News Blog - 2011

Due to vandalism of buses, it was necessary to cancel school on Monday, November 28.  The State of Indiana requires this day to be made up.  School will be in session on Monday, February 20, for this purpose.


 

Stonybrook's mission is “to expect academic excellence as we prepare students to contribute to a rapidly changing workforce and global society.”  To complete this mission, faculty, students, staff, and parents must work together to create a positive learning environment based on six qualities: responsibility, excellence, notice, empowerment, and work.  Research indicates that implementing schoolwide positive behavior intervention and support will help to create a foundation for such an environment.

The goal of schoolwide positive behavior support at Stonybrook is to create a positive learning environment with minimal behavioral disruptions through developing the characteristics of respect, integrity, caring, harmony, excellence and responsibility in students, staff and community.

We asked our students to create a RENEW rap to motivate staff and students. Desmond Winston, Caleb Weber, Brandon Battles and Jasmine Anders did a fabulous job putting their thoughts to paper.

Stonybrook students were recently visited by Creston Middle School and Warren Central graduate, Tyler Greene. Tyler spoke to our students about setting high goals and not allowing poor choices to drag them down. He discussed the attributes that assist in achieving miracles:  the miracle of success and the things that will help you be successful. Stonybrook was honored to have a positive mentor and role model like Tyler speak to its student body.  Listed below are Tyler's credentials. 

Education

• 2010 Graduate  - Warren Central High School, Indianapolis, IN
• Current Student -  Clark Atlanta University,  Atlanta, GA

High School Clubs, Activities, Academic & Athletic Achievements

• Distinguished Gentlemen Club
• Boys to Men Club
• Prom King
• Key Club
• TV Studio
•  
• Scientific Pilot Program Recruit (Human Body Systems)
• Scientific Pilot Program Recruit (Principles of Biomedical Science)
• Project Lead the Way Advanced Placement Program
• College Ready Advanced English Classes
•  
• 2006 Track Team
• 2006 Football State Champion
• 2009 Football State Champion
• Warren Central Record Weight Lifter’s Club
• “Vision” AAU Men’s Basketball League

University Achievements & Honors

• Presidential Honor Roll
• Honors Society
• Chaplain of Honors Society
• Crowned “Mr. B.E.F.L.Y” (Building & Empowering the Future Leader in You)
• Orator of the Year
• Man of the Year
• Mr. Clark Atlanta University
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, In

The Symphony Strings performed at Treefest on Tues, November 22 at the Warren Performing Arts Center.  This is the 23rd year that the Stonybrook Orchestra students have participated in this Township Sponsored Holiday Event.

The 7th & 8th Grade strings will present their Holiday Concert for parents and relatives on Thursday, December 15 in the LGI Room at 7:00 PM. 

The 7th and 8th Grade band students will be performing in the LGI Room on Tuesday, December 20 at 7:00 PM.  Music of the Holiday season will be played.

 
The Choirs will be presenting their Holiday Concert at the Warren Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, December 21.  Concert will begin at 7 PM.

School will be in session on Monday, February 20, 2012. MSD Warren Township will use February 20 as the designated make-up day for the cancellation of school on November 28, 2011.

Stonybrook Middle School is embarking on a new student management program entitled RENEW.  RENEW is an acronym for:

                Responsibility

                Excellence

                Notice

                Empowerment

                Work

Over the course of the school year students will be participating in activities and learning opportunities as they relate to these five areas.  RENEW was introduced to SMS students by viewing an inspirational video spotlighting the graduation speech Deonte Bridges gave at Atlanta’s Booker T. Washington High School.  View the speech>>

Families, if there has been a change in your address OR phone numbers, please send that updated information to the main office as soon as possible.  We want to include you in the achievement process and want to be able to notify you of any special circumstances (ie. school closings).  If you have questions or would like to update information via the phone, please call 317.532.8832.


 

In addition to the 200+ students who made A and B honor roll for the first nine weeks, Stonybrook Middle School also honored 17 students for being “On A Roll”.  The following students were nominated by their teachers for making strides and positive changes either behaviorally and/or academically: Tyler Lowhorn, Avery Finch, Patricia Dyke, Ana Roman, Terrance Morris, Jae’lyn Sincere, Mack Smith, Tiquest Meyers, Hadarah Daniel, Chloe Hurst, Freddy Garcia, Amanda Craig, Jasmin Castillo, Dewayne Baker, Martez Hill, Sage Heidi, and Robert Haverly.  Students received a certificate, popcorn, candy, soda, and some movie time with their peers. 

Stonybrook counselor, Rachel Schwering, said “recognizing students who may not be on honor roll, but are continuing to improve and be successful is essential.  It gives these students who may not have other opportunities to be recognized a chance to be acknowledged for doing good things and working hard.”

7^th grade “On A Roll” recipient, DeWayne Baker, said he was honored because “I am bringing up my behavior by not talking in class and doing what my teachers ask me to.”

8^th grade “On A Roll” recipient, Tyler Lowhorn, said “I was nominated by Mrs. Clift for having better behavior in class and working hard.”

Tryouts for the 2012 Warren Winter Guard will be held on Tuesday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 16 from 6:00pm until 8:30pm at the WCHS Warrior Dome. Tryouts are open to all students in grades 6 thru 8.  No prior experience is necessary.  Questions – please contact Mr. Meckes at Warren Central High School (532-6271).


 

Sharon Massey’s classroom at Stonybrook has joined Soldiers’ Angels which provide aid and comfort to the men and women who serve America in every branch of the Armed Forces, the wounded, veterans, military families, and families of the fallen. The Soldiers’ Angels mission states, “May no soldier go unloved. May no soldier walk alone. May no soldier be forgotten, until they all come home.” Through Soldiers’ Angels, Sharon Massey’s class has adopted an Airman stationed in Shindand, Afghanistan, committing to sending a card, letter, or craft each week, and a minimum of one care package a month for the length of our Airman’s deployment. This important service helps bring home a healthy hero – one who knows he is cared for and supported by others.

In turn this service assists our students in many areas of our curriculum. Some of these areas include English/Language Arts (i..e., selects a focus for writing, writes and edits simple sentences, capitalization, and punctuation), Social Skills (i.e., appreciates the perspective of others, communicates information, uses effective communication to interact with others), Community Access Skills (i.e., utilizes postal services), and Social Studies (i.e., civics/government and geography).

Our Airman has repeatedly expressed extreme gratitude for being adopted – and by a whole class no less. He has written weekly emails and letters explaining his life overseas. He has sent us over 100 pictures and even gave everyone in our class local currency called Afghani. A wonderful life-teaching experience for all.

Warren Central High School Counseling Services will be hosting two 8th grade parent meetings.  These meetings will be held on November 9th and 16th beginning at 6:30 pm.  Topics to be covered will include preparation for high school, transcripts, dual credit and AP classes.  The information presented at both meetings will be the same; therefore, you will only need to attend one meeting.  The meetings will be held in the East Cafeteria and should last approximately 1 hour.  Please enter the school through Door 1. 


 

Kick off the holiday season with a little family time!!!  Join us Thursday, November 17th, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the LGI room for Family Game Night.  Pick one of our games or bring a game from home and play as a family or against other families.  Expect door prizes, smiles and fun!  Doors open at 5:45 pm and snacks will be offered for sale.  This event is sponsored by the Stonybrook Middle School PTSA.


 

Coats for Kids distribution will take place on Saturday, October 29^th from 8 AM – 4 PM in the Marsh Agricultural Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Any child who needs a coat will receive one that day.

There is only ONE REQUIREMENT for this event and that is an adult must accompany all children and each child will receive one coat.

Spanish speaking volunteers will be available to assist.

Abrigos para Niños 

Distribución de abrigos para niños será el sábado 29 de octubre de 8-4 de la tarde en el edificio de agricultura de Marsh en Indiana State Fairgrounds. 

Cualquier niño que necesito un abrigo recibirá uno ese día. 

El único requisito es que un adulto tiene que acompañar  cada niño. 

Personas que hablan español estarán disponibles para asistir.  


 

Join Mr. Ryan Russell as he facilitates an open and guided informational series and dialogue on what parents can do to stomp out bullying and support their children and the schools they attend.  Please see the flyer below for more information.  Please RSVP to Mr. Russell as space is limited.

EXTINGUISH BULLYING FLYER

Stonybrook Middle School students were recently visited by former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end, Ken Johnson.  Ken now works with Sports World and speaks to students around the country.  Johnson’s focus when speaking to the 7th and 8th graders at Stonybrook was, “You are unique.”  He also has a motto he shared with students, “You’re not born a winner. You’re not born a loser.  You’re born a chooser!”

Johnson told students his story: he didn’t make the basketball or football team in middle school.  He prayed to be tall and a good athlete; he grew and made the teams in high school.  He went on to play basketball at Indiana University in college.  His dream was to play in the NBA, but his dream exploded when he started hanging around with the wrong crowd.  He reminded students that “stupid people make you stupid.”  He thought he was done, and the Dallas Cowboys called him.  The Cowboys ended up cutting Johnson, but he was picked up by the Bengals and his life changed. 

Johnson tells his story to students to remind them that, “there is so much in life that you don’t know you can do.  Everyone is unique and has greatness in them, and don’t ever quit on yourself.”

It is not too late to join our PTSA.  There is so much you can do for our school when you join.  The cost to join is $6.00.  Help Stonybrook Middle School reach its goal of 100% participation.  If you need a membership form for you or your student please have your student pick one up during lunch.


 

Terra Nova testing (8th grade only) will take place the week of September 19th- 23rd. Please do not schedule appointments if at all possible during the day on these days. Attendance is crucial for testing.

Stonybrook Education Night—Tuesday, September 13th from 7-8pm

Science Experiments, Robotics, Write and Rap Area, Calligraphy, Student Presentations, HOLT Math Information, Obstacle Course, Snacks, and Give-a-ways.

Our parent meeting will take place on Monday, August 15th, at 5:00 pm in the LGI room.  Parents of athletes who are participating in cheerleading, cross country, football, tennis, and volleyball should attend.


 

Monday, August 8, 2011, Stonybrook Middle School and Intermediate Academy will host an open house from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teachers and enjoy the community event.  Check out our informational flyer to learn more!