Well, how about that…

Hello Everyone!

     It appears we have ourselves an extended weekend! Two days of cancelled school in a row, since Tuesday is off, too. Students, this is a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise cleaning up fallen limbs, downed trees, and blown leaves — remember that more time outside and more time physically active is directly tied to more happiness! Or, if you just don't want all those health benefits, or for some reason you can't get outside (but still have power and access to the internet!) you can always proofread and resubmit assignments on Google Classroom!

     Or, when all else fails, get yourself a book, find a quiet spot, and read. Get those lexiles up, and lose yourself in another world!

     Last but not least, there's nothing like a day of making memories at home to remind you that you make memories at school every year. What better way to capture those memories than in your own yearbook? Order your yearbook here!

     Enjoy your fourth day of the weekend, and stay safe on Halloween!

Warm Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

This Week

Good afternoon!

     This week is atypical in a few different ways. First, Mrs. Schoenfeld is out all week chaperoning the Fall Girls Pathfinders, so if you cannot reach her… that is why.

     Ms. Lund will be out on Tuesday chaperoning the Girls Engineering trip to UMaine in Orono — a few of our girls will spend all day on campus learning about engineering and the opportunities they can find.

     Wednesday will be a two-hour delay for students (staff have meetings and trainings), so expect busses at 8:30 if they usually come at 6:30; the official school day starts at 9:10 instead of the usual 7:10.

     On Thursday, Mr. DeMaris will be out chaperoning the Boys Engineering trip to UMaine in Orono — it's like the trip for girls, but for the boys! Thursday night is the first production of the drama club's play from 7:00 – 9:00 on the stage in Lowlands Gym. See you there!

     Finally, Friday during Advisory students will walk against bullying; if you have an orange shirt, bring it and wear it. Friday night is the second and last production of the drama club's play; same time and place as on Thursday.

     If you have any questions, email, call, or comment, and we will get back to you!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

A Reminder

Hello everyone,

     Please remember that tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12 is Picture Day here at BEMS. Students should come in prepared to get their photos taken; this will be the image used in the yearbook as well. Tomorrow evening is Open House (Back to School Night) from 6:00 – 7:00; come in and meet your teachers and get to see what their classrooms are like. This is not a conference night, and it is too early in the year to really discuss students' grades in any depth, but it is a chance to say hello and ask a few questions. Join us!

     If you have any questions ahead of time, please feel free to email.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of Oct 31 – Nov 4

Hello Everyone!

     We started the week yesterday with no internet access at school, so my posting of this little message was delayed. Regardless, yesterday's classes were spent finishing presentations and starting narratives, with most students choosing to read "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. The other option, "The Open Window" by Saki, still had a few fans, but with the more gory aspects of Poe's work he naturally gets more attention.

     Today we move on to stories full-time, digging into the narratives to figure out how best to understand complex texts. Wednesday and Thursday are much the same, processing additional Elements of Literature as we go. Friday we write a Week in Review, and that is the week done! This is a vague description, I know, but different classes are operating at different speeds on these skills.

     Wednesday is Parent-Teacher Conference night, from 4:00 – 7:00, and all the slots are taken. We encourage the student to join us (after all, students are why we are here!) so bring them along. Next week conferences (also booked) are on Tuesday, November 8, from 3:30 – 6:30.

     Friday is Hat Day, raising money for a community need; bring a dollar and wear a hat!

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Kokonut Kapers — A Komedy!

Hello Everyone,

     Tonight, our drama club puts on their performance of Kokonut Kapers, a classic comedy fit for all ages. They have worked long and hard to put this show together, so you should drive out and see the fruits of their labors. The play starts at 7:00 tonight in the Lowlands Gym here at BEMS.

     If you cannot attend this evening, I certainly hope you can make it tomorrow (Friday) night! The show is at the same time and same place. Bring the family, bring your friends, and have a good time.

     Finally, tomorrow is PICTURE RETAKE DAY. If you missed your shot last month, or you didn't like the way you looked, or you just want to get a better look for the yearbook, this is your chance. Dress well, smile brightly, and enjoy!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Week of October 17 – 21

Good afternoon,

     We started this week with a lesson on how to organize a bibliography entry; as students gather sources for their arguments, they can now cite the sources properly to avoid losing credit for plagiarism or an incorrect works cited page. Here is a nifty document we made today to help understand how it will look.

     Tuesday will be a silent reading day in class; students should bring their books and read quietly for the duration of the period. Remember to respect the other students in the room and not distract them from their stories.

     Wednesday will be another day to develop essays; students should continue finding sources and providing evidence to support their claims. By now, every student should have a solid claim, so the evidence is just a matter of sifting through the vast quantities of information on the internet to locate credible sources. Remember — just because it is a .org website does NOT mean it is credible. Consider the content and consider the source.

     Thursday will either be another silent reading day or a chance to reflect on the third Presidential Debate, which will have happened Wednesday evening. Should we go with the debate, students will watch and point out logical fallacies, errors of reasoning, and contradictions. As an audience, they will be assessed on their ability to express themselves clearly and listen attentively.

     Friday will be another day to work on the persuasive project. Students should finish finding their sources and begin wrapping up the organization of their essays. Remember that presentations begin on Thursday, October 27.

     After school, today the boys have a soccer game at home, and they have their last home game on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30. Come out and support them! Our field hockey girls have their last home game tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3:30; this is earlier than their usual time, so don't be late! Newspaper club meets Tuesday right after school, and chess club on Wednesday at the usual time, too.

     We have only two weeks until Halloween, which falls on a Monday this year. If you are wearing a costume to school, remember that it must conform to the dress code despite the festivities.

     That's all! Thank you for reading, and get in touch if you have any questions.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Yearbooks are on sale!

Good evening!

You can preorder your yearbook at last! The Yearbook Club is going to spend the next several months designing and building this year's book, which we will print courtesy of Jostens. Every year, we pour the heart and soul of the Bonny Eagle experience into this beautiful publication, and it can be yours for only $25.00 in hardcover, or $20.00 in softcover.

But, from now until Columbus Day, there is a SALE going on! You can get 16% off hardcovers and 20% off softcovers if you order online or in person before or on October 10th. That's $4.00 off either option!

Buy now while prices are low, and guarantee yourself a book of memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Order at http://jostensyearbooks.com?REF=A03296105 or in person in Room 83, right above the office. You can pay online with credit card, or you can pay with cash or check in person. Make checks payable to BEMS Yearbook.

Buying a yearbook supports your school and gives you something you can enjoy for years to come. Take the time; order a book.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

A Fundraiser

Hello All,

I have copied the text of a letter sent out to parents of some eighth grade students here at BEMS, and I encourage you to read it and consider donating to this project. 3D printing is a ridiculously futuristic idea that we can actually use in school and people are using in all kinds of fields in the work force. Toy companies print complex toy parts; engineering companies print machines. Just recently, doctors have begun printing artificial jawbones for bone cancer patients, an incredible way to improve the lives of many people. Here, we have a chance to introduce our students to the technology that is changing their world.

Please read, and consider.

Regards,
Mr. DeMaris

Dear Parents,

This year we have an exciting opportunity to develop a more technologically-based learning experience. In Math classes this year, students are learning about Geometric Transformations, and may apply their knowledge by using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create designs that can be printed on a 3D printer.

3D printing is an incredible new technology that allows students to turn a computerized design into a real-life object. In Math classes students can simulate real-world problems involving the volumes of cones, cylinders, and spheres. In Science classes, students can develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures. With these experiences the possibilities have few bounds beyond the imagination of our students.

While we do have access to a 3D printer, a single print for one student can take several hours, and with that printer designated to the whole school, this limits our ability to maximize the capabilities of our project. In June, we started a fundraising effort on DonorsChoose.org to get a 3D printer dedicated for 8th grade student work. However, the deadline for donations is approaching fast (Oct 15, 2016), and we are still only half-funded.

Our students are tremendously excited by this wonderful opportunity, but our finances are limited.

Any donation you can provide will go a long way towards making our dream a reality.

By contributing through DonorsChoose using this link or by scanning the QR code below with your phone - http://goo.gl/bpr1c2 - you will be helping your children to develop their skills with this fun and engaging classroom resource to succeed in an increasingly technological world. Thank you so much for your support!

Sincerely,

Oisin O’Searcoid

Mathematics

8th Grade

Bonny Eagle Middle School

Laptops

Good Morning, Parents:

     On Thursday morning Clan Barclay will receive their shiny new laptops from our IT department; we are looking forward to getting these in student hands so we can work with them moving forward. Please remember that for a student to collect a laptop, he or she needs to have

1) a parent or guardian who attended a technology meeting, and
2) a printed "Laptop Pick-up Ticket" with the student's name and parent signature.

Please make sure your child has the ticket in hand with your signature; without it, the school will not provide a laptop.

     If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Open House Tonight!

Hello Everyone!

     Tonight is Open House, or Back to School Night, at Bonny Eagle Middle School. We in Clan Barclay are excited to welcome you into our little wing of the building, and we hope you attend. The event runs from 6:00 – 7:00 PM; we will be in our classrooms right up the front stairs of the building. Come in, come up, and see where your children spend their time this year.

     Remember, this is not a conference night — we don't know your children very well yet, and the year is just beginning. Rather, this is a chance to meet and greet teachers and other parents and get a feel for how the year will go. Conferences will take place later in November.

     We hope to see you there!

With Anticipation,

Mr. DeMaris

The Upcoming Week

Hello Everyone!

     We had our first day of school today, complete with tricky locker combinations, misplaced schedules, wrong turns, and plenty of laughs and smiles. Everyone has new faces and new names to learn, and we all took some time in the middle, of course, to get some food. It was, all in all, a good day.

     Friday we have no school, and Monday is Labor Day; in celebration of the holiday, we have no school again. This four-day weekend will be followed by a four-day school week, and we already have plenty to keep you busy, parents and students alike. Here is how it will break down.

     On Tuesday, students return to school and start their first genuine school day, without all the extra bits and modified schedules tacked on today. Tuesday will be a White Day, so our new Advisory period will take place from 9:15 – 9:45, where students will join small groups and meet with a staff member. Once school lets out, activity busses begin running that afternoon. In the evening, from 6:00 – 7:00, parents are encouraged to come to school (bring your kid back with you, too!) to attend our annual Open House, or Back to School Night. This is not a time for conferences, but an opportunity to meet teachers, see the clan, figure out what is where, and get a feel for how this year will go. Please be there.

     On Thursday, provided a parent has attended a technology seminar by that point, students will receive their new laptops from our IT department. These are fresh out of the box MacBook Airs, a slightly updated version of their previous machines. If you, as a parent, have not yet attended a meeting, please check the times on the district calendar here. There are sessions at all hours of the day, so there will be one to fit your schedule.

     On Friday evening, after this first nearly-complete week of school, students have the opportunity to attend their first school dance for 7th and 8th graders. Put on by the Pathfinder program, it runs from 6:30 – 8:30. Bring a friend or come alone, but students are welcome to dance and have a good time.

     In Language Arts today, students received their first reading books for the trimester, unless they identified books they are already reading. They also received their first assignment:  write a letter of introduction about themselves to me. Details about that assignment can be found on the assignments page of this website; see the link in the top menu.

     As usual, get in touch if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. We in Clan Barclay genuinely want you to know what is going on in the school and with your child, and communication is key to that understanding. Our email addresses are below, and you can call the school if that works better for you. Welcome to eighth grade, and welcome to Clan Barclay!

Sincerely,
Mr. DeMaris

Mrs. Grace Davis
gdavis@bonnyeagle.org
Mr. Andrew DeMaris
agdemaris@bonnyeagle.org
Mr. Dale Menard
dmenard@bonnyeagle.org
Mr. Lawrence Robertson
lrobertson@bonnyeagle.org

Yearbooks and Book Sale

Hey All!

     This is the LAST WEEK of the discount sale on yearbooks; after this, prices go up again. Buy one now! We still need to purchase many more to make our payment quota to Jostens, so go online and order away.

     After you buy a yearbook, if you have any funds left, bring a few bucks in cash tomorrow (Wednesday) and look through the Scholastic Book Fair down in the library. During Language Arts class, interested student can go peruse the sale and buy books of interest to them.

     The staff beat the students 4–1 in the soccer game this afternoon. The scores were split 3–1 for the girls' half and 1–0 for the boys' half. Muddy J. and Grady J., among others, represented Clan Barclay well in the match, but Mr. Robertson and the rest of the staff were simply too powerful for them. All played well, although I think if we had refs they would have called a few dangerous or off-sides plays. Good game!

Exuberantly,

Mr. DeMaris

Yearbooks are on Sale!

Happy news, everyone!

     Yearbooks are on sale at jostens.com! For the month of October ONLY, they are $21.00 for hardcover and $16.00 for paperback. Prices WILL increase starting November. Buy one now, while prices are low. Yearbooks are FULL COLOR this year — no more black-and-white. Filled with pictures of your friends, classmates, teachers, and experiences, this year's book is a vivid collection of all the greatest memories of the Bonny Eagle Middle School experience.

     You only get to experience your year once. Remember it forever with a yearbook!

     Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Buy a yearbook!

Cheerfully,

Mr. DeMaris

A Reminder

Hello Everyone,

     Please remember that Open House takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday night (that's tomorrow!) at Bonny Eagle Middle School. All us teachers will be there, and we are looking forward to meeting family members and introducing ourselves in person. This is usually a nice little event, and I am looking forward to it. We will all meet in Mrs. Davis' room (Room 84) for quick introductions of the teachers and an overview of the clan, and then we will all go to our homerooms so students and families can circulate as they wish.

     Please remember that this is not parent-teacher conference time; we barely know any of you yet, and we do not have the time or the privacy to discuss conference-level information this night. Thank you for understanding, and I will see you there!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Happy Summer!

Hello All,

     Today is your first official day of summer vacation, and I hope it goes splendidly for you. Get all the time outside in the sun (or rain) as you can, and enjoy every minute of it. Make memories, make friends, and make the most of your next two months!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Grades are Posted

Hello,

     All Language Arts grades for Quarter Three, including comments to parents, are posted on Infinite Campus. Many of you did far better than you have in previous quarters, but some of you have slipped behind. Take the opportunity that Quarter Four gives you to bring your grades up as high as they can go before you finish your eighth grade year.

     Quarter Four starts on Monday, April 6—tomorrow. Come to class prepared to do your best. This is a new quarter, with a fresh new gradebook, so take full advantage of it. This is your last chance to show your teachers, parents, and the high school what you are capable of academically. Take advantage of all opportunities to Review and Improve assignments, including time after school. Use the Learning Lab for a quiet place to study and do homework from Tuesday–Thursday, and ask your teachers for help all through the quarter, not just in the last week or two.

     You must be responsible for your own success; we are here to help, but we can not and will not do the work for you. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Picture Day is On its Way

Hello All,

     Tuesday, April 14, 2015 is Spring Portrait Day here at Bonny Eagle Middle School. Background selection forms are going home today for parents to select the background of their choice. Even if you are not interested in purchasing spring portraits, choose a background and return it to your homeroom teacher as soon as possible, or by April 14 at the latest.

     On April 14, student portraits will be taken, but no money will be paid. Instead, once portraits arrive after vacation, students and parents will have the choice to purchase them. Student bring home portrait packets for review; if you want to keep them, the student brings in money. If not, the student brings back the portraits and returns them to the school.

     Contact the school if you have any questions, and be sure to mark your calendars!

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Ferry Beach

Hello All,

     Tuesday and Wednesday Dundee Clan will attend The Ecology School at Ferry Beach, down in Saco. Students are to leave cell phones and other electronics behind to take twenty-four hours to simply live together, learn together, and experience an interactive education on ecosystems and the environment. Teachers will have their phones in case of emergencies, and we will be back in time to dismiss on regular buses Wednesday afternoon.

     You can find more information here, at The Ecology School website. http://www.theecologyschool.org/overnight

     Students should bring a change of clothes, basic bedding (or a sleeping bag), dry socks, and basic amenities. The Ecology School provides all meals and houses students and teachers in dorms. As we are taking this trip in March, students should remember to bring warm clothes, including gloves and hats; this is an interactive education, so they will spend much of their time outside.

     Any questions may be directed to Mrs. Davis or a member of Dundee Clan, or you can contact The Ecology School at the number or email address on their contact page. http://www.theecologyschool.org/contact-us

     Bundle up, and remember to bring your sleeping bag.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

High School and Progress Reports

Hello All,

     Don't forget to bring in your high school class signup sheets on Thursday, March 12! Also, you need to bring in your signed progress reports or you will begin dealing with the consequences of that lack of communication. Talk to your parents and get that taken care of.

Sincerely,

Mr. DeMaris

Hello!

Andrew DeMaris
Bonny Eagle Middle School
92 Sokokis Trail
Buxton, ME 04093-3059
(207) 929-3833 ext. 167
agdemaris@bonnyeagle.org
demaris8.blogspot.com

August 28, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians:

My name is Andrew DeMaris, and I have recently accepted the position of English Language Arts teacher with Clan Dundee at Bonny Eagle Middle School.  I am very excited about this opportunity to teach your students, and look forward to meeting and getting to know each and every one of them over the coming school year.  As I am new to the district, I want to introduce myself and let you know a little about me.

I graduated from the University of Maine in 2011 with two degrees, one in Education and one in History.  I completed my Master’s this spring, and last year I worked for the Greenbush School Department, north of Bangor.  I love to read old books, and hope to share my love for good writing and interesting stories with my classes here at Bonny Eagle Middle School.  I got married in August 2011 to my lovely wife Alise, who just took a position as a speech therapist here as well.  She and I live in North Windham.  I have lived in Maine, Connecticut, and Washington state at various points in my life, and after experiences with 1,800-student city schools in my youth and the small town of Greenbush, I enjoy the idea of working with such a close-knit community within the larger district here.

I like to communicate often with parents and students.  I have created a website where I will post updates on classes and activities, including any letters like this that I send out.  You can find all my contact information above, including the school phone number and my email address.  I check email daily, and will gladly return phone calls if you would like to talk.  I will be sending home information on class assignments with students once school starts full-speed; if you have any questions about their coursework or homework, please feel free to contact me.

I am looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,




Andrew DeMaris