for excellence ership In all three of their class rooms. Two students were chosen from each class. These students were recognized in school through a bulletin board display, presen tation of certificates, and treated to lunch. Students who earned and “A" . or “A-B” average each six weeks wfere recognized in an eighth grade assembly at the end ofthe second six weeks and at the end of the fourth six weeks. Students for the fifth and sixth six weeks will be recognized in the class room, These students were pre sented with certificates and cou pons donated by Hardee’s in recognition of their efforts. Field Trip Our school year began with an eight grade field trip to Roanoke Island, site of the first English col ony In America, and the Elizabeth II, a replica of one of the ships that brought the colonist to America. This field trip helped set the stage for our students for their year long study of North Carolina history. Integrating art and music Language arts, math, and sci ence classes have integrated visual arts and music into the cur riculums this year, language arts students have created repetitive designs based on a poem of their choice. Students have also learned how music and poetry are blended to create songs. Math students learned math and music have relationship. They wrote and calculated value of specified notes and then wrote their own song. The relationship between main and art was also revealed by Mrs. Hollowell. Science students used their knowledge of blomes and ecosystems to create a tropical rain forest and a desert complete with animals, birds, foliage, and a water fall. Special Projects Science classes have had a number of special projects that have enhanced the classroom experience for students and par ents. Newton’s Laws of Motion and the principles of simple machines were used to construct mousetrap cars. Circuit board matching games were made using series circuits and a battery as the source of energy. Students learned a valuable lesson in responsibility through their family life classes. The stu dents had to care of a “baby" (sacks of flour, baby dolls, etc.) for two day. 100% of those students that participated found that they were not ready to assume such a large responsibility. Many found that their free time was gone and trying to find a ‘baby sitter” was difficult. Jeopardy boards were created in language Arts and Social Stud* les classes to enhance die learn ing experience. Students had to use their research skills in order to get the background for their boards. Research papers were done in many of the Language Arts classes to provide experience for the stu dents before entering high school. This project also allowedstudents to gather more information about a subject that was of interest to them. An eight grade luncheon was held in January as a culminating activity after studying rules of eti quette and table manners. All Algebra I students partici pated in the 12 th annual Math Contest at Elizabeth City State University in April. Awards and certificates of recognition were given to each student. Amanda Lawrence and A.J. Miller went to the Math Run-Off at Wesleyan College in Tarboro to compete. Alison Boone won first place in the district for the eighth grade in the Fleet Reserve Essay contest. The eight grade students sold the most ramie tickets for the entertainment center sponsored by the PTSA. For their efforts they won a dance that was held for eighth grade students only in April. Mrs. Griffin's eighth grade class has won the room trophy at three out of the four PTSA meet ings held this year. This shows that our students and parents are Involved in what is going on at school. Eighth grade students have participated on OM teams and the Hunting Safety team and have received district and state honors. Students have also participated in choral and band competitions and received district honors. Writing tests and CAT Teachers and students worked very hard this pastyear to prepare for the North Carolina Writing Test and the California Achieve ment Test. Writing was integrated throughout the curriculum and teachers worked very closely together to provide the students with the opportunity to succeed The results of these tests show a marked improvement over last years scores. These students should be very proud of their accomplishments. Resource People Several people from the com munity shared their time and expertise with students this year. Mark Warrener visited Mrs. Grif fin’s math classes and explained his duties in the U.S. Coast Guard and the Importance of mathemat ics In performing hislob preparing flight charts. Academic achievers - Carmento Edwards from Eliza beth City State University spoke with all the students about their future educational plans. She stressed the need to prepare dur ing high school. Elaine Pritchard and two stu dents from Perquimans High School met with all the eight grade classes informally to give the ris ing ninth graders some insight on what to expect from the high school. Chuck Chesson from North Carolina Power in Elizabeth City and Mr. Krauss of COA shared their expertise in electricity with science students. Both men stressed how to used electricity safely and how to respect it. Herb Crase, a Cherokee Indian, visited the social studies class room to share information about his culture and the history of his people. As part of a Cultural Awareness assembly our students were treated to guest speakers from Elizabeth City State University. Or. Frina Falag spoke to the stu dents on life in the Philippines and Dr. Samuul Alumoli spoke to the students on Nigeria. Cookout/dance The culminating activity for the eight grade this year was the coo kout and dance. Students elected to forgo the formal affair that had been done in the past and have a Achievements 1. School organized Into the fam ily concept. 2. Odyssey of the Mind Regional and State winners. 3. 109 students recognized for having an “A" average. 4. Highest ever scores on both the 6th and the 8th grade North Car olina Writing Test. 5. Highest CAT scores ever for the 7th grade. 6. Improvement In both the 6th and 8th grade on the CAT. 7. Undefeated football team. 8. The Hunter Safety Team, In its second year of existence, placed first In the state in trap and third overall at the State Competition. 9. The school academic average Is a “B" through the fifth six weeks. 10. First place State CECNC Skit Contest 11. Fleet Reserve Essay Contest Winner. 12. Higher Morale of students. 13. More cooperation between class families. 14. Parent/School relationships much improved. This Is only a partial listing of the many successes we have nad this year because of the dedica tion and hard work of the staff, the caring of our parents, and the pos itive attitudes of our students. Facts and Figures Both the 6th and the 8th grades scored all time highes on the North Carolina Writing Test. In the 22 county Northeast Region, only 6 units did better In writing than our 6th grade students; ana only 4 units aid better than our 8th grade students. Our 6th and 7th grades scored the highest on the CAT that they have scored in at least the past four years. The grade average for all stu dents at the Middle School was a 86 for the 1991-1992 school year!! On the North Carolina Algebra End of Course Test the lowest grade was a “C" which was made By only one student. All other stu dents made *B" or better. 120 of our 157 8th grade stu dents had a “B" average for the year, and 90 of the 157 students had a 90 or better average for the year. more casual evening. Parents and teachers worked together to make this night one that students would remember. There was plenty of food — no one went away hungry. There were activities for everyone; .volleyball, basketball toss Into a toilet seat, softball throw at a pyr amid of cans, and a wall bash. Students were allowed to mite teachers’ names and other dis likes about school on a wall con structed of sheet rock. Then with hammer In hand they bashed the wall. Quite a few students released a lot of aggression of the wall. The dance mob the cookout was a huge success too. Complete with an oasis, fish, and seaweed our informal “beach party* kept everyone on their toes. It was a great time had by all. The Rev. Stephan Mung’oma of Uganda visited social studies classes during thsk study of Africa.