February 3, 2014 Issue 20 Irmo Middle School 6051 Wescott Road Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 476-3600 www.lexrich5.

org/ims School Hours: 8:20 a.m.-3:35 p.m.

The Buzz at Irmo Middle School Creating successful students for the challenges of tomorrow
Irmo Drive Notice
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Inside this issue:

9th Grade Registration DF Stems Open House Important Band Dates Teaching Tolerance D5 Dance Marathon February Job Shadowing

The bridge on Irmo Drive is scheduled for repairs from February 17th until March 28th which will require all traffic to detour. Please plan accordingly as this will impact Car Riders, Student Drivers and buses for IES, IMS, CRMS, IHS and maybe AFS, CATE and SHHS.

Dates to Remember: Black Week

Mon Feb 3 -Softball Tryouts -Hoops Away vs C Springs Girls 5:30, Boys 6:45 Thu Feb 6 -Hoops Away, 1st Round Tourney TBA - DF Stems Interest Mtg - Band Spirit NightMoes Fri Feb 7 -FCA 7:35-8:05 Mr. Carters room 603 -9th Reg. Cards Due

************************************************************ IRMO SOFTABLL TRYOUTS will be held on Monday, Feb.3 at IHS softball stadium. Any young lady in grades 712 that is interested must have a current completed physical. If you have any questions please email Coach Henderson at Bhenders@lexrich5.org.

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Military Science Speaker

On January 23rd, IMS students had the opportunity and privilege to hear Master Sergeant Steven Beasley, USAF, share his career in the Military Science Cluster. MSGT Beasley has traveled the world serving the United States in the Air Force for the last 15 years and just returned from Afghanistan a month ago. He was able to share many personal experiences, as well as, discuss the multitude of education and career opportunities and benefits the military has to offer. A special thank you to MSGT Beasley for sharing his time and talents with our IMS students!

If you have any news you would like to see in the Buzz, email Allison Redick at aredick@lexrich5.org.

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9th Grade Registration

8th Grade students received a presentation from Irmo High School regarding the registration process for high school on last week. Students received their registration cards, a parent letter and a course catalog to bring home. Students and parents should review the information, sign the card and return it to the students math teacher by February 7, 2014. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Mrs. Sheila R. Inabinet at (803) 476-3610 or sinabine@lexrich5.org.

Dutch Fork High School STEM Open House

Dutch Fork High School will hold its annual STEM Open House and Interest Meeting on February 6, 2014, 6-8 pm. Current eighth grade students and parents from all attendance zones who are interested in the STEM magnet program at Dutch Fork High School are invited to attend. Members of the STEM committee and STEM teachers will be available after a formal presentation to answer all of your questions and offer additional information to help you make the best decision. Additionally, current STEM students will be in attendance to speak to your son or daughter about life in the program. We hope to see you on Thursday, February 6th and that you will consider joining our growing STEM family! For more information, please contact Sarah Longshore, Assistant Principal for Instruction, at 803-4763317 or slongsho@lexrich5.org. The STEM Coordinator is Carl Tilson (cltilson@lexrich5.org).

Important Band Dates:

Feb 1 Feb 6 Feb 21-22

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All-State Band auditions (inclement weather date) IMS Band Spirit Night at Moe's Southwest, 5:00 - 9:00 pm Region Band Clinic, Lexington Dist. 1 Performing Arts Center. All day ( selected students only)

Concert Festival
The SCBDA Concert Festival will be held on March 25 - 27, 2014. All three IMS Bands -- 7th Grade, 8th Grade, and Honor Band -- will attend.

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The Buzz at Irmo Middle

Teaching Tolerance
www.t e ac h i n gtol e r a n c e .or g

Handout I: Anti-Bullying Quiz

Bullying Quiz adapted from www.safeyouth.org
1. Nearly one-third of American teens are involved in bullying. (True) (False) 2. Less than 10% of American teens admit to bullying others. (True) (False) 3. Students who are bullied in school are usually attentive students with good attendance. (True) (False) 4. Most students who bully are insecure. (True) (False) 5. Contrary to stereotypes, male bullies are not usually bigger and physically stronger than their peers. (True) (False) 6. Students who witness bullying often refuse to remain friends with the victim and feel guilty for not reporting the incident. (True) (False) 7. Bullies have trouble making friends. (True) (False) 8. Bullies do poorly in school compared to others who do not bully. (True) (False) 9. Most bullies discontinue violent or aggressive behavior in adulthood. (True) (False) 10. If you are being bullied its best to handle it alone. (True) (False)

Answer Key to Handout I: Anti-Bullying Quiz

Bullying Quiz adapted from www.safeyouth.org
1. True: In a recent survey, 13% admit to bullying, 11% admit to being bullied, and 6% have been bullied and also bully others. 2. False: See above 3. False: Students targeted by bullies sometimes avoid school or have trouble concentrating. They can also develop personality disorders like depression and anxiety. 4. False: Studies show that most bullies have confidence and high self-esteem. 5. False: Male bullies are usually bigger and stronger than their victims. 6. True: Witnessing an act of bullying has negative consequences even if you are not directly involved. 7. False: Bullies seem to make friends easily, particularly with other students who are aggressive and may join them in bullying. 8. True: The problem behaviors associated with bullying include impulsiveness, disliking school and getting in trouble often. 9. False: 60% of bullies have at least one criminal conviction because the behavior carries over into adulthood. 10. False: Putting an end to bullying requires a commitment from everyone in a school, including teachers, custodians, students, administrators, cafeteria workers and crossing guards. You should seek adult intervention and try to stay among friends if you are being bullied.

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Job Shadowing is a great time to explore the world of work.

Job Shadowing gives students an opportunity to see that the skills they learn in school are related to the skills they will need in the workplace. Job Shadowing is considered a shortterm experience to introduce a student to a particular job by a one-on-one pairing of a student with an employee in a work environment. The student shadows the worker up to one day to better understand the requirements of a particular career. All students are encouraged to participate in this activity. Important Information about Job Shadowing:

Students and their parents/guardians will make arrangements for the student to shadow a parent/guardian, friend, relative or another person in a career of interest at the work site to include transportation. Students are eligible to have ONE day per school year for this activity. Job Shadowing can be completed in a couple of hours, an entire day, weekends and/or holidays. Students provide their own lunch during shadowing, if applicable. Students should demonstrate punctuality, honesty, good grooming habits, appropriate dress and willingness to learn. Students serve as an observer, not a worker. Students are not permitted to shadow teachers at Irmo Middle school. Any school work missed as a result of being absent for shadowing is the responsibility of the student.

If interested, please have your student contact Allison Redick, Career Specialist to pick up a packet or go to our IMS Website under the Guidance Department/Career Specialist to print a packet. Also, if you need assistance for a particular career to job shadow please contact Allison Redick @ 476-3668 or email: aredick@lexrich5.org.