Wallace Middle School's Band and Drum Line Present Holiday Concert

Music teacher Louis Pontecorvo directs the Wallace Middle School band and drum line at the school's annual holiday concert in the Crosby auditorium on the evening of Wednesday, December 16.

Thanks to Angela Pontecorvo for these photos.

Origami Club Decorates Wallace's Christmas Tree

Members of Wallace's origami club decorated the school's tree in the main office after school on Wednesday, December 1. The students made all of the ornaments over the past several weeks and, in the process, mastered several fundamental origami folds.

After they completed their task, they shared a meal of deli sandwiches, courtesy of sixth grader Angie Molina's mom, and juice, chips, and cookies, courtesy of Mr. Rapuano, our building principal.

Wallace Announces the November Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

November Student of the Month

Yeshion House
Grade 6 – Meilene Rivera
Grade 7 – Hannah Butler
Grade 8 – Meagan Mancini

Huckins House
Grade 6 – Georgina Loja
Grade 7 – Jaleesa Lugo
Grade 8 – Alexa Beisel

Hammond House
Grade 6 – Jordan Lewis
Grade 7 – Crystal Davis
Grade 8 – Valisha Reid

Physical Education/Health
Student 1 – Avarice Jacovino (health)
Student 2 – Chelsea Gonzalez (gym)

Accelerated Academy
Student 1 – Joelle Brophy

Wallace's Dancers and Cheerleaders Step up the School Spirit

Our thanks to 8th grade Yeshion House science teacher Mel Rusnov for these video clips of our cheerleaders and dancers performing at the November 24 pep rally.

Pep Rally Slide Show

Thanks to 8th-grade Huckins House social studies teacher Ray Irrera for these photos of our November 24 pep rally and student-teacher soccer game. Thanks, also to 8th grade Hammond House language arts teacher Patty Capobianco for the group shots.

Wallace Drum Line Performs at Pep Rally

Thanks to music teacher Louis Pontecorvo and the Wallace Drum Line for performing at the pep rally on Wednesday, November 24.

Wallace Family Collects 5,771 Canned Goods in Food Drive

The Wallace Middle School family collected 5,771* non-perishable food items during its November food drive. The total was almost twice last year's. John West, the food pantry coordinator for Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, said the need for food in Waterbury has almost doubled in the past year, so the food pantry greatly appreciates the generosity of the Wallace family.

"I heard that students even collected food for their neighbors, and that shows some real commitment--and we appreciate it," Mr. West said when he came to Wallace Tuesday, Nov. 23, to help collect the food.

He came in a van--which came in handy because the school bus that came to collect the food wasn't big enough to hold all the donations.

Thanks to seventh-grade Huckins House science teacher Robin Davitt for coordinating this annual event, and thanks to all who contributed to this successful initiative. Thanks, also, to Mr. Rosa for helping to take pictures!

*That number rose to 6,000 by Wednesday, November 24! Click here to read about it in the Republican-American.

State Rep. Selim Noujaim Visits Wallace Middle School Students

Rep. Selim Noujaim recently spoke about his job as a state legislator with Mrs. Samuel's 8th grade class at Wallace Middle School. Rep. Noujaim stressed the importance of education, hard work, and dedication to a task as integral to his success in both business and while representing the 74th District at the Capitol. After the formal talk was over Rep. Noujaim answered questions (click here for the rest of the story on Re. Noujaim's Web site.)

Ms. Bruno's Social Studies Students Visualize 9/11

(Click on image to enlarge it.)

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for this powerful photo collage.

Wallace Middle School Announces the October Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's October Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Joshua Somma

Grade 7 – Derick Chacon

Grade 8 – Phalen Smith

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Brenden Fernandes-Ellis

Grade 7 – Tapaynga Hummel

Grade 8 – Kevin Corcoran

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Agnieszka Rivera

Grade 7 – Shayssa Ortiz

Grade 8 – Stacy Lopez
Foreign Language

Student 1 – Gabriel Corea

Student 2 – Melinda Pattonelli

BDLC

Student 1 – Sharleen Zayas

8th Grade Students Enjoy Boo Bash

Wallace Middle School's 8th grade students celebrated Halloween together on Friday, October 29, during the annual Boo Bash in the cafeteria. Thanks to the teachers and parents who volunteered to make the event a special night for our students.

Thanks to Ms. Capobianco and Ms. Flaherty for the photos.

Wallace Middle School Announces September Students of the Month

September Student of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Hazheen Selevany

Grade 7 – Crystal Burke

Grade 8 – Josh Rogers

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Hector Canelo

Grade 7 – Anastacio Acevedo

Grade 8 – Douaa Abdulrazak

Hammond House

Grade 6 – Brandon Rodriguez

Grade 7 – Peter Cardona

Grade 8 – Almando Scott

Life Management

Student 1 – Sophia Vega

Student 2 – Ashanah Cox

Bilingual

Student 1 – Rosimar Lopez

The Origami Club met for the first time on Wednesday, October 6. Eighteen children met and folded a bouquet of flowers that they gave to the main office to greet members of the Wallace family as well as visitors. Club members also folded flowers to take home and share with their families.

Returning folders Zach (Hammond House), Ramon (Yeshion House), and Bernaldo (Huckins House) worked with new club members to help them learn the folds and successfully create their first figure.

Ramon showed the group how to fold the swan, and all three club veterans helped the newcomers master the challenging reverse fold so they could create sailboats from squares of paper.

The club meets again on Wednesday, October 20, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 337.

Summer Reading

Waterbury Public Schools has published reading lists for middle and high school students here. Have a look!

8th-Grade Graduation Photos

Click here and enter the password WMSGRAD10 to view photos of the eighth-grade graduation.

Super 8th Graders Banquet

Thanks to Carrie Swain for these photos of the Super Eighth Grade Banquet.

Eighth-Grade Awards

Thanks to Carrie Swain for these photos of the eighth-grade awards ceremony.

Fuel Up to Play 60: Yogurt Taste Test

Health Teacher Donna Phoenix's students recently participated in a yogurt taste test as part of Fuel Up to Play 60.

-Thanks to Ms. Phoenix for these photos.

Talent Show Photos

Thanks to Carrie Swain for this video clip of the May 19 Wallace Middle School talent show.

Rapuano House 8th-grade student Dallas Swain performs at the May 19 Wallace Middle School talent show.

We'd like to add more photos to this post. If you can contribute images, please bring them to Room 337.

Timberwolf Ryan Gomes Plays Ball with Wallace

Waterbury native and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Ryan Gomes lent his strength to the faculty team during the Student-Faculty basketball game at Wallace on Friday, May 28.

Eighth-Grade Students Enjoy Semi-Formal Dance

Wallace Middle School's eighth-grade students enjoyed a semi-formal dance on Friday, May 21.

Thanks to Huckins House 8th-Grade Reading Teacher Sharyn Ogrodnik and Rapuano House 8th-Grade Student Dallas Swain for the photos.

At the Veterans' Memorial near Generali Elementary School on May 24, the Wallace Middle School band and music teacher Mr. Pontecorvo played the "Star Spangled Banner" to remember what our soldiers have done for us. After, we said the Pledge of Allegiance to show our respect to these people. Next, soldiers gave speeches and fired a volley to commemorate those who had died in service to our country. Lastly, we went to the cemetery and did our prayers and played more music.

--Photos and Post by Ashley Batista (6th Grader, Huckins House)

Positive Behavior Support Committee Hosts Breakfast for Wallace's Students of the Month

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Parents and other loved ones of Wallace Middle School's students of the month joined these exemplary children for a breakfast hosted by Wallace Middle School's Positive Behavior Support Committee on Friday, May 21.

Yeshion House 8th Grade Science Students Become CT DOT Bridge Inspectors for a Day

Mrs. Rusnov's 8th grade science students took a trip to a $24 million bridge construction project in Naugatuck. CT DOT managers, engineers, inspectors, and contractors hosted 30 lucky students at the Route 63 bridge crossing the Naugatuck River and MetroNorth Railroad. With hardhats in place, the students saw crane operators, steel workers, framers,and concrete specialists at work. Richard Symonds, the CT DOT Project Manager, described the very complex nature of the job, including its design, materials of construction, costs, methods of construction, use of contractors and inspectors and job safety.

The students are in the midst of a bridge design competition facilitated by Mrs. Rusnov and math teacher Mrs. Camilleri. Hopefully, the students were inspired by seeing the real thing and will bring design innovations back to their model bridges. Winning bridges will be announced in June.

To close the day, students had a relaxing lunch at McDonald's and for some reason didn't seem too anxious leave!

-Mel Rusnov

Wallace Announces the April Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's April Students of the Month

Wallace Students Visit Southern Connecticut State University

Forty Wallace Middle School eighth-graders, along with guidance counselors Ms. Brown, Ms. Jordan, and Ms. Formato, visited Southern Connecticut State University on Friday, May 14. Teachers Ms. Banks and Ms. Ogrodnik also accompanied the children.

-Jennifer Formato

Wallace Middle School Remembers Luis Vega

Luis Vega Jr.

Wallace School student

WATERBURY — Luis Vega Jr., 14, of 29 Boxwood Court, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Waterbury Hospital.

Luis was born Aug. 18, 1995, in Waterbury, a son of Luis Vega Sr. and Katty DeJesus, both of Waterbury. He was a student at Wallace Middle School and was a true Boston Red Sox fan. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving young man who will be missed by all who knew him and will never be forgotten.

Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Joaquin and Moises, in addition to many, many family members.

Service and calling hour will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Chapel Memorial Funeral Home, 35-37 Grove St. Burial will be private.

Click here for obituary.

The Wallace Family is collecting cash donations for the Vega family. Please give whatever you can to your homeroom teacher.

Wallace Welcomes Next Year's Sixth Graders

Wallace Middle School's faculty and staff welcomed next year's sixth graders to the school during an orientation in the student cafeteria on Thursday, May 6. Building Principal Dr. Louis Padua and House Principals Donald Rapuano, Gary Huckins, and Jack Yeshion introduced families to various aspects of the school. The Drum Line, performing under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, impressed our future students and their families with a performance of some several cadences.

Mr. Dizenzo's Students Turn Themselves Inside Out

Students from Mr. Dizenzo's class turned themselves inside out. Mrs. Thurston undertook a fantastic project with our 7th grade science students. The students traced their bodies and labeled their internal organs. They also matched up similar facial characteristics. They posed with their clones and we almost could not tell them apart. Mrs. Thurston would not join in the picture, but she deserves a lot of credit for developing and implementing this lively learning activity.

-Mr. Dizenzo

Wallace's FOCUS Students Encounter Justice System

Eighth grade FOCUS students witnessed, firsthand, the workings of the judicial branch of government when they visited the Grand Street Courthouse on Thursday, April 29. US Marshall Preziosa gave students a tour of the lock-up and various court rooms. Judge Adelman, Public Defender Green, and State's Attorney Davenport met with the students, shared overviews of their roles and responsibilities, and answered questions. The visit ended with students' observing actual court proceedings of the criminal court.

-Ms. Porzio

Wallace Students Mark Earth Day with Hard Word

Wallace Middle School students worked for two hours on Thursday, April 22, to clean up the grounds around the school and to plant flowers. Thanks to the students and Wallace faculty and staff for cleaning up our campus and planting so many beautiful flowers in pots near the front doors.

Wallace Middle School Announces the March Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:

Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's March Students of the Month

Huckins House
6th Najae Collins
7th John Currier
8th Kristie Mitre

Rapuano House
6th Ian Rozyn
7th Eric Simmons
8th Ronzel Coates

Yeshion House
6th Aldi Ajce
7th Jeremy Olan
8th Cesilie Diaz

Unified Arts (Health Education)
Lionel Dawkins

Accelerated Academy
Monisha Nadisan

Solar Systems Galore In Yeshion House's 8th Grade Science Class

Mrs. Rusnov's 8th grade science students went "to infinity and beyond" to create models of the solar system. Students grabbed styrofoam, wire, wood, clay, rice crispie treats, frosting, paint, cardboard, pins, string and more to show the arrangement of planets around the sun. One model literally towered over the others and included LED lights. Saturn's rings were shown in particularly creative fashion. Congratulations to those students who so successfully combined art and science!

Waterbury's Water Pollution Control Manager Speaks to Wallace 8th Graders

Mrs. Rusnov's 8th grade science class had a very special visitor last week. Mr Denis Cuevas, General Manager, Water Pollution Control, City of Waterbury, spoke to the students about the engineering profession and his own experiences as a civil engineer. He is a licensed professional engineer and the first Hispanic to hold this prestigious position for the City of Waterbury. Mrs. Rusnov, who worked as a biologist and civil engineer for more than 25 years before joining the staff at Wallace, thought the students would benefit from meeting this accomplished professional who also happens to be a graduate of Crosby High School. After describing his education at UConn and his 15 years as an engineer, Mr. Cuevas encouraged the students to study math and science, set high goals for themselves, and work hard to achieve those goals. He fielded many questions and generously offered to make himself available for questions and engineering career guidance. We are very thankful that Mr. Cuevas took time from his busy work day to visit Wallace.

Three Wallace Students are Essay Contest Finalists

February 25, 2010

Dear Dr. Padua:

The Waterbury Elks Lodge #265 is pleased to inform you that your school had a student who is a finalist of the Division I (5th & 6th grades) and two students in the Division II (7th & 8th) Essay Contest "The American Dream: What Is it?" Their essays were sent to the state contest for judging.

We are having an awards presentation dinner April 30, 2010, at which time a Savings Bond will be presented.

Congratulations to your students:

6th grade: Ani Haka
8th Grade: Anabela Gomes, Aujanique Nichols

Respectfully,
Patrick Kelly
Exalted Ruler

Note: There were 281 Total Division 1 and Division II essays this year.

Wallace Middle School Announces February Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria:


Positive - Is respectful
Attitudes - Accepts responsibility
Working - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
Safely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's February Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6 – Ashwin Nankoo

Grade 7 – Ambria Payne

Grade 8 – Jennifer Diaz

Huckins House

Grade 6 – Miglyza Medina

Grade 7 – Maegan Peterson

Grade 8 – Tyler Zuraitis

Rapuano House

Grade 6 – Ruby Rodriguez

Grade 7 – Lisa Khan

Grade 8 – Belman Soto

Physical Education

Student 1 – Jason Kennedy

Student 2 – Samantha Marcotte

Bilingual

Student 1 – Juanita Londono-Pedraza

Teacher Vincent Dizenzo Sends his Thanks for Supporting the Penguin Plunge

I just wanted to update you all on my Penguin Plunge. It was a great day. I raised over $2600 for the Special Olympics, $500 of which was from the generous staff here at Wallace Middle School. Saturday was a beautiful day and the water temperature was a balmy 38 degrees. I walked in, unlike most people who ran. Then I hung out for a bit, I was the last person out of the water. I figured everyone should get their money's worth. I have a few pictures if anyone is interested.

Have a fantastic Friday and a great weekend. Thanks again.

Vincent Dizenzo

Wallace's Drum Line and Band, February 9

The Wallace Middle School Drum Line and Marching Band, under the direction of music teacher Louis Pontecorvo, played at the last boys basketball game of the season on February 9. The boys won yet again to close an undefeated season. The cheerleaders were also out to support the team.

Click here for other Drum Line videos and photos.

Wallace Community Supports McEducators Night

Thanks to parent liaison Gretchen Flaherty for these photos of McEducators Night at the Reidville Drive McDonald's earlier this school year. Faculty and staff worked at the fast-food restaurant to raise money for Wallace Middle School.

Wallace Middle School Announces January Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria.

P ositive - Is respectful
A ttitudes - Accepts responsibility
W orking - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
S afely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's January Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Sixth Grade
Jiayi Gao

Seventh Grade
Eric Daluz
Eighth Grade
Jennifer Diaz


Huckins House

Sixth Grade
Safet Daliposki
Seventh G

rade

Martha Cruz
Eighth Grade
Nellinette Martinez

Rapuano House

Sixth Grade
Andrew Vega

Seventh Grade
Klea Kaso

Eighth Grade
Danielle Pemp

CMT Skills, Literacy, Read 180

Crystal Davis
Manuel Matias
BDLC
Brandon Seda

Photos of January 30 'Mulan' Performance

Thanks to Carrie Swain for providing these photos of the Mulan performance presented by Wallace Middle School students under the direction of theater arts teacher Susan Smyth on Saturday, January 30.

Wallace Middle School Community Supports Haiti Relief Efforts

Dear Parents, Students, & Staff:

As you know, the island of Haiti has been devastated by a very strong earthquake. According to the latest estimates by relief organizations, more than 200,000 Haitians have lost their lives, and countless more have been severely injured and left homeless. In the United States, we fully understand catastrophe. Hurricane Katrina and the attacks on September 11 made us all aware of what it takes to recuperate. We united as a people and slowly rebuilt and moved on, but we also received assistance from abroad. For that, we should be thankful. Now it is our turn to help. The Wallace Middle School community will join in the effort to help Haitians rebuild and get the medical care they need through the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. These highly reputable relief organizations need our assistance.

Please be as generous as you can. Click here for a link to the form you can use to submit a donation. Have your child return it to his/her homeroom teacher.

Sincerely,

Mr. Steven Perez
Wallace Librarian
Wallace Appeal for Haiti Coordinator

Wallace Announces December Students of the Month

Wallace Middle School has a student-of-the-month program. Each month, one student per grade per house is selected based on the following criteria.

P ositive - Is respectful
A ttitudes - Accepts responsibility
W orking - Completes a high percentage of class work and/or homework
S afely - Follows school rules

Wallace Middle School's December Students of the Month

Yeshion House

Grade 6

Isaac Blanding

Grade 7
Melinda Pattonelli

Grade 8
Molly Fitzgerald

Huckins House

Grade 6
Miglyza Medina

Grade 7

Marilyn Orellana

Grade 8

Silvana Espinal

Rapuano House

Grade 6

Emma Tavernie

Grade 7
Jennifer Mejia

Grade 8

Genita Balkissoon

Bilingual Department

Erisa Kodra

Foreign Language Department

Italian

Mara DaRocha

Spanish
Phalen Smith

Wallace Drum Line Gets Light

I apologize for the poor sound quality of this video. The acoustics weren't very good in the music room, and I had to edit the sound to hear the drums at all. The students worked very hard for this video and enjoyed themselves, so I wanted to post something to honor their effort. Mr. Pontecorvo and I will try again in February, after the school presents Mulan, and the Drum Line will again have access to the auditorium for rehearsal.

-Sandy Carlson

'Mulan' Rehearsal Photos

'Mulan'
January 30
7 p.m.
Crosby Auditorium
$5 adults, $3 students

Dec. 8 Performance Previews 'Mulan' at Wallace

The cast of 'Mulan' performs at the Wallace Middle School concert on December 8. Under the direction of theater arts teacher Susan Smyth, the cast will perform the Disney musical on January 30 in the Crosby Auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for adults. Come for the fun!

Art Teacher Daniel Lionello Retires

On December 23, 2008, faculty and staff of Wallace Middle School gathered around art teacher Daniel Lionello, who has retired from teaching after a long and honorable career. We wish him well.