#MakeYourMarkMustangs Tucker Creek Middle 2017-2018
Breaking OUT" in the Learning Commons!
Library orientation this year was a little different than the traditional walk through of the Dewey Decimal System and circulation. Every student at Tucker Creek Middle School participated in a Breakout EDU game. Students had to solve a series of clues to unlock five different locks- including directional, key, three digit, four digit, and word locks. Students worked in groups of four, with each table assigned an "engineer." Engineers volunteered their skills prior to beginning the game, and these students were spread evenly, so each table had at least one expert. Heather Montero, Media Coordinator at TCMS, said, "It was incredible watching students work together to solve the clues. We have such talented students at Tucker Creek." 8th grade student Kayden Washer described the game by saying "I had to push my brain a little bit further than I usually do...it was very challenging and so satisfying when you were able to solve a clue and open a lock."
Swabbing the School for Science
8th Grade students participated in an experiment involving growing bacteria. Mr. Glass's and Mrs. Sumners's classes ventured out of the classroom and around the school to swab different surfaces and objects. After taking samples, students then observed the growth of bacteria colonies on Petri dishes. Growth was documented for three days. Students discovered mold and bacteria in several common areas within the school. Students recommended Lysol wipes to teachers for cleaning areas with the most bacteria. Bus seats seem to be the most "disgusting" as reported from 8th grade students.
MAKING OUR MARK ON THE COURT AND FIELD
"Everybody clap your hands!"
Our back to school dance was a hit! Students had a great time singing, dancing, and enjoying quality time with their friends. We even saw some of the teachers out on the dance floor. Snow cones, DJ Howard spinning our favorite hits, and lots of Mustang pride- everyone had a great time!
Classroom Innovations & Adventures
Eight of our TCMS students turned the tables on us by becoming the teachers during our Professional Development day this month. Each student presented a cool new technology that focused on virtual reality, augmented reality, and or 360 degree video. Teachers rotated through each of the eight stations and were able to experience hands-on, technology tools, with their expert help. Thank you Sam, Michael, Ayanna, Aiden, Aaron, Mia, Gavin, and Zach for giving up part of your day off for us. You were awesome! A special thank you to Mrs. Michelle Smith, CTE teacher at TCMS, for documenting our experiences in the above video- which was shown at this month's monthly school board meeting. Great things are happening at Tucker Creek Middle!
7th Grade Global Awareness
Students in Mr. Howard's and Ms. Hughes's social studies/ELA classes came to the Learning Commons to participate in an activity that illustrated the refugee experience. Connor Randall, 7th grader at TCMS, described the activity by saying "It did a good job of showing us how hard it is to balance everything. You may be focusing on one problem, and something else falls behind. It showed us that it is hard to keep all of the important, everyday, needs cared for, when you are a refugee."
Balancing Life's Demands
Students were able to get a tiny glimpse of the struggles of many refugees and how it is to balance these demands.
Responsibility
Refugees have tremendous responsibilities that those of us who have never experienced these struggles, will never understand. This lesson illustrated those struggles.
Freedom
Students used balloons to represent the many things a refugee has to balance and prioritize.
Community Connections
Teachers at Tucker Creek Middle have partnered up with talented members from our community to teach our students real world applications. From meteorologists, small business owners, doctors, and photographers, to lead anchors from our local news station, we had a great time learning from the professionals.
Mighty Mustangs and Meteorology
Applying Real World Skills in CTE
Discussing the Dangers of Smoking in Health Class
Clubs at Tucker Creek
Eccentric Expressions
Mr. Angoco's students enjoy expressing themselves through acting/drama during club time.
Artistic Expression Club
Ms. Arnold helps a student with her project during club time.
Yard Games
Jack Ferry enjoying a little corn hole during the yard games club.
Guitar Club
Students enjoying guitar club with Mr. Glass!
Namaste
The Mindful Mustangs meeting outside for a moment to relax and practice mindfulness.
Mustang Football vs. Pamlico Middle
Mustang Volleyball vs. Havelock Middle
Mustang Soccer
Student Showcase at the New Bern Public Library
Student Council Elections
This year, TCMS will have its own Student Council. The Mustangs are very excited about this opportunity. Ms. Casey has made having an active Student Council a major priority. Tucker Creek will now have input from students through their elected representatives. Students will take on volunteer projects, school improvement projects and work with our school's administration in planning events. Tucker Creek Middle School students will also eventually participate in the statewide student council. This will give students an opportunity to meet their peers throughout the state and participate in conferences. Giving Tucker Creek Middle students the opportunity to become leaders not only here at Tucker Creek, but all over the state of North Carolina. Yes, Tucker Creek Middle School Students will be making their mark all over the state of North Carolina.
Career Day 2017
Tucker Creek Middle School had its annual Eighth Grade Career Day on Friday, October 20, 2017. Students chose from sixteen different career paths and attended presentations ranging from engineering to cosmetology, Marine Biology to air traffic control, and Marine Pilot to pharmacist. Our students loved climbing into the humvee the Marines showcased and thoroughly enjoyed the chefs pastries. We appreciate the support of our military and community presenters as our students learned about careers and explored career options!
Spirit Week at TCMS
Christmas Spirit Week - Mustang Style! Everyone is anxiously awaiting Christmas break! We are counting down the days with a daily theme for the holiday season. We kicked our celebration off Wednesday, December 12th, with Winter Wonderland Wednesday, where students dressed in their favorite winter clothing, including sweaters, flannel, scarves, and gloves.
Blooming Scientists in Eighth Grade!
Water Filter Challenge Students created water filters using a two liter bottle and other materials. The filters that worked the best were those that used activated charcoal, rocks, and sand. Some of the most glamorous filters, did not work at all. Bridget Flori described the assignment as "really fun because we got to work together- even if the filter wasn't the best, it was a great learning experience!"
Sending off the Rams for State Playoffs!
We are the Champions! The entire Mustang nation gathered in the main hallway to cheer and send the Havelock High School football team off to the state playoffs. It was great seeing some of our former Mustangs. Elena Santos, eighth grade student, described the event by saying "it was really loud and great to see everyone showing school spirit! Everyone felt really proud of Havelock's football team."
TCMS Holiday Band and Chorus Concerts
TCMS Holiday Band Concert
TCMS Holiday Chorus Concert
Seventh Grade Explores Cape Lookout
Teachers Leading in Professional Growth
Board of Education had an opportunity to shine the light on several worthy educators at Tucker Creek Middle School during their special spotlight recognition. The following teachers were celebrated for leading in their own or others' professional growth: Angela Frazier, Heather Montero, Lisa Gore, Michelle Smith, & Trina Pruitt The Board also recognized members of a high performing PLC: Cindy Laird & Jennifer Taylor Congratulations to each of you and thank you for going above and beyond to ensure all of your students are successful!
We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
"Can"struction Competition
TCMS will be participating in the county wide “CAN"struction Competition during the Month of the Military Child. In order to prepare, our Young Engineers Club has been working with Engineers from FRC East to plan and design what they will build. Now they need YOUR help! They need lots and lots of canned food! They are designing a 3-dimensional flag and this will take hundreds of cans to complete. They must use the cans as they are, which means they need specific can colors. (See pics) They will have members at the front of the school every morning to accept can donations. Construction will take place at the school on April 27th and several schools from around Havelock will be participating. On Saturday, 4/29/18, the public will be invited to come and view these awesome can creations. Remember.....the homeroom with the most cans donated will earn an ice cream party!
World Read Aloud Day
On Feb. 1st students at TCMS had the opportunity to Skype with an author in celebration of World Read Aloud Day. The ELA teachers who attended received a copy of the author’s book to add to their classroom library. Each grade level interacted with a different author. Sannon Hitchcock, Monica Tesler, and Christina Farley each spoke and gave insight on both their writing processes and their inspirations. What an awesome opportunity for our students!
Teachers Go on a Goosechase!
Who says staff development has to be boring? Goosechase is an app that allows anyone to set up and monitor online scavenger hunts. Teachers had a blast trying out this app at the February staff meeting. They worked as teams to complete "missions" and score points. We learned that our staff is very competitive. This fun app will be a great tool to use when our iPads arrive.
Welcome to Tucker Creek Middle School!
We have several new staff members at TCMS. Be sure to say hello and give them a big Mustang welcome when you see them around the school. We are excited to welcome them to our Tucker Creek family!
Mrs. Heflin, School Nurse
Mrs. Evers, AIG
Mrs. Brody, Media Specialist
Ms. Woodard, Spanish
Mrs. Vande Slunt, 6th Grade ELA
Tucker Creek Middle iPad Deployment
Credits:
Stories by Heather Montero & Cheri Brody