Knox

Music in Our Schools Month 2019

February 25, 2019

Dear Knox Band & Chorus Families,

Every year the month of March is dedicated as “Music In Our Schools Month.” During this time music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. It began as a statewide celebration in 1973, and has grown to encompass a day, week, and in 1985 it became an entire month. The Greater Johnstown School District Music Department is holding two events to observe Music In Our Schools Month!

First, the Knox bands and choruses will perform for the All-City Concert on Wednesday, March 6th (details are beneath this letter).

The second event is the “Afternoon of Music” on Thursday, March 7th which will take place at the High School. There, all band and chorus students will showcase the concert selections for one another.

The Knox “Afternoon of Music” schedule is:

12:30 – Depart Knox for High School
1:00 – Concert recreation
2:30 – Dismissal from High School.
Students will dismiss from the High School this day at 2:30. There will not be return transportation to Knox.

We are very excited to take part in this celebration! For more information about Music In Our Schools Month please visit www.nafme.org. Both concerts will count toward the performance portion of the third quarter average. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Casey, Instrumental (762-3711 – Knox)
Ashley Armer, Vocal (762-3711 – Knox, 762-3714 – Glebe)

GJSD All-City Concert Details

Information for families & students

Who: 7th & 8th Grade Band & Chorus Members (& other district ensembles)
What: All City Concert
When: Wednesday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Johnstown High School Performing Arts Center
Why: March is Music in Our Schools Month – It’s time to celebrate!

Details for Musicians

Dress:

Ladies: dress pants/skirt with blouse or dress
Gentlemen: dress pants with collared shirt & tie
Please no jeans or sneakers if possible.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Warm-Up:

Band: Please meet at 6:40 in the JHS GYM
Chorus: Please meet at 6:40 in the JHS Large Cafeteria

Odyssey of the Mind Prepped to Compete

February 25, 2019

Johnstown’s Odyssey of the Mind program is in full swing, with competition quickly approaching in March. This year Johnstown has 15 teams spread out between Glebe Street, Warren Street, and Knox Junior High.

Groups comprised of five to seven students have been meeting since October. They have been using their creativity to solve one of six Long Term Problems, spending months to create every part of an 8 minute skit. From the lines spoken, the props and scenery used, to the costumes their characters choose to wear, everything is created by the students on the team.

Each team has a parent or two that volunteers as coaches, but the students need to do all the work and come up with all of the ideas. The coaches do help the students develop team work and problem solving skills for the second part of Odyssey, which is called Spontaneous. At competition, each team will be given a secretly chosen problem that they must complete on the spot. These problems use hands-on, verbal, or a combination of both types of skills. The team’s score on this Spontaneous problem is then added to their score on their Long Term Performance at competition.

The Greater Johnstown School District, again this year, has more teams than any other school district in our area. This is the fourth year the district has officially participated in the Odyssey of the Mind program and it has made quite the name for itself in such a short time span. Last spring, a great deal of interest and support was developed when a then seventh grade Knox team advanced to the World Finals in Iowa. We are excited to have that team, along with many others, returning to the program as Odyssey of the Mind celebrates the 40th anniversary of it’s existence this year.

As some of our students were lucky enough to discover last year, one of the highlights of attending World Finals is the tradition of collecting and trading Odyssey of the Mind pins. Most states and countries design new pins each year for this purpose. Many revolve around a theme or the Long Term Problems of that year. Upon returning from the World Finals Competition, one of our own Johnstown Odyssey students showed her personal creativity by submitting pin designs over the summer. Eighth grader Maddy Connelie had her gnome pin set chosen as a winning entry and they have been produced as some of this year’s NYS pins. These collectors’ pins will be for sale at competition and Johnstown members can’t wait to see them in person.

The community is welcome to attend the free Regional Competition on March 9th at Fonda-Fultonville Central School. Families can come for a few hours or spend the entire day (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) watching teams perform their skits. If students are thinking about signing up next year, or parents want to know more about the program, this is a great way to get a better understanding of Odyssey. Many families have said they didn’t grasp the full scope of all that is involved, or what their child would accomplish, until they experienced our Regional Competition. It is also truly amazing to see what our Johnstown students can create when they are challenged!

Knox March Attendance Madness

February 19, 2019

Knox March Attendance Madness

The Rules: (Starts the week of March 4th)

Each Check-in will choose a team name
Each round will last one week
Team with highest attendance percentage wins
Being Tardy counts against your team
Attendance will reset at the beginning of each week
There will be 4 rounds
All teams that lost round one will be placed in the Second Chance Bracket. The team in this bracket with the best attendance in week 2 will be put back in the tournament

Prizes:

Weekly – Winning Grade will be able to leave early on Fridays (No Check-Out)
Monthly – Winning Grade will have a cell phone lunch period while being served by available staff

March Attendance Madness Grand Prize:

The Winning Team/Check-In will be able to dress Mr. Kraemer for a day

AP English Students Guide Seventh Graders

February 15, 2019

Eight JHS seniors studying Advanced Placement English came to Knox on Friday, February 8th, to work with Mrs. Bruno’s seventh grade social studies classes.

Stations with short readings based on early United States history were visited by the students. The seniors read the passage then helped the seventh graders to compose their answers. ELA skills, such as use of transition words, plus creating a thesis statement, were emphasized.

Mrs. Bruno expressed pride in how well the seniors, all former Knox students, conducted themselves while helping their younger counterparts. She said “It was a good day for all of us!”.

Attendance Showdown Scoreboard

February 15, 2019

Thank you to Mrs Abel and her student helpers. We now have our Attendance Showdown scoreboard!!

Knox News February 2019

February 5, 2019

In addition to the content shared below, a PDF version of the February 2019 Knox News is available to print using the free Adobe Acrobat program.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 1 – Report Cards Distributed & Wear Red Day
Feb. 4 – 8 Attendance Spirit Week
- Monday – Shades Day
- Tuesday – Hippie Day
- Wednesday – Hat Day
- Thursday – Superheroes Day
- Friday – Rock ‘n Roll Day
Feb. 8 – *Valentine’s Day Dance 7 – 9 p.m.
- *Students must be in good academic standing in order to attend the dance. If the student is on academic probation, they must receive all satisfactory grades on their weekly report in order to attend the dance. Students must also be in good behavioral standing.
Feb. 13 – Knox PTSA Meeting 6 p.m.
Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day
- Sweethearts & Heroes Assembly
Feb. 15 – Half-Day-Students Dismissed at 11 a.m.
Feb. 18 – Presidents’ Day Observed – No School
Feb. 18 – 22 Winter Break – No School
Feb. 28 – Choices Program Begins
March 6 – All-City Concert
March 7 – Afternoon of Music
March 8 – Knox Progress Reports Distributed
March 13 – Superintendent’s Conference Day – No School For Students
March 14 – PTSA Meeting 6:00pm
March 15 – Photo Booth Dance 7 – 9 p.m.

Seventh Grade Math Club

Tuesdays & Thursdays, after school in Mrs. Ipek’s Room 204

Knox Important Information

Learn more here: https://www.johnstownschools.org/knox-important-information/

Congratulations 2018-19 Spelling Bee Winners

Landen Hojohn (2nd Place) and Wyatt Frasier (1st place)

Our first place winner is Wyatt Frasier and first runner-up is Landen Hojohn

Wyatt will be competing in the Capital District Spelling Bee. It is taking place on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady. The winner of that spelling bee competes for the national title in Washington, D.C.

GOOD LUCK WYATT

Recycling Boxes Raising Money

Thanks to eighth grade student, Emily Wood, Knox has decorated recycling boxes throughout the building. So far we have raised $128.82! Keep up the recycling!

Please recycle your cans and bottles at C&M (located across the street from ALDI) for Knox. All donations will benefit our students! Thank you!

Congratulations Student of the Week Winners

1/11/19 – Roger Gordon, Nominated by Mrs. Olsen

1/18/19 – Bryant Bargy, Nominated by Mrs. Houtz

1/25/19 – Alex Lopez, Nominated by Mrs. Bernaski

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 High Honor Roll

Grade 7

Ava Barker, Jena Barker, Jocelyn Bush, Carter Cheney, Abigail Chest, Jaelyn Christman, Colin Cotter, Antonio DeMarco, Lilly Dittmer, Kaleb Dolder, Landon Fosmire-DeRocker, Wyatt Frasier, Anna Giarrizzo, Chelsea Johnson, Parker Klingbeil, Mollie Kortz, Caroline Krempa, Cole Krempa, Abbigail Lewis, Lucy LoDestro, Aaron Lopez, Liam O’Kelley, Mohammed Patel, Mason Rathbun, Jake Ringer, Gianna Rizzo, Holden Rose Caleb Sanjurjo, Emma Smith, Samuel Stearns
Ayden Swedick, Tara Sweeney, Riley Sweet, Zoie Tesi, Marlee Trajlinek, Kelsey Walker, Ashlynn Weaver, Brooke Weaver, Matthew Wheelis, Kurstin Wilson, Marcus Wilson, Hunter Zelich

Grade 8

Claire Anderson, Talia Anderson, Ethan Angus, Cameron Arminio, Isabella Bermas, Ethan Blood, Shyanne Brownell, Jaidyn Chest, Madelyn Connelie, Alex DeMagistris
Tyler Downing, Vincent Ecker, Jayden Elston, Augustus Fagan. Jordan Fox, Lillian Fudger, Amia Hall, Brooklynn Heroth, Olivia Kilmer, Robin Kruggel, Autumn Kurtz
Donald Long, Alexander Lopez, Mercedes Milby, Trey Naselli, Ally Salamack, Ayaka Sasaki, Nicole Simon, Alexis Smith, Kyle Stegel, Molly Sweeney, Nicole Wendolski
Alyssa Whitbeck, Lilia White, Reegan Wilcox, Anthony Zajaczkowski

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Grade 7

Anastasia Abete, Skyler Aguilera, Adrianne Airey, Makayla Atwood, Michael Crisafulli Jr, Shea Donohue, Mathew Ferrara, Alexis Giuliano, Lein Goodemote
Arden Hammond, Ryan Hoyt, Viktorija Izzo, Jacob King, Andrew Lake, Trey Loucks, Jack Miller, Allison Nevins, Maddox Pedrick, Cole Preston, Jisela Rodriguez, Kyra Rodriguez, Sarah Shibley, Ethan Smith, Benjamin Stramezzi, Jordyn Tarbox, Lucas Tate-Pettit

Grade 8

Aislinn Ambrosino, Bryant Bargy, Emily Blood, Peyton Bramer, Alexander Cordone, Roger Gordon IV, Camille Gray, Emilia Haverly, Kelsey Jackson, Braden Jones,, Hannah Maxson, Jessica McDermott, Sara Parent, Vincent Rizzo, Madison Simonds, Makiya Smith, Adam Sweet, Zachary Tallon, Dakota Witzke, Emily Wood

Vape Escape Challenge

HFM Prevention Council presented the Vape Challenge at Knox during the week of January 14-18th. The students participated in several hands on activities that educated them about the risks associated with vaping and how to develop skills that would allow them to escape the vape.

Did you know E-cigarettes continue to be the most commonly used tobacco product among middle school and high school students?

Did you know E-cigarette use among New York youth has doubled from 2014 to 2016 and is now triple the rate of E-cigarette use among New York adults?

Students created posters after completing the Vape Escape Challenge

February 5, 2019

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 High Honor Roll

Grade 7

Grade 8

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Grade 7

Grade 8

AHA American Heart Challenge

February 4, 2019

Get ready for some fun! Knox students get to participate in some throw back elementary PE games all next week (2/11-2/15). Students will be playing with parachutes, scooters, and even playing tag games. Our school is participating in a program called #AmericanHeartChallenge sponsored by the @AmericanHeartAssociation. We’ll be learning about heart health while raising critical dollars towards research for cardiovascular disease and stroke. All students were sent home with their fundraising packets today. To learn more, visit american.heart.org/americanheartchallenge. Thank you for your participation.

January 30, 2019

Chromebooks

Starting February 4th every student at Knox Jr High School will have their own Chromebook to use during the day. Please look for the permission/agreement paper that will be coming home with your child. Please sign and return as soon as possible.

i-Ready Lessons for Math are now open for all 7th and 8th graders!!

Students will be allowed to go on i-Ready and practice the skills that they have learned throughout the school year. This is not mandatory or homework, just extra practice!! These lessons can be completed during study halls, AIS Math Class or at home. Every lesson that is completed and passed will earn them a positive reward ticket. Tickets will be given out on Fridays and can be picked up in the main office.

Report Cards

Report cards will be sent home on Friday, February 1st. Any student failing two or more subjects will be placed on academic probation. These students and their parents will receive weekly progress reports by email and hard copy.

Knox Dance

The next Knox dance will be on Friday, February 8th from 7-9 pm. Students that are on academic probation after receiving their report card will need to have all S’s on their weekly progress report for that week to attend. Students also need to be in good behavioral standings with the school. Any referrals can impact their ability to attend.

Attendance Battle 2019

Knox will also be starting Attendance Battle 2019. Please ask your child about #YOUMATTER. A Spirit week to kick off this battle will be the week of February 4th. Each day will have a new attendance theme.

Community Circle

Knox Junior High School is now offering a community circle opportunity for students to share ideas, develop positive peer interactions and strengthen relationships between students and staff. Specifically, community circles bring students, teachers, support staff and administrators together to develop strong communication skills, listening skills, and empathy. The goal of the community circles are to strengthen relationships in the school setting, provide students a platform to discuss their interests or concerns, and to create strong connections to the school community. You will receive a letter when your child will start this great opportunity.

Math Club

Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in Mrs. Ipek’s room 204

January 30, 2019

Attendance Spirit Week

Monday, February 4 – Shades Day
Attendance is so bright, you’ve got to wear shades!

Tuesday, February 5 – Hippie Day
Be hip, stay all day, EVERY DAY.

Wednesday, February 6 – Hat Day
Head for success by arriving on time.

Thursday, February 7 – Superheroes Save the Day
Save the school day by scheduling appointments after school.

Friday, February 8 – Rock ‘N Roll Day
Thanks for rolling in on time every day.

Knox

GJSD All-City Concert Details

Information for families & students

Details for Musicians

Dress:

Warm-Up:

Knox March Attendance Madness

The Rules: (Starts the week of March 4th)

Each Check-in will choose a team name

Each round will last one week

Team with highest attendance percentage wins

Being Tardy counts against your team

Attendance will reset at the beginning of each week

There will be 4 rounds

All teams that lost round one will be placed in the Second Chance Bracket. The team in this bracket with the best attendance in week 2 will be put back in the tournament

Prizes:

Weekly – Winning Grade will be able to leave early on Fridays (No Check-Out)

Monthly – Winning Grade will have a cell phone lunch period while being served by available staff

March Attendance Madness Grand Prize:

The Winning Team/Check-In will be able to dress Mr. Kraemer for a day

Thank you to Mrs Abel and her student helpers. We now have our Attendance Showdown scoreboard!!

Upcoming Events

Seventh Grade Math Club

Knox Important Information

Congratulations 2018-19 Spelling Bee Winners

Recycling Boxes Raising Money

Congratulations Student of the Week Winners

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 High Honor Roll

Grade 7

Grade 8

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Grade 7

Grade 8

Vape Escape Challenge

Students created posters after completing the Vape Escape Challenge

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 High Honor Roll

Grade 7

Grade 8

2018-19 Knox Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Grade 7

Grade 8

Attendance Spirit Week

Dress up and your name will be entered into a contest to win a prize every day of Spirit Week!!!

Dress up and your name will be entered into a contest
to win a prize every day of Spirit Week!!!