Saturday, February 27, 2021

The Middle Update 2/27/21

ALL Students Can Learn at High Levels!

ALL Students Will Learn Because of What WE Do!


Resource of the Week

The resource this week shares the research about effective ways we can help improve student performance in our classroom...this is a key part of the "Students will learn at high levels because of what WE do" mindset.  Give it a read, and think about a student that may be struggling in some of the ways that are outlined in this article.  We have the platform to make a life-changing impact for multiple kids that may really need it.

Article from Waterford.org


Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Our Spring Parent-Teacher Conference night is quickly approaching.  Conferences will be VIRTUAL and are scheduled for Thursday (3/11) from 4:30-7:30.  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 4:30-7:30 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.  An Infinite Campus message went out to families this week sharing our PT Conference plan.


PD Day 3/12/21

Our Professional Development Day on Friday, March 12th will be a 1/2 day.  The work day will be from 8:00-12:00.  We'll start with a Middle School Staff Meeting at 8:00, and then there will be department collaboration time to accomplish specific goals for the remainder of the morning, which will be communicated in the next week.


End of Round 2 for Art, Spanish, and Coding Classes

For 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, Art, Spanish, and Coding class will end on Friday, March 5th.  Starting the following week, the classes will switch as follows:  5th - Coding, 6th - Spanish, and 7th - Art.


Pig Race Winners

Congratulations to all of Homerooms on a successful Pig Event this year.  There was a lot of creativity and artistic talent on display.  A big shout-out to our winners!

Best Dressed:  Billy Ray Cyrus - Andringa's Homeroom

Best Name:  Baconator with Lettuce and Cheese, No Tomato, & a Side of Fries - Hendrickson's Homeroom

Fastest Pig: 

Natural racer - Baconator with Lettuce and Cheese, No Tomato, & a Side of Fries - Hendrickson's Homeroom 

Fastest within the rules - Lil' Moo - Weckerly's Homeroom

It seems the race did not come without debate and controversy :)  After watching the excitement of the 7th and 8th grade race, we'll probably clarify the rules to include no outside assistance for the pigs.


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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The Middle Update 2/27/21

ALL Students Can Learn at High Levels!

ALL Students Will Learn Because of What WE Do!


Resource of the Week

The resource this week shares the research about effective ways we can help improve student performance in our classroom...this is a key part of the "Students will learn at high levels because of what WE do" mindset.  Give it a read, and think about a student that may be struggling in some of the ways that are outlined in this article.  We have the platform to make a life-changing impact for multiple kids that may really need it.

Article from Waterford.org


Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Our Spring Parent-Teacher Conference night is quickly approaching.  Conferences will be VIRTUAL and are scheduled for Thursday (3/11) from 4:30-7:30.  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 4:30-7:30 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.  An Infinite Campus message went out to families this week sharing our PT Conference plan.


PD Day 3/12/21

Our Professional Development Day on Friday, March 12th will be a 1/2 day.  The work day will be from 8:00-12:00.  We'll start with a Middle School Staff Meeting at 8:00, and then there will be department collaboration time to accomplish specific goals for the remainder of the morning, which will be communicated in the next week.


End of Round 2 for Art, Spanish, and Coding Classes

For 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, Art, Spanish, and Coding class will end on Friday, March 5th.  Starting the following week, the classes will switch as follows:  5th - Coding, 6th - Spanish, and 7th - Art.


Pig Race Winners

Congratulations to all of Homerooms on a successful Pig Event this year.  There was a lot of creativity and artistic talent on display.  A big shout-out to our winners!

Best Dressed:  Billy Ray Cyrus - Andringa's Homeroom

Best Name:  Baconator with Lettuce and Cheese, No Tomato, & a Side of Fries - Hendrickson's Homeroom

Fastest Pig: 

Natural racer - Baconator with Lettuce and Cheese, No Tomato, & a Side of Fries - Hendrickson's Homeroom 

Fastest within the rules - Lil' Moo - Weckerly's Homeroom

It seems the race did not come without debate and controversy :)  After watching the excitement of the 7th and 8th grade race, we'll probably clarify the rules to include no outside assistance for the pigs.


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.