Sunday, February 26, 2017

The Middle Update 2/26/17

Below you'll find an information packed edition of The Middle Update...Friday's snow/ice day hopefully provided both students and staff an opportunity to recharge the battery and prepare for a huge stretch run through March and into Spring Break.  Despite the many things going on, our focus on planning and executing airtight engaging lessons remains at the forefront. I look forward to getting the most out of each day with all of you!

February Update Video
Check out this month's update VIDEO!  Thanks to the volunteers for participating, and if anyone really wants to get in one of the videos, just let me know!

Staff Meeting Wrap-Up
I enjoyed the discussion at our staff meeting this past Wednesday and look forward to continuing the conversation of how we can continually improve what we do to prepare our students for the evolving world of work.  The findings from the Forbes studies that we reviewed should remain in the forefront of our minds as we plan our units and daily activities.

Thoughts from the Educational Sources
"Content is free.  Our focus for our students needs to building competencies over content."  -Myron Dueck (at AWSA Principal's Convention 2/17)

"You can lead a student to water, but you can't make him drink. However, you can make him so thirsty that he can't help but take a sip." -found on Twitter review

Article of the Week
After meeting and listening to Myron Dueck's keynote address earlier this month, I find myself drawn to his work.  This week's article provides highlights some of the assessment practices that we do really well, but also provides some guidance in areas like projects and feedback.  A solid short read.

Aha Moments on the Way to Better Teaching - Dueck

7th Graders will Have Homeroom this Tuesday 2/28

The 7th Graders were supposed to complete necessary work in their Career Cruising accounts that must be completed before Thursday's conferences, so we will have them report to their Homeroom groups during IE on Tuesday.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Starting this week, we have another opportunity to meet with parents/ guardians to discuss our students' achievement and growth.  We'll be assembling items for student folders this week.  I'll be seeking team input for the items that we'll include.  I'll stop by team meetings on Tuesday to finalize our plan.  Mrs. Graeve and the Junior Class will be offering food on Thursday, March 2nd.  The following week, our Parents' Club will be providing a pizza feast for us.

Elementary Science Night
Ms. Pittner has led the charge to bring a Science night to our school on March 10th.  Some of our middle school students will be on hand to help out as well. Check out the FLYER for more information.

Budget Time
Earlier this week I shared the budget process informational packet. I have been able to address many questions about the process since then. If you have some questions, keep them coming. Our goal is to have all of the requisition and summary sheets to me by March 15th. This is a district deadline for all staff. A link to the Budget Process Packet can be found HERE. Most of you will just need to look at the first tab. Again, this is only view only, so go ahead and make a copy for your purposes.


Forward Exam Information
The Forward Exam is literally just weeks away.  At this time, we have tentatively settled on the dates and times.  This schedule is still in a draft form, but beginning to take shape.  All test proctors will be meeting soon to review the requirements for administering a successful Forward Exam.

Forward Exam Testing Schedule


Upcoming Dates
March 2nd - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30 - 8:00 pm
March 9th - Student of the Month Breakfast - 7:00 am
March 9th - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 7:30 pm
March 10th - 7th Grade to Village Hall to view Tom Sawyer - 12:45 - 2:45
March 24th - End of Quarter 3
March 29th - PMS Staff Meeting - 2:50 - 3:30 pm
March 30th - April 6th - 8th Grade Forward Exam
April 10th - April 14th - Spring Break
April 18th - April 21st - 7th Grade Forward Exam
April 25th - April 27th - 6th Grade Forward Exam

Duty Next Week
Morning - Odden, Johnson
Bus - Hazard

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The Middle Update 2/26/17

Below you'll find an information packed edition of The Middle Update...Friday's snow/ice day hopefully provided both students and staff an opportunity to recharge the battery and prepare for a huge stretch run through March and into Spring Break.  Despite the many things going on, our focus on planning and executing airtight engaging lessons remains at the forefront. I look forward to getting the most out of each day with all of you!

February Update Video
Check out this month's update VIDEO!  Thanks to the volunteers for participating, and if anyone really wants to get in one of the videos, just let me know!

Staff Meeting Wrap-Up
I enjoyed the discussion at our staff meeting this past Wednesday and look forward to continuing the conversation of how we can continually improve what we do to prepare our students for the evolving world of work.  The findings from the Forbes studies that we reviewed should remain in the forefront of our minds as we plan our units and daily activities.

Thoughts from the Educational Sources
"Content is free.  Our focus for our students needs to building competencies over content."  -Myron Dueck (at AWSA Principal's Convention 2/17)

"You can lead a student to water, but you can't make him drink. However, you can make him so thirsty that he can't help but take a sip." -found on Twitter review

Article of the Week
After meeting and listening to Myron Dueck's keynote address earlier this month, I find myself drawn to his work.  This week's article provides highlights some of the assessment practices that we do really well, but also provides some guidance in areas like projects and feedback.  A solid short read.

Aha Moments on the Way to Better Teaching - Dueck

7th Graders will Have Homeroom this Tuesday 2/28

The 7th Graders were supposed to complete necessary work in their Career Cruising accounts that must be completed before Thursday's conferences, so we will have them report to their Homeroom groups during IE on Tuesday.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Starting this week, we have another opportunity to meet with parents/ guardians to discuss our students' achievement and growth.  We'll be assembling items for student folders this week.  I'll be seeking team input for the items that we'll include.  I'll stop by team meetings on Tuesday to finalize our plan.  Mrs. Graeve and the Junior Class will be offering food on Thursday, March 2nd.  The following week, our Parents' Club will be providing a pizza feast for us.

Elementary Science Night
Ms. Pittner has led the charge to bring a Science night to our school on March 10th.  Some of our middle school students will be on hand to help out as well. Check out the FLYER for more information.

Budget Time
Earlier this week I shared the budget process informational packet. I have been able to address many questions about the process since then. If you have some questions, keep them coming. Our goal is to have all of the requisition and summary sheets to me by March 15th. This is a district deadline for all staff. A link to the Budget Process Packet can be found HERE. Most of you will just need to look at the first tab. Again, this is only view only, so go ahead and make a copy for your purposes.


Forward Exam Information
The Forward Exam is literally just weeks away.  At this time, we have tentatively settled on the dates and times.  This schedule is still in a draft form, but beginning to take shape.  All test proctors will be meeting soon to review the requirements for administering a successful Forward Exam.

Forward Exam Testing Schedule


Upcoming Dates
March 2nd - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30 - 8:00 pm
March 9th - Student of the Month Breakfast - 7:00 am
March 9th - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 7:30 pm
March 10th - 7th Grade to Village Hall to view Tom Sawyer - 12:45 - 2:45
March 24th - End of Quarter 3
March 29th - PMS Staff Meeting - 2:50 - 3:30 pm
March 30th - April 6th - 8th Grade Forward Exam
April 10th - April 14th - Spring Break
April 18th - April 21st - 7th Grade Forward Exam
April 25th - April 27th - 6th Grade Forward Exam

Duty Next Week
Morning - Odden, Johnson
Bus - Hazard