PMS News & Notes 3/12/15

I don't know about you, but this is my favorite time of the year...especially when the weather is so nice, so quick, and the snow is nearly gone.  There is nothing like the excitement and energy of March Madness, especially with the Pumas playing for the right to go to state tomorrow.  With all of that being said, our focus remains the same.  The end of Quarter 3 is almost upon us, and routines and expectations are well established.  It is so important to maintain high expectations and continue to nudge our students towards higher level work...Thank you for all you do for our kids.  Check out below for some important updates.

Badger Exam Update
Earlier this week, the DPI released some significant news about the Badger Exam.  The ELA Performance Task portion of the test has been cancelled.  This new information means that we will have a less daunting and time consuming Badger Exam schedule.  The projected schedule at this time is:

4/14 - 4/17 - 8th Grade - 9:05 - 10:45 each day.  ELA on Tuesday, followed by the Math portion.
4/21 - 4/24 - 7th Grade - 7:35 - 9:15 each day.  ELA on Tuesday, followed by the Math portion.
4/28 - 5/1 - 6th Grade - 7:35 - 9:15 each day.  ELA on Tuesday, followed by the Math portion.

We will need about 3 of the newer chrome carts for each grade level, and we ask that we look at not overloading the network with traffic during testing times.  We will also be using Homeroom time on 3/27 for Badger Exam Prep.  Also, the week after spring break, we will schedule a dry run for each grade level on different days starting Wednesday with 8th Grade, Thursday with 7th Grade, and Friday with 6th Grade.  Testing groups and assignment information will be out soon.

Homeroom on Friday 3/27
Like I mentioned above, on Friday, 3/27, we will have a Homeroom lesson plan for Badger Exam prep.  All students should report to their normal Homeroom groups on this day.

End of 3rd Quarter Celebration
On Friday, 3/27 we will be having an assembly for all Middle School students at 2:00 pm in the 1-8 Gym.  For 6th grade Applied Academics, this means that your last day with them will be Thursday, 3/26.  We will need all teaching staff in the gym for the assembly.

Budget for This Year
At this time, spending for the 14-15 school year is complete.  The only thing that can be purchased are any consumable purchases that normally occur each year for certain classes.  If you have questions, please let me know.

Also, a reminder to get your requisitions and summary sheets (by department) to me by end of day today.

Excellence In Our Building
There are so many great things happening in our building, and we need to share and recognize these things. At our next staff meeting, we will be taking time for a staff share/collaboration/celebration.  Please communicate with me if you have a shining activity/practice/method that you would like to share. Also, it is important that we share our story with the community.  I am looking for people to help me lead this charge.  I hope to foster and grow a culture of teachers that are innovators and proud of the effective, hard work that we do.  Don't hesitate to send an email or talk to me about the special things that we do for our students.

Student of the Month Breakfast
Thanks to Mr. Jorgensen, Ms. Fraser, and Mr. Lendobeja for their participation on Thursday morning. This is truly a great event.  The next breakfast will be on Friday, April 10.  With spring break in the mix, we'll need nominees by Wednesday, 3/25.  Please start thinking and communicating about this soon.

Twitter Find of the Week


Duty Next Week
Morning - Frehner, Graeve
Bus - Graeve

Data
Behavior Referrals through 7 weeks in 3rd Quarter
14-15 - 39 Events 39 Students
13-14 - 107 Events 51 Students
12-13 - 83 Events 48 Students
11-12 - 184 Events 73 Students