Our sixth graders commemorated Earth Day in their own special way. The went on a “Trash Free Picnic”. They brought their lunches in reusable containers and tried to generated the least amount of garbage while enjoying the out of doors. When returning to the school, they used their mathematical skills to calculate which homeroom was the most “Earth Friendly”. This event generated much interest and was featured on the front page of the Courier News on Saturday, April 27. A podcast about the activities is now available on the middle school webpage. Please take the time to view it and share in the joys of being “Trash Free”! Kudos to Mrs. Parajon for putting the video together.
Please visit the NJASK Parent Information Podcast featuring Mr. Reavey. This is an informative summary of what to expect once we get back from Spring Break. If you have any questions about the NJASK Testing, you may submit them at njask@somervillenjk12.org. Middle School Spirit….Feel Our Pride…we have confidence in all of our students and their ability to do well during the testing weeks. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Irtl31EX_3Y&feature=g-upl&context=G2be717eAUAAAAAAAAAA for more information.
The Joining of Learning Communities
Today, 
the middle school jazz band performed for the students at Van Derveer Elementary School. Not only did this performance commemorate Music in Our Schools month but we also hope it inspired students to participate in the instrumental music program of our schools. Kudos to Mr. Loreti and t
he Jazz Band for the program that they presented. You had everyone dancing at their seats. I’m sure you inspired many potential musicians in grades kindergarten through fifth grade!
Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game…. HUGE SUCCESS!
A six point 
difference lit up the scoreboard when the final seconds ticked down. Once again, the faculty won the battle of the basketball court. But, it was truly a hard fought competition. The quick, agile student team with their eye for the basket and extraordinary passing skills led for much of the first half of the game. The seasoned and experienced faculty team made up the difference and came out victorious when the final buzzer sounded. Everyone in attendance appreciated the efforts of both teams. It was truly a night of community spirit. Special thanks go to Mr. Repole and Mr. Petronko for planning the event. The faculty of the middle school (and friends of the faculty) for playing and supporting the game. Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Mehan for their fair reffing skills. Mr. Loreti and the Jazz Band for providing the musical entertainment. The SMS family- staff, students, families and friends for supporting the teams. This was truly a memorable night.
Somerville Middle School Presents…..”Annie”
Instead of going down “Easy Street” tomorrow night, join us at SMS for the second showing of the drama/theater arts clubs production of “Annie”. Tickets are $5. The curtain rises at 7:00pm. It’s not a Hard Knock Life when 
you are with the middle school community!
NJHS Sponsors Annual “Pennies for Patients” Drive
Philanthropy and community service can take many forms. Currently, the middle school is in the midst of its Pennies for Patients Drive to raise funds in support of Leukemia research and patient care. This endeavor is being spear-headed by our National Junior Honor Society. Each homeroom is contributing to the effort by filling their coin canisters. The homeroom that raises the most money will be treated to an “Olive Garden” catered lunch. Additionally, the NJHS sponsored a “Hat Day” this past week. Students were able t
o wear hats during the school day if they contributed $1 to the cause. The entire school community got into the spirit of Hat Day as evidenced in these lovely photographs. Next week will be the final week for “Pennies for Patients”. Congratulations to the entire middle school community for their generosity and support.
Congratulations, Mrs. Catenaro
We are very proud to annouce that Mrs. Catenaro, grade 6 Science/Math teacher was named as this year’s Somerville Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Catenaro has been part of the middle school community for many years. She has served the middle school in various capacities including Peer Leadership Co-Advisor and Camp SMS facilitator. Congratulations, Mrs. Catenaro! We, the Somerville Middle School community applaud you and are proud of all that you have accomplished on our behalf. We wish you continued success in the future.
Signs of Winter at SMS
Walking through the middle school hallways will get you into the spirit of the season. The NJHS sponsored a door decorating contest these past few weeks and announced the winning homerooms this morning. Congratulations to the winning homerooms: Grade 6- Mrs. Eitner’s class, Grade 7- Mrs. Eckardt’s class and Grade 8- Ms. Liuzzo’s class. All of the homeroom doors reflect the creativity and personality of the students of our school. They’re all winners to me!
Winter Concert Success
A month has already passed since the middle school music groups, both instrumental and vocal, kicked off the holiday season with their spirited concert performances. Close to two-thirds of our school population participated in the program. That truly reflects the leadership embodied in our musical directors, Mr. Callahan and Mr. Loreti. T
his year, many of our seventh grade students were also involved in the concert as they accompanied our chorus with the bells. It was such a beautiful rendition of the old standard “Frosty the Snowman”. The auditorium was filled to capacity and the appreciative audience enjoyed the evening. It really put us in the holiday spirit. Congratulations to everyone involved in the music program.
What Makes SMS Great?
Over the past few months, I posed the question to students, staff members, parents and community supporters. I put together their thoughts and created the first ever Somerville Middle School podcast! It was interesting what everyone had to say about our school. The podcast will be posted shortly and I hope everyone takes the time to watch it. I think you will be very proud of how the middle school was represented. Now, I want to challenge the students through the Student Council to create their own podcast. I wonder what they will do to represent the greatness of Somerville Middle School?!
