All Kid Can Learn at High Levels
All Kids Will Learn at High Levels Because of What WE Do
Resource of the Week
The short article this week is focused on the unique middle school classroom, and the actionable things that we can do to build that strong sense of community in each of our classrooms.
"Creating Calm in Your Middle School Classroom" - Emelina Minero, Sarah Gonser
A good place to start is by letting kids know that you “value what is important to them, even if to me, it doesn’t seem like a big deal,” notes Short. “By listening to the little things, I am building an environment where they will feel safe sharing their feelings and ideas.”
The sixth-grade students, wrote Borman, learned that “middle school adversity is common, short-lived, and due to external, temporary causes rather than personal inadequacies.”
“By showing them it is OK to make these little mistakes, they feel safe coming to me when they have made a bigger mistake, and they know I will help them work through it,” writes Short. It’s also a stress reducer because “they trust me when I say there is no reason to be stressed and that with mistakes come additional opportunities to learn.”
Podcast #1
I put out a podcast about a month or so ago, and I wasn't sure if anyone listened to it, but I did get some feedback from a couple of people who were asking when the next one would come out. I've been doing some reading, and the recent book I've read "Win in the Dark" inspired me to share my thoughts about one of the lessons. Give it a listen...it's about 7 minutes long.
Care for Our Chromebooks
On the livestream message I shared on Friday, I discussed the importance of students taking extreme caution with their assigned devices. To recap, students are assigned a device, and will use that same device over the course of their time in our Middle School. Chromebooks are like library books or other items checked out for student use. If items are damaged, students will be responsible for this damage.
This week, we'll be sending home a letter that will require parent signatures in order for a student to check out a device to bring home. At this time we are working on getting all chromebooks and chargers bar coded, and we will use this type of system to track devices. Students losing chargers has also been an issue that we must continue to work with our students on understanding the importance of their responsibility. As always, if you notice damage to a student device, please have them bring it to the office.
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our Spring Parent-Teacher Conference night is quickly approaching. Conferences are scheduled for Thursday (3/11) from 4:00-7:30. We will utilize the same approach as we did in terms of setting up virtual conferences (either through Google Meet or over the phone). We will communicate with parents that all teachers will be available on Thursday from 4:00-7:30 and all are welcome to set up a conference time with teachers. We will reach out and set up a conference with any student that is getting a grade of a NE or BE, or an NI in any Puma Pride standard for your class. Homeroom teachers should be the main contact to set up a conference, and other teachers can join in the virtual meeting with the family. We can start communicating with families about signing up for conferences, and a IC Message will be going out this week as well inviting families to reach out to teachers for a conference time.
Screen Free Activities
The mental health and well-being of everyone in our school remains a critical concern for us moving forward. One aspect of our current model that contributes negatively is the high amount of time our students spend on devices. Being on a device is a part of our structure that we cannot completely get away from, however, we can look for ways to provide screen-free ways for students to connect. A couple of items we must be mindful of during our work are listed below:
-While reviewing lessons and videos as a class, whether it's Homeroom or a core class, please demand that all students have their screens down, and are engaged with the conversation that is taking place as a class. This will not only help decrease personal screen time, but also will improve engagement with the learning goals.
Non-Screen Activities for Groups
-Please take time a couple of times per week to have your class participate together in an activity from the list below. These are great ways to get students to connect with each other, and have a screen-free experience.
-Talk about the correlation between screen time and difficulties with mental health with your students. This ARTICLE can be a great talking point about the pros and cons of technology.
Pig Races
Pig race week is here! There is quite the display of pigs and names in the IMC. The voting will open up this week for the best name and the best dressed pig. We'll be announcing the winners as the week goes on and our race will take place on Friday, starting at 2:15. On race day, we'll direct when a student from each Homeroom should report to the gym for the race, and we'll livestream the event so all can view the races.
Almost Budget Time for Next Year!!
We'll be handing out and discussing next year's budget process very soon. Nothing to do right at this time except start to think of the materials you'll need for your classroom next year.
Forward Exam Information - Mark Your Calendars!
We have established a Forward Testing plan for this spring. We'll be testing at assigned specific times per grade level on the scheduled days. Please review the SCHEDULE and mark your calendars for planning. We will be taking time in upcoming Homeroom lessons to practice the Online Tools for the Forward Exam.
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