. During
my time at Harcourt, I returned to school and graduated with an MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park,
FL.
I decided that I really missed being in the classroom, so I moved back to the Midwest about five years ago to
return to teaching. It’s great because all of my immediate family members live in Ohio and Indiana, so we
get to spend much more time together. Since being in Columbus, I’ve taught Spanish at OSU and Columbus
State, and last year I worked in an ESL classroom at a Columbus City Middle School. This is my first teach-
ing position at a charter school, and I am enjoying being a part of the Horizon community!
At Horizon, I teach Spanish to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I speak in Spanish as much as possible during our
lessons because this mimics how toddlers acquire their first language. The students spend time taking in and
processing the language, and as they feel more comfortable and confident, they begin producing authentic
language and communicating in real-life situations.
El club del español (Spanish Club) will be held after school on Mondays beginning October 11 th. All inter-
ested students are invited to attend.
¡Hasta luego!
Merhaba! My name is Mr. Cell. My full name is Selim Duran Helvaci.
I am teaching Turkish this year. I have been working for Horizon
schools for 4 years. It is also my 3rd year in Columbus Middle School. I am
married and have a son. I love playing soccer, basketball, and eating Turkish
food. I will be offering a lot of extra curricular activities this year. The most
important one is a Turkey Trip for students, parents, and staff members. I will
post information for the trip during the first semester. Our first activity was vis-
iting Staford Ecology Center. We had a lot of fun and also learned new things.
I will also offer Turkish Club for everyone. All you need to do is write your
name on the sign up sheet. This club will help you to learn about Turkish cul-
ture, taste Turkish food, and practice Turkish. I wish a wonderful year to all
HSA students and staff members. It will be a great year and Horizon Columbus
Middle School will be Excellent school because students, staff, faculty and
administration are awesome. Go Horizon!!!
Miss Tester has worked for seven years for the Ohio State Parks. She loves outdoor activities like hik-
ing and camping. She also loves to read and read 20 books over the summer. She is very excited to be a part of
the Horizon team and expects that she will have immense fun teaching 7th grade science.
Page 8 October 2010
As you know, this is HSA’s second year in this building and we are hoping to one day have our own library. In the
meantime, the Language Arts teachers have been working on building their classroom book collections to loan to stu-
dents. As an ongoing process with limited funds, these collections are taking time to build. Ms. Kitts and Ms. Clarke have been
busy organizing book donations from local bookstores to add to our school’s book collections. Two stores, Barnes and Noble at
Easton Town Center and Half-Priced Books were immediate in responding to our school’s needs. We are very appreciative of
their bountiful donation and we encourage you to support their businesses. We continue to encourage donations like last year, Ms.
Clarke is currently working on recruiting a local author to visit HSA and share his writing career experiences.
In 7th grade science we've been having a blast. We finished our
unit on the scientific method where we did helicopter and rock-
et labs. We are now working on chemical and physical changes. Stu-
dents will do mini-experiments like mixing vinegar and baking soda
to observe for signs of chemical changes. In another lab, students will
also have to identify physical properties to discover the identity of
their unknown powder.
Twenty-five students went on an adventure to Alum Creek State Park.
Students held a turtle, went fishing, caught a frog, and found large
spiders in the woods. One student caught four fish and she had never
been fishing before! Other students weren't so lucky and just caught
sticks, but we all had a great time.
Salutations 6th grade families! It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to 6th grade language arts at Horizon Sci-
ence Academy. My goals for your students are that they become better more thoughtful readers, learn many new words,
become better writers and of course develop if not a love for reading at least more appreciation for reading. We have
begun the year with a series of short stories, and focused on some classical authors like Mark Twain and Hans Christian Anderson.
The focus or theme of our first quarter reading selections is self discovery and understanding how we fit in. Students will be asked
to think about what makes them unique from others and learning to celebrate the uniqueness of others. Wishing us all a fun and
learning filled year-
7th Grade Language Arts - Ms. Clarke
6th Grade Language Arts - Ms. Rife
7th Grade Science - Ms. Tester
Page 9 October 2010
Students have jumped straight into history by studying their own family trees
and relating it to ―Why is it important to study history‖. While the students researched their family history, several
students were amazed of what they found out. Students also had to create a timeline over their life, marking the most important
events of their life. This assignment was also a great way for me, as their teacher, to learn things about them. I love the fact that so
many students shared things about themselves with me.
Roman Tucker, Imani Morris, Fadumo Abdi, Andi Jackson, Laki Mohamud, Ebony
Howard, Jaylynn Hampton, Ruth Ankrah, Mr. Kaya, Ms. Rogers .
The 8th graders got the opportunity to see up close and personal how the people of the
mid 1800’s lived and watch a reenactment of a battle from the Civil War. Students saw
what type of medicine was practiced,
why type of food was eaten, how the
people dressed and spoke among many
other ways of life. The students were
able to learn the roles that children,
Native American and women played
during the Civil War. The students
even got a class on chivalry. The gen-
tleman who taught the class stated that
men were supposed to stand when a
lady enters the room and
only sit down once she sat
down. One of the students
told me she was a visual
learner and that seeing what she did allowed her to understand more of how it
was during the Civil War time. The field trip also gave the students an op-
portunity to get to know other students. All together, we had a great time.
Imani Morris stated: “My experience at the Civil War was great‖
Ruth Ankrah stated: “When I went to the Civil War Encampment it was
really fun because we got to see all these things from back then.‖
Jaylynn Hampton stated: ―The
Civil War re-enactment was a learn-
ing experience for me. I had as
much fun and got to know my teacher and my friends even more than before. This field
trip was a good experience for me and I would love to do it again‖
Andi Jackson stated: “Well I got to see how people in the 1860’s lived and how they
dressed. I got to see the similarities and differences between the 1860’s and now in 2010.
The Civil War Encampment made me feel like I was one of them like I was living in the
past. I enjoyed it and I wouldn’t mind going back‖
Ebony Howard stated: ―The best part was watching the Civil War. It was like I was real-
ly there watching it. They had the best home-made ice cream I have ever tasted. Our trip
home everyone fell asleep in the car. When we got back I felt like I just read a whole book
on the Civil War and how life was like back then. Someday I would like to visit again.‖
8th Grade Social Studies-Ms. Rogers
Greetings everyone!
My name is Mr. Monett and this is my second year as Dean of Students at Horizon
Science Academy Middle School. I come to Horizon with 15 years of middle
school teaching experience and 3 years of administrative experience. I hold a Bach-
elors degree in Health Education and a Masters Degree in Educational
Administration. It is my belief that children need structure and discipline in order to be
successful in school. As Dean of Students I am able to nurture an environment that maintains
high expectations for structure and discipline. You will find that all successful schools share
these same expectations and core values. It is my hope, that we as a school community will
share many successes this coming year.
With the 2010-2011 school year underway, Horizon has high expectations for everyone and
thus far, we are please with how the year has begun. As stated in the parent/student
orientation, it is of the utmost importance that the school environment be safe and conducive
to learning. As you may already know, the school uniform is one main concern that is being
addressed on a daily basis. Any current changes for this school year have been addressed in
the student planner/hand book. Please reference the hand book if you have questions
concerning dress code or discipline policy.
What a Great Start!
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Mr. Monett
Dean of Students
Horizon Science Academy Middle School
Deans Report
8th Grade Science - Mrs. Clipner
Page 10 October 2010
Parent
teacher
conference
October
9th
9 AM—
3 PM
Eighth grade Science has taken off with a project where students prepared posters that
highlighted the contributions to science and technology by a very diverse group of men
and women over a time span of thousands of years and from every continent on the
Earth except Antarctica. Students got to see that things that we take for granted, such as immun-
izations that prevent polio, that were not available to their great grandparents but are to them
because of the
advancements in science and technology. On your way to the bus
make sure to look at some of the
various projects that the students did. You will be amazed.
The students have also been "doing science" as a way to review the
scientific method. Make sure to ask an Eighth grade student which
brand of paper towel is the most absorbent. Students also built
ropes that represented bridge cables. They had specific instructions
to follow to build their "cables," including cost limitations, materi-
als, and time constraints. Then each student’s ―cable" was tested.
The cable that held the most weight was constructed by Derrick
Winston of Princeton, and it held 11 kilograms! Good job Derrick!
Page 11 October 2010
SPANISH CLUB
El club del español comenzará el lunes, el 11 de octubre, a las 2:10 en el salón 122. El señor Hopper invita a todos los interesados. Actividades posibles para el club incluyen música, películas, cocina, artes y oficios, etc. ¡Nos vemos en la primera reunión! Spanish Club will begin Monday, October 11
th, at 2:10 in Room 122. Mr. Hopper invites all interested students to at-
tend. Possible club activities include music, movies, cooking, arts and crafts, etc. See you at the first meeting!
INTRAMURAL PROGRAM
The Horizon Intramural program is off to a great start this year. Flag football is into week two of their game
schedule and 1st place belongs to the Patriots. Cross country runners are also working hard at improving their 1
and 2 mile times. Flag football and cross country will continue through November 5. The winter Intramural
sports of volleyball and basketball will begin on November 16.
MATH CLUB The purpose of math club is to improve students’ math skills by solving harder questions during club hours and to attend math
competitions and Olympiads. Club day is Tuesday between 2:10 – 3:00 pm. During club, we solve advanced questions and learn
easy and quick ways to get the answer. The competitions we will attend are Math league, Math Counts, and Concept Schools
Math Olympiads. Furthermore, sometimes I take my students to trips in order to introduce the college environment to them and to
motivate them for college.
HARRY POTTER FAN CLUB
Hello Harry Potter Fans. The first two meetings of the Harry Potter Fan club have been a success. We have begun
our journey of Harry Potter, or in some cases revisited Harry’s first movie The Sorcerer’s Stone. It has been a great
time of relaxing with Harry and his friends while we snack on popcorn and Hot Cheetos (Thanks Avelardo!). In our
next 2 meetings we will finish up our first movie and jump into Harry’s second adventure The Chamber of Secrets.
So, Harry Potter fans, bring a snack (if you like) and your sense of adventure, and be ready to follow Harry and his
friends through their magical adventures while we catch up on Hogwarts news and get ready for the 7 th and 8th films,
The Deathly Hallows.
Focus on Clubs
After School Clubs
Name Club Day
Lince/Ritter/Brown Football Intramurals Mon.-Tues. 2:00-3:00