Thursday, May 5, 2011

Believe It, Achieve It!



Walkersville Middle School Vision

All students at Walkersville Middle School value education and strive to reach full potential in all aspects of learning. An atmosphere exists in which they are respectful to all: peers, staff, the school facility, and themselves. The culture and climate at WMS is one that promotes tolerance and safety within our school community. It is a positive learning community where collaboration is evident.

WMS has high expectations for student behavior and academics and as a result learning is taken seriously. Individual student needs have been identified and addressed, so that students achieve to their highest ability. Our students are self-reliant problem solvers who set goals and take responsible steps for bringing these goals to fruition. Students mentor one another and offer support and encouragement.

The administration actively supports and encourages risk-taking and innovation among the staff. As a result, all teachers feel respected because they are given opportunities to pursue their professional endeavors to become leaders not only in the classroom, but also within the school. Adults and students alike are recognized for excellent achievements.

At WMS we foster mutual respect between all community members, staff, and students. We accomplish this through united, open and regular communication, positive interactions, and outreach to engage and support all members of the WMS community. WMS staff, family, and support groups work cooperatively in an effort to encourage staff and students who take risks in order to maximize learning; applying best practices, relating to instruction and development.

Our academic program is rich with multiple opportunities for students to apply a rigorous curriculum before, during, and after school. Teachers promote authentic, engaging, and meaningful instruction utilizing 21st century technologies geared toward student success. Students enjoy coming to school, have choices in their learning opportunities, are active learners, and thus consider their learning fun. With a significant focus in S.T.E.M. and problem based learning, students leave WMS prepared to master a challenging high school curriculum to become college and career ready.

Walkersville Middle School Mission

The WMS Community provides every student with a challenging education based on individual learning styles, interests and culture within a safe and supportive learning environment.

We act on the belief that through our own collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and a commitment to life-long learning, we will foster those same beliefs in every student.

At W.M.S., every student can learn, master, and apply a challenging curriculum given appropriate support!

Read It!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Smithsonian National Zoo

The 7th Grade is going to the National Zoo!

Check out these links for more information about the National Zoo




Above is a picture of some sloth bears.  They are one of my favorite animals at the National Zoo.  Another one of my favorites are the elephants (pictured below).


Here are some fun Zoo-related games for you to try:

Can you complete the Switch Zoo Quest?

Do you want to see some animals in a different light?  Try the Infrared Zoo.

Have you ever tried to Build Your Wild Self?

Can you figure out Who Pooped? Prepare to be disgusted.

Can you help the animals in Zoo Transport?

Can you pop all the Balloon Pets?

Do they have Angry Animals at the Zoo?

Are you leading the animals on a Zoo Escape?

Can you do it again in Zoo Escape 2?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Flip Camera


The best selling video camera on the market is not a Sony or a Canon.  It is the Flip Video camera from Pure Digital.  Have you ever used one of these before?  You can record video and dump your videos into the computer easily with the built-in usb plug.

The Flip Camera can be used to put videos in your upcoming Glogster project. Can you think of ways that you could use this for other projects at school?  Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. 


Do you have a video that recorded using Flip Ultra HD? If so, then it is recorded in .mp4 format (commonly used for iPods). You will need to convert that video to .avi format. Once it is converted, you will be able to import your video to Moviemaker so you can edit it or add clips together.


Click HERE for instructions on how to use WinFF to convert your video.
 

Friday, August 27, 2010

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

October Sky

7th Graders who returned their 4th term interims signed and a permission slip will watch the movie October SkyOctober Sky follows the life of high school student Homer Hickham and the "Rocket Boys."  Homer and his friends use some math skills, hard work, and ingenuity to teach themselves how to build a successful rocket.  This leads them to some negative attention, but ultimately rewards them with a successful science fair entry.


Homer and the boys wanted to quit several times, but they were encouraged by their teacher, Miss Riley, to keep working at it.  They were inspired to do something they never thought was possible.

Have you ever had a teacher inspire you like Miss Riley?    Post a story in the comments about a teacher who had a positive impact in your life.

Nada Brahma is coming to WMS!

The World Music Concert


“A musical party with a message. Nada Brahma stirs up a whirlwind of song and audience fun.”
Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theatre, Washington DC


Sharing valuable insight into the music, instruments, and wisdom from many ethnic traditions that have fueled the ‘world music’ genre, Nada Brahma takes its audience on an inspiring journey through world cultures.

Multiculturalism plays an important role in today’s education. One of the most effective ways to experience foreign cultures is through the universal language of music and dance. Nada Brahma teaches what we can learn from other cultures. They share valuable lessons to enhance our own lives while building respect and creating peace in today’s rapidly changing world.

Click here to hear samples from Nada Brahma's world music albums.

Monday, May 24, 2010

WMS Students Go To New Midway Elementary!


7th Grade students from Mr. Haines' class at Walkersville Middle School visited 4th Grade students at New Midway Elementary School on May 21st.  The Technology field trip was a smashing success as 7th grade students were able to help 4th grade students make a Glog, or digital poster, about their recent field trip to Annapolis. 

If you were a 7th grader who went on this trip, please post your thoughts about the trip in the comments section.  4th graders from New Midway are welcome to post your thoughts or questions in the comments section as well using Ms. Bickford's instructions.
Click here if you want to see a video about the 4th grade trip to Annapolis.

 

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Mathemagician Arthur Benjamin

Get out your calculator before you watch this video!  Then post your thoughts in the comments section.


Wednesday, December 2, 2009

MMSTL

The Maryland Measure of Student Technology Literacy was a test that used to be given to every 7th grade student. The Federal No Child Left Behind Act requires that all students are technology literate.  The state of Maryland gave this assessment to 7th graders to determine their level of technology literacy.  Do you want to see how good you are with technology literacy?  See how you do on the “practice” test.

Click here to get started.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Penny Wars

Ms. Brown and Ms. Quill's PAWS group did a fundraiser called "Penny Wars" to support Farm of the Child (Finca del Nino). It is a great organization and the funds will be well applied to helping children in Honduras. Honduras is the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, after Haiti.
The Honduras Flag

Unfortunately (for me) I won the Penny War competition for the 7th grade teachers and had to take a pie in the face.  The video below shows the whole story (from multiple angles and some clips in slow motion).  I hope you enjoy this more than I did.


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

WMS Website

Are you looking for tonight's homework assignment? Do you want more information about Invention and Innovation? If you answered yes to either of these questions, click on the picture below to visit our class page on the WMS website.


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Welcome

Welcome to Mr. Haines' Technology Education Blog!