Friday, September 8, 2017

The Middle Update 9/8/17

All indications are that the start to the school year has been smooth.  I have really enjoyed seeing firsthand how all of your hard work and preparation has led to a smooth start to the school year.  The foundation that has been laid will allow us to efficiently and effectively push our students towards achievement that they not yet realized.  I really am proud and excited to be a part of this learning community.

Hattie's Mindframe Focus

Mindframe #2: I believe that success and failure in student learning is about what I did or did not do ... I am a change agent

The traditional view of the teacher is as a “guide on the side” who sets up the learning activities and allows the children to get on with the learning. While this works for some students in some learning contexts, for most learners in most tasks, it will never be enough; at some point, we all need clear direction. Hattie believes that teachers should therefore see themselves as a change agent, rather than a facilitator of learning.

For teachers to promote effective change in their pupils’ learning, they must provide direct instruction and clear, meaningful feedback about where the learner is in relation to the learning intentions and success criteria and the next steps they need to take. It requires knowledge of the prior experiences of the learners and what they are bringing to the learning task. Above all, it requires the teacher to believe that ability is changeable and learning is about challenge.  

STAR Reading and Math
Students will be taking the fall STAR tests on the following dates in their respective Math and ELA classes.
Reading - Monday, September 11
Math - Friday, September 15

IE Schedule Starts Monday
On Monday during IE time, students will be reporting to their IE assignment locations.  Please review the updated IE Structure document for groups that are not intervention groups.

Grade Level Blogs
This is a reminder to please update the grade level blogs regarding expectations for the week ahead.  If you have any questions about this, please let me know.  Everyone should have access to post in the blog.  This has been a source of a great deal of positive feedback from parents.  Thank you for your efforts to enhance the communication from school to home.

Handbook Signature Form 
As we wrap up this first week, our Homeroom sessions focused on team building, expectations review and handbook policies has come to a close.  With that being said, we need a Handbook Acknowledgement Form signed by both students and parents on file in the office.  Each student will get a copy of the handbook, and Mrs. McNicol will be distributing the forms for you.  Students should return the forms to their homeroom teachers.  Once you have received them all, please bring them to the office.

Opportunities
I sent an email earlier in August about looking for some assistance.  Since that email was sent a number of staff members expressed interest in helping with the events, and a leader for each of the projects has come forward (see below). If you are interested in contributing, contact the leader for more information.

Book Talks/School-wide Literacy Activities - Mrs. Rogness/Mrs. Maurer
Carelli Cup Events - Ms. Pittner
End of Quarter 2 Celebration/Community Building Activity - Mr. Williams
Hallway Bulletin Board Beautification - Mrs. Hendrickson

Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, September 13 - Applied Academic Dept. Mtg (Lendobeja's room)
Wednesday, September 20 - ELA Dept. Mtg (Rogness' room)

Duty Next Week
Bus - Frehner

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The Middle Update 9/8/17

All indications are that the start to the school year has been smooth.  I have really enjoyed seeing firsthand how all of your hard work and preparation has led to a smooth start to the school year.  The foundation that has been laid will allow us to efficiently and effectively push our students towards achievement that they not yet realized.  I really am proud and excited to be a part of this learning community.

Hattie's Mindframe Focus

Mindframe #2: I believe that success and failure in student learning is about what I did or did not do ... I am a change agent

The traditional view of the teacher is as a “guide on the side” who sets up the learning activities and allows the children to get on with the learning. While this works for some students in some learning contexts, for most learners in most tasks, it will never be enough; at some point, we all need clear direction. Hattie believes that teachers should therefore see themselves as a change agent, rather than a facilitator of learning.

For teachers to promote effective change in their pupils’ learning, they must provide direct instruction and clear, meaningful feedback about where the learner is in relation to the learning intentions and success criteria and the next steps they need to take. It requires knowledge of the prior experiences of the learners and what they are bringing to the learning task. Above all, it requires the teacher to believe that ability is changeable and learning is about challenge.  

STAR Reading and Math
Students will be taking the fall STAR tests on the following dates in their respective Math and ELA classes.
Reading - Monday, September 11
Math - Friday, September 15

IE Schedule Starts Monday
On Monday during IE time, students will be reporting to their IE assignment locations.  Please review the updated IE Structure document for groups that are not intervention groups.

Grade Level Blogs
This is a reminder to please update the grade level blogs regarding expectations for the week ahead.  If you have any questions about this, please let me know.  Everyone should have access to post in the blog.  This has been a source of a great deal of positive feedback from parents.  Thank you for your efforts to enhance the communication from school to home.

Handbook Signature Form 
As we wrap up this first week, our Homeroom sessions focused on team building, expectations review and handbook policies has come to a close.  With that being said, we need a Handbook Acknowledgement Form signed by both students and parents on file in the office.  Each student will get a copy of the handbook, and Mrs. McNicol will be distributing the forms for you.  Students should return the forms to their homeroom teachers.  Once you have received them all, please bring them to the office.

Opportunities
I sent an email earlier in August about looking for some assistance.  Since that email was sent a number of staff members expressed interest in helping with the events, and a leader for each of the projects has come forward (see below). If you are interested in contributing, contact the leader for more information.

Book Talks/School-wide Literacy Activities - Mrs. Rogness/Mrs. Maurer
Carelli Cup Events - Ms. Pittner
End of Quarter 2 Celebration/Community Building Activity - Mr. Williams
Hallway Bulletin Board Beautification - Mrs. Hendrickson

Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, September 13 - Applied Academic Dept. Mtg (Lendobeja's room)
Wednesday, September 20 - ELA Dept. Mtg (Rogness' room)

Duty Next Week
Bus - Frehner