Saturday, May 11, 2019

The Middle Update 5/10/19

Resource of the Week
In most of our classrooms, the use of tools like Google Classroom has become commonplace, and a natural part of the classroom routine.  Not only can it be easier for us to stay organized and communicate, but the use also is helpful for our students who struggle with executive functioning skills.  The article this week provides a glimpse into how we can use these tools to help our students who struggle the most with organization.


"Helping Students with ADHD Stay Organized" - Ezra Werb

4th Quarter Progress Grades
We are finishing up the 5th week of the 4th Quarter already.  At this time, just a reminder that standard grades should be posted at this point.  Parents and students should be able to see their current grade per standard when looking at Infinite Campus.  Also, at this time, overall Puma Pride grades should be posted as well.  All classes should have the "Follows Classroom Expectations" standard posted, however, the Effort and Work Completion standard could also be reported on as well.  I will send a reminder to parents to check on 4th quarter grades on Monday.

Handbook Review Team
We had 6 teachers meet on Wednesday afternoon to review Handbook rules, and start the discussion for how we can improve upon the Handbook related practices that relate to school culture.  We discussed situations in our building that need improvement, and started the conversation about how we will work towards improvement.  There was an article that was published in this week's Educational Leadership edition, that went along well with our discussion.  Please let me know if you'd like a copy to read.  More updates to come on this front.

Superhero Run/Wellness Day on Friday!!
We will be running our 2nd annual Superhero Run this spring.  The run will be on Friday, May 17th and will follow a similar schedule as last year.  Just like last year, we'll need teachers down at the track to mark wristbands at the corners.  Everyone (staff/students) should dress in comfortable active wear for our day.  Students will be running at the track at the following times: 
8th Grade - 8:20 - 9:00         7th Grade - 9:07 - 9:52        6th Grade - 11:24 - 12:10

We will meet with Homeroom groups on Thursday during IE this week.
We will have a Modified Schedule on Friday.  Please review the suggested schedule.  Teams can feel free to modify in a manner that makes sense.

Felicia Ritzke and Brooke Steinhorst are organizing our Wellness Day activities on this day as well.  They will have more specific information to share on Monday/Tuesday, however, our afternoon will follow a plan along the following lines: 
12:45 - 1:45 - Homeroom activities/competitions
1:45 - 2:47 - Various activities happening across campus - Students will sign up on Tuesday/Wednesday - Staff will be assigned to a location to participate with/monitor students

Teacher Candidates in on Wednesday
We will have 3 teacher candidates for our 6th Grade Science/Math position in for interviews on Wednesday.  If you see a candidate around the building on a tour, feel free to say hello and welcome them to our school.

Heading into the Home Stretch
As we head down the stretch, it's important for us all to have the same mindset about how our final weeks of school will go.  Anytime we have a disruption to our routine (Forward Exam week/field trip), we sometimes see an uptick in challenging behavior.  Making the most of our class time every minute, every day, is an essential value that we all must uphold for our culture.  Having strong, engaging lessons right up to the last day of school is going to be an essential part of finishing the school year strong and strengthening a culture of high expectations for ALL, and the high achievement that naturally follows.


End of Year All Staff Celebration
This year we will be starting a new tradition.  At around 1:00 on the last day of school (Thursday, 6/6) in the High School cafeteria for all staff, we will serve pizza, and other options, for everyone, and have a brief recognition ceremony.  Check-out procedures will start right after we wrap up our celebration.

Upcoming Events
Wednesday - May 15 - 10:45 - 12:10 - Choir Rehearsals for Spring Concert
Wednesday - May 15 - Retirement Open House - 3:30 - 4:30 (HS IMC)
Wednesday - May 15 - School Board Meeting
Thursday - May 16 - Spring Concert
Thursday - May 16 - 7th Graders Field Trip to Mackenzie Center
Friday - May 17 - Superhero Run/Wellness Day

Wednesday - May 22 - 6th Grade Track Meet in the Afternoon
Thursday - May 23 - Home Track Meet
Wednesday - May 29 - PMS Staff Meeting

Friday - May 31 - End of Year Assembly - crown Carelli Cup Homeroom winners
Sunday - June 2 - PHS Graduation
Wednesday - June 5 - 8th Grade Field Trip/Dance
Thursday - June 6 - Early Release at 12:30 - Staff Reception at 1:00 in HS Commons

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The Middle Update 5/10/19

Resource of the Week
In most of our classrooms, the use of tools like Google Classroom has become commonplace, and a natural part of the classroom routine.  Not only can it be easier for us to stay organized and communicate, but the use also is helpful for our students who struggle with executive functioning skills.  The article this week provides a glimpse into how we can use these tools to help our students who struggle the most with organization.


"Helping Students with ADHD Stay Organized" - Ezra Werb

4th Quarter Progress Grades
We are finishing up the 5th week of the 4th Quarter already.  At this time, just a reminder that standard grades should be posted at this point.  Parents and students should be able to see their current grade per standard when looking at Infinite Campus.  Also, at this time, overall Puma Pride grades should be posted as well.  All classes should have the "Follows Classroom Expectations" standard posted, however, the Effort and Work Completion standard could also be reported on as well.  I will send a reminder to parents to check on 4th quarter grades on Monday.

Handbook Review Team
We had 6 teachers meet on Wednesday afternoon to review Handbook rules, and start the discussion for how we can improve upon the Handbook related practices that relate to school culture.  We discussed situations in our building that need improvement, and started the conversation about how we will work towards improvement.  There was an article that was published in this week's Educational Leadership edition, that went along well with our discussion.  Please let me know if you'd like a copy to read.  More updates to come on this front.

Superhero Run/Wellness Day on Friday!!
We will be running our 2nd annual Superhero Run this spring.  The run will be on Friday, May 17th and will follow a similar schedule as last year.  Just like last year, we'll need teachers down at the track to mark wristbands at the corners.  Everyone (staff/students) should dress in comfortable active wear for our day.  Students will be running at the track at the following times: 
8th Grade - 8:20 - 9:00         7th Grade - 9:07 - 9:52        6th Grade - 11:24 - 12:10

We will meet with Homeroom groups on Thursday during IE this week.
We will have a Modified Schedule on Friday.  Please review the suggested schedule.  Teams can feel free to modify in a manner that makes sense.

Felicia Ritzke and Brooke Steinhorst are organizing our Wellness Day activities on this day as well.  They will have more specific information to share on Monday/Tuesday, however, our afternoon will follow a plan along the following lines: 
12:45 - 1:45 - Homeroom activities/competitions
1:45 - 2:47 - Various activities happening across campus - Students will sign up on Tuesday/Wednesday - Staff will be assigned to a location to participate with/monitor students

Teacher Candidates in on Wednesday
We will have 3 teacher candidates for our 6th Grade Science/Math position in for interviews on Wednesday.  If you see a candidate around the building on a tour, feel free to say hello and welcome them to our school.

Heading into the Home Stretch
As we head down the stretch, it's important for us all to have the same mindset about how our final weeks of school will go.  Anytime we have a disruption to our routine (Forward Exam week/field trip), we sometimes see an uptick in challenging behavior.  Making the most of our class time every minute, every day, is an essential value that we all must uphold for our culture.  Having strong, engaging lessons right up to the last day of school is going to be an essential part of finishing the school year strong and strengthening a culture of high expectations for ALL, and the high achievement that naturally follows.


End of Year All Staff Celebration
This year we will be starting a new tradition.  At around 1:00 on the last day of school (Thursday, 6/6) in the High School cafeteria for all staff, we will serve pizza, and other options, for everyone, and have a brief recognition ceremony.  Check-out procedures will start right after we wrap up our celebration.

Upcoming Events
Wednesday - May 15 - 10:45 - 12:10 - Choir Rehearsals for Spring Concert
Wednesday - May 15 - Retirement Open House - 3:30 - 4:30 (HS IMC)
Wednesday - May 15 - School Board Meeting
Thursday - May 16 - Spring Concert
Thursday - May 16 - 7th Graders Field Trip to Mackenzie Center
Friday - May 17 - Superhero Run/Wellness Day

Wednesday - May 22 - 6th Grade Track Meet in the Afternoon
Thursday - May 23 - Home Track Meet
Wednesday - May 29 - PMS Staff Meeting

Friday - May 31 - End of Year Assembly - crown Carelli Cup Homeroom winners
Sunday - June 2 - PHS Graduation
Wednesday - June 5 - 8th Grade Field Trip/Dance
Thursday - June 6 - Early Release at 12:30 - Staff Reception at 1:00 in HS Commons