Sunday, January 6, 2019

The Middle Update 1/4/19

We are off and running in 2019.  The next part of the school year is steady, with STAR testing coming up, the end of Quarter 2, mid-year SLO's, Forward Exam planning, it's a busy time.  Our focus on planning strong lessons that put students in positions to be highly engaged, thinking critically and solving problems remains as our top priority.

Article of the Week
Our article this week takes a closer look at the latest research showing the effectiveness of rewarding students in schools.  There are certain acknowledges and approaches that are more effective than others.  This provides some solid insight for your own classroom, as well as school-wide practices.

"5 Ways to Reward Students the Right Way" -pbisapps.org

End of Quarter/Semester Items
-As we near the end of the 2nd quarter, students that are struggling (NE or BE) range, should be working outside of their normal class time to get things in order.  The parent/guardian of any student that falls in this category should be in the loop and working with us to help their child work to improve their performance.

-Students with significant missing work issues should be working over their lunch or after school to meet the requirements.  If you have questions, I'd be happy to assist with any student that could be struggling in this area.

-Also looking ahead to the report cards, please utilize the comments section to give some feedback about the performance of each student in your class.

Mid-Year STAR Testing
Students will be taking the Winter STAR test on the following dates in their scheduled ELA and Math classes:
     Math - Tuesday (1/8)
     Reading - Friday (1/11)

Staff Meeting This Month
We will be meeting as a Middle School staff on Wednesday (1/16) at 2:50 in Mrs. Rogness' Room.  We will hear from our Leadership Group on our plan for utilizing our Puma Pride standards in more meaningful ways as well as a continued focus on High Impact Instructional Strategies and refining our culture of acceptance and high expectations for all.

The Next Student of the Month Breakfast
The date for the next breakfast is Thursday, January 24 at 7:00 am.  Teams should communicate their nominees to the office by early next week.

Upcoming Dates of note...
January 7th - MS Leadership Group Meeting - 2:50
January 9th - ELA Dept. Meeting - 2:50
January 16th - MS Staff Meeting - 2:50
January 18th - End of Quarter 2
January 21st - No School/ PD Day
January 23rd - Grades are Due (AM)
January 24th - Student of the Month Breakfast
January 25th - Report Cards Distributed in Homerooms





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The Middle Update 1/4/19

We are off and running in 2019.  The next part of the school year is steady, with STAR testing coming up, the end of Quarter 2, mid-year SLO's, Forward Exam planning, it's a busy time.  Our focus on planning strong lessons that put students in positions to be highly engaged, thinking critically and solving problems remains as our top priority.

Article of the Week
Our article this week takes a closer look at the latest research showing the effectiveness of rewarding students in schools.  There are certain acknowledges and approaches that are more effective than others.  This provides some solid insight for your own classroom, as well as school-wide practices.

"5 Ways to Reward Students the Right Way" -pbisapps.org

End of Quarter/Semester Items
-As we near the end of the 2nd quarter, students that are struggling (NE or BE) range, should be working outside of their normal class time to get things in order.  The parent/guardian of any student that falls in this category should be in the loop and working with us to help their child work to improve their performance.

-Students with significant missing work issues should be working over their lunch or after school to meet the requirements.  If you have questions, I'd be happy to assist with any student that could be struggling in this area.

-Also looking ahead to the report cards, please utilize the comments section to give some feedback about the performance of each student in your class.

Mid-Year STAR Testing
Students will be taking the Winter STAR test on the following dates in their scheduled ELA and Math classes:
     Math - Tuesday (1/8)
     Reading - Friday (1/11)

Staff Meeting This Month
We will be meeting as a Middle School staff on Wednesday (1/16) at 2:50 in Mrs. Rogness' Room.  We will hear from our Leadership Group on our plan for utilizing our Puma Pride standards in more meaningful ways as well as a continued focus on High Impact Instructional Strategies and refining our culture of acceptance and high expectations for all.

The Next Student of the Month Breakfast
The date for the next breakfast is Thursday, January 24 at 7:00 am.  Teams should communicate their nominees to the office by early next week.

Upcoming Dates of note...
January 7th - MS Leadership Group Meeting - 2:50
January 9th - ELA Dept. Meeting - 2:50
January 16th - MS Staff Meeting - 2:50
January 18th - End of Quarter 2
January 21st - No School/ PD Day
January 23rd - Grades are Due (AM)
January 24th - Student of the Month Breakfast
January 25th - Report Cards Distributed in Homerooms