Saturday, December 2, 2017

The Middle Update 12/1/17

We are already in the month of December and in hot pursuit of the midway point of the 2nd quarter.  The way time moves so quickly continues to amaze me.  Another big week ahead...a reminder that I am out on leave a couple days during the next few weeks (MWF this week).  Make it a great week!

Article of the Week
The short article this week by David Cutler, discusses solid strategies to bring a little more excitement to any class.

Rekindling Excitement for Familiar Classes

 Mid-Term Grades
The mid-point of Quarter 2 is on Friday, December 8th.  Student progress grades should be posted at that time.  I will be sending a message home indicating that the progress grades have been updated.

Literacy Committee Update
The Literacy Committee met this past Wednesday.  A summary of our progress follows:
-We will be postponing our Book Talks till after break to allow for more recruitment of high school students and their preparation
-We are planning a literacy event in collaboration with the elementary school for Friday, December 22nd...more information to follow
-To check-in on our new Literacy Bulletin Board downstairs by the cafeteria...special thanks to Ms. Laufenberg for her efforts.

Anna & Katie's Corner
Although it seems like a long way away right now, assessment season will quickly be upon us.   The Forward Exam will be given again this year in grades 3rd through 8th and 10th, with the assessment window from March 14th through May 4th.  Closer to the testing window you will receive a more specific timeline of dates and times for testing.  New this year DPI has released achievement level descriptors along with sample questions that are similar format and content to what students see on the exam.  Starting on December 10th they will also make available an online sample test that students can take to practice using the embedded tools and become familiar with the format and types of questions they will see.  Below are the links to these resources for you to review.  



#fitwithfamily
We have created a "#FitwithFamily" Board outside the staff bathrooms. We will be sending home a newsletter in the next few days that asks the students and their families to do a physical activity with at least one family member and take a picture so that we can post it on our board. We are asking that you join in on the fun! If you have a picture, you can put it in either PE teacher's mailbox or email us and we will be sure to print it and post it! Thanks for supporting the PE Dept and our passion to spread fitness and healthy lifestyles!

 Community Voice in the Poynette Press
The COLUMN this week is written by PHS Art Teacher Kaitlyn Heintz highlighting what 21st century learning looks like in her classroom.  If you have an interest in writing an article for the paper, let me know and I can help out.

 Holiday Splash
Many talents will be on display at the annual Holiday Splash, which will take place at Poynette High School on Tuesday, December 4th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  All are welcome to enjoy the festivity.
Holiday Thoughts (from the Elementary blog...thanks Mr. Hausser)
Like many of you, I love this time of year.  However, unfortunately for some of our students, this is a very difficult time. These next three weeks especially may be difficult because they are anxious for the Holidays and scared of what may happen over break.  We also have parents that hold "presents" or "no presents" over our students which can cause more problems than help.  We should try to be as proactive as possible when dealing with students or understanding of this.  Please let me know if you need any help.  It can be fun for many, but miserable for others.

 Duty Next Week
Morning - Laufenberg
Bus - Weckerly

 PSD on Social Media
 
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The Middle Update 12/1/17

We are already in the month of December and in hot pursuit of the midway point of the 2nd quarter.  The way time moves so quickly continues to amaze me.  Another big week ahead...a reminder that I am out on leave a couple days during the next few weeks (MWF this week).  Make it a great week!

Article of the Week
The short article this week by David Cutler, discusses solid strategies to bring a little more excitement to any class.

Rekindling Excitement for Familiar Classes

 Mid-Term Grades
The mid-point of Quarter 2 is on Friday, December 8th.  Student progress grades should be posted at that time.  I will be sending a message home indicating that the progress grades have been updated.

Literacy Committee Update
The Literacy Committee met this past Wednesday.  A summary of our progress follows:
-We will be postponing our Book Talks till after break to allow for more recruitment of high school students and their preparation
-We are planning a literacy event in collaboration with the elementary school for Friday, December 22nd...more information to follow
-To check-in on our new Literacy Bulletin Board downstairs by the cafeteria...special thanks to Ms. Laufenberg for her efforts.

Anna & Katie's Corner
Although it seems like a long way away right now, assessment season will quickly be upon us.   The Forward Exam will be given again this year in grades 3rd through 8th and 10th, with the assessment window from March 14th through May 4th.  Closer to the testing window you will receive a more specific timeline of dates and times for testing.  New this year DPI has released achievement level descriptors along with sample questions that are similar format and content to what students see on the exam.  Starting on December 10th they will also make available an online sample test that students can take to practice using the embedded tools and become familiar with the format and types of questions they will see.  Below are the links to these resources for you to review.  



#fitwithfamily
We have created a "#FitwithFamily" Board outside the staff bathrooms. We will be sending home a newsletter in the next few days that asks the students and their families to do a physical activity with at least one family member and take a picture so that we can post it on our board. We are asking that you join in on the fun! If you have a picture, you can put it in either PE teacher's mailbox or email us and we will be sure to print it and post it! Thanks for supporting the PE Dept and our passion to spread fitness and healthy lifestyles!

 Community Voice in the Poynette Press
The COLUMN this week is written by PHS Art Teacher Kaitlyn Heintz highlighting what 21st century learning looks like in her classroom.  If you have an interest in writing an article for the paper, let me know and I can help out.

 Holiday Splash
Many talents will be on display at the annual Holiday Splash, which will take place at Poynette High School on Tuesday, December 4th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  All are welcome to enjoy the festivity.
Holiday Thoughts (from the Elementary blog...thanks Mr. Hausser)
Like many of you, I love this time of year.  However, unfortunately for some of our students, this is a very difficult time. These next three weeks especially may be difficult because they are anxious for the Holidays and scared of what may happen over break.  We also have parents that hold "presents" or "no presents" over our students which can cause more problems than help.  We should try to be as proactive as possible when dealing with students or understanding of this.  Please let me know if you need any help.  It can be fun for many, but miserable for others.

 Duty Next Week
Morning - Laufenberg
Bus - Weckerly

 PSD on Social Media