Sunday, January 24, 2021

The Middle Update 1/24/21

ALL students can learn

ALL students will learn because of what WE do

These two phrases are the most important beliefs/mindsets of the people in successful schools.  Those two phrases are perhaps easy to agree on, but challenges us at times when faced with the difficulties of doing everything we can for our most "at-risk" students.  The article this week goes in depth about the applications of these two beliefs in schools, and also sets the stage for the learning that many of us will embark in the "Leaders of Learning" book study.

"A Pivotal, Powerful Assumption: All Students Can Learn at High Levels" - Mike Mattos


Leaders of Learning Book Study

We have a great turnout for those interested in learning together with the book, "Leaders of Learning".  The books were ordered early last week and are arriving at different times.  I'll be distributing the copies as soon as we get them in to those participating.  The questions have been posted for the Intro. and Chapters 1 and 2 in Google Classroom.  Our first meeting is set for Thursday, February 4th.  Please let me know if you have any questions.


IMC during Last Block of the Day

As the year has gone on the IMC has experienced a gradual increase of traffic during the last block of the day.  Each day, there is one group of 5th graders that meets as a class in the IMC w/Ebony.  It is so nice to have a big space to allow for many collaborative groups to meet and have adults working with students, however, I'm asking that cohorts only send a student or two out to work in the IMC at the end of the day if it's necessary...this is an ideal space for students who are working with an adult for support during class.  An increased number of people in the space is much harder to maintain our cohort separations and to maintain an atmosphere that is optimal for learning.  Our smaller numbers of students in cohort groups should ensure there is plenty of space to work in the classrooms.


Forward Exam

Students in the state of Wisconsin will be taking the Forward Exam this spring.  The testing window will be a little bit different, there will not be a TDA Writing Prompt, and the test will not be as long as usual.  We'll be working through the details and our testing plan in the next month or so.  More details can be found at this LINK.


Pig Races

We had to order some new pigs to fill out our fleet of racers.  You can expect to get your pig later this week and have direction about the competitions that will take place during our Pig Racing Week.

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

The Middle Update 1/24/21

ALL students can learn

ALL students will learn because of what WE do

These two phrases are the most important beliefs/mindsets of the people in successful schools.  Those two phrases are perhaps easy to agree on, but challenges us at times when faced with the difficulties of doing everything we can for our most "at-risk" students.  The article this week goes in depth about the applications of these two beliefs in schools, and also sets the stage for the learning that many of us will embark in the "Leaders of Learning" book study.

"A Pivotal, Powerful Assumption: All Students Can Learn at High Levels" - Mike Mattos


Leaders of Learning Book Study

We have a great turnout for those interested in learning together with the book, "Leaders of Learning".  The books were ordered early last week and are arriving at different times.  I'll be distributing the copies as soon as we get them in to those participating.  The questions have been posted for the Intro. and Chapters 1 and 2 in Google Classroom.  Our first meeting is set for Thursday, February 4th.  Please let me know if you have any questions.


IMC during Last Block of the Day

As the year has gone on the IMC has experienced a gradual increase of traffic during the last block of the day.  Each day, there is one group of 5th graders that meets as a class in the IMC w/Ebony.  It is so nice to have a big space to allow for many collaborative groups to meet and have adults working with students, however, I'm asking that cohorts only send a student or two out to work in the IMC at the end of the day if it's necessary...this is an ideal space for students who are working with an adult for support during class.  An increased number of people in the space is much harder to maintain our cohort separations and to maintain an atmosphere that is optimal for learning.  Our smaller numbers of students in cohort groups should ensure there is plenty of space to work in the classrooms.


Forward Exam

Students in the state of Wisconsin will be taking the Forward Exam this spring.  The testing window will be a little bit different, there will not be a TDA Writing Prompt, and the test will not be as long as usual.  We'll be working through the details and our testing plan in the next month or so.  More details can be found at this LINK.


Pig Races

We had to order some new pigs to fill out our fleet of racers.  You can expect to get your pig later this week and have direction about the competitions that will take place during our Pig Racing Week.