Going along with the theme from our presentation from Mrs. Serstad and Mr. Kartos this past week, we are learning that Social-Emotional Learning is so critical for students to learn at their maximum potential and also to have a top notch school culture. The article this week provides some thoughts on how to interweave some of this learning into our classroom routines, and also there is potential some ideas to be executed in our Homeroom morning times.
"5 Ways to Incorporate SEL in Middle School" - Jill Fletcher
Veteran's Day Assembly on Monday (11/11)
Veteran's Day is a very special day in our school district. As is our tradition, all of our students will be attending the Veteran's Day Assembly at the High School on Monday (11/11), starting around 9:05. We'll plan to have Nutrition Break starting at 8:45. Below is our plan for each grade.
6th Grade - Dismiss 1st block to Nutrition Break at 8:45, then students go to their 2nd block class. Meet with students and preview the assembly, highlighting the importance of this formal ceremony. Head to the Kerr Gym in the High School at 8:55. Students will return to 2nd block when done.
7th Grade - Dismiss from 1st block to Nutrition break at 8:45, then go back to their 1st block class. Meet with students and preview the assembly, highlighting the importance of this formal ceremony. Head to the Kerr Gym in the High School at 8:55 Students will report to their PE/Music/ITech class when done.
8th Grade - 1st elective will run from 7:45 - 8:15...2nd elective will run from 8:15 - 8:45. Dismiss to Nutrition Break, and students report to their 1st block teacher. Once there, meet with students and preview the assembly, highlighting the importance of this formal ceremony. Head to the Kerr Gym in the High School at 8:55. Students will return to 1st block when done. Teachers can communicate with each other about the ending time of 1st block that will split the class times in half, once we return.
Assembly on Friday (11/15)
We will be having an Assembly this coming Friday (11/15). Students will report to 3rd block after lunch, and should be dismissed to the 1-8 Gym at 2:10. We'll have one Carelli Cup competition, followed by our various challenge opportunities that we discussed at the Staff Meeting this past week. We should conduct our normal Homeroom Lesson on the morning of Thursday (11/14) and Friday (11/15) this week.
For the Carelli Cup, we'll need one representative from each Homeroom to compete in Musical Chairs competition. Homerooms can either can have a competition in your Homeroom or have the group select a representative in another way.
Staff Meeting Review
Thank you to all for your participation in our staff meeting this past Wednesday. A special thank you to Mrs. Serstad and Mr. Kartos for their SEL presentation, and to Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Snyder for an explanation of how the knowledge gained from reading Lost at School has helped guide their approach to students that show some challenging behaviors in the classroom. We are a strong team that continues to grow and learn from each other.
Hoods in School
As we enter the 11th week of the school year, it's still really important for us to all be on the same page on rule enforcement...one area I'd like us all to pay particular attention to is making sure students are not wearing their hoods in class. Consistency from classroom to classroom is very important, and the habits and message also filters to better conversations in the hallways.
Connections with Kids
I have had the chance to meet with many Homerooms at the end of the day, and I have been asking them to share with me the great things about our school, and the things the kids think could be better. There are many cool things they share about what they like about school. One area, however, that comes up almost in each group of an area the kids seem could be better is "kids calling each other names". When asked further, students typically says it happens in the hallways during passing time. Equipped with this knowledge, we need to have our adults present during passing time as much as possible and watching out for these interactions. Our Nutrition Break Connections Team is also designed to help have staff members out talking with kids and present to proactively prevent these type of interactions with students. Let's continue to take advantage of these opportunities to build connections with our students.
Classroom Visits
During BW Meeting time with teachers starting this coming week, we'll continue to visit other classrooms to learn from each other. Also, Dr. Shappell will be making classroom visits as well.
Late Start/Early Release Schedules
Please review both of the schedules below when you get the chance, and let me know if you notice any areas that conflict with your assignments. Typically, there are a couple of areas that we need to work through some resolutions when we adjust our schedule. We'll use the Late Start Schedule for any 2 hour delays that may arise due to weather, and we'll use the Early Release Schedule for our upcoming 1:15 dismissal day on 11/27.
Late Start Schedule
Early Release Schedule
Next SOM Breakfast 12/6/19
Just an early reminder about our next Student of the Month Breakfast. It will be on December 6th. In the next couple of weeks, be on the lookout for your nominees.
Resource from our Reading Specialist
Thank you to Mrs. Dzioba for sharing a great resource this week on conferring with students. Meeting one on one with students and providing them feedback and asking reflective questions is critical to accelerating the learning of our students. The resource she provides HERE can help make sure that student learning is maximized during these conferencing opportunities. Thank you Mrs. Dzioba!
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