In Strong School Cultures, People Articulate the Following CORE Beliefs Through How They Behave:
All Students Can Learn at High Levels
All Students Will Learn Because of What We Do
Students Do Well if They Can
What WE Do Makes the Difference for the Kids in School
We Never Give Up On Kids
Resource of the Week
Restorative practices has been studied and we have worked to build pieces of the restorative mindset into our practices at the Middle School. The article this week takes a deeper dive into the research behind the use of this approach. We'll continue to explore systematizing our approach to school-wide management.
"Why Restorative Practices Benefit All Students" - Maurice J. Elias
"We’ve only recently begun to understand how childhood stress and adversity powerfully affect development and impair students’ ability to behave and learn in school. We also increasingly understand the importance for all children, especially those who struggle, of having supportive school environments where they feel accepted. Research shows it is effective to provide clear expectations for behavior, teach skills needed to succeed in the school environment, and respond to problems with strategies to strengthen connections and relationships, rather than push students away."
Forward Exam Follow-Up
Our large group Forward Testing Sessions are complete! Thank you so much for your diligence and mindset in the preparation and execution of the Forward Exam administration. I believe our testing sessions were set up in a manner in which students were able to give their best effort and energy. When we change the schedule, it typically can create a little turbulence throughout the rest of the day, and I appreciate everyone's flexibility while making the most out of our two weeks of a testing schedule. If you have any thoughts or feedback to put in place for next year, please visit this Google Form to submit the feedback.
Forward Exam Make-Up Sessions
We were able to execute most of the make-up tests for our 5th/6th graders on Friday. We plan to start make-up Forward Testing for 7th/8th Graders on Monday morning at 8:15. We'll include a couple 5th/6th graders who still have a bit to finish up. We'll communicate on Monday morning as to who should report to the cafeteria ready for make-ups.
4th Quarter Mid-Term Grades
We have completed 4 weeks of the 4th quarter so far, and the middle of next week will mark the mid-point of the 4th quarter. Please have current student grades posted in each standard that you have worked in so far, and also updated Puma Pride grades. I will be sending out a message to parents later in the week to check the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to review their student's grades.
Staff Meeting Update
We had an adjustment to our staff meeting plan. We will have one remaining, and it will take place on Wednesday (5/18) morning at 7:15 in the cafeteria. There were a couple other previous dates that were sent out that will be adjusted. During our Staff Meeting time, we will review the district's procedures for Special Education referrals and 504 Plans. We will also review our plans to meet the needs of all students in the best manner that we can, including how our current Social-Emotional Learning Plan fits into this goal, while also laying the groundwork for our plans to improve our SEL plan as we head into next year.
8th Grade Student Last Day Details
The 8th grade students will be going on their field trip to Mr. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells on Thursday, June 2nd. They will depart from school at about 9:00am. Prior to their exit, we'll have them walk through the school as the 5th-7th graders wish them well. They will return from the Dells around 5:30 and be greeted with a little celebration and some pizza. All staff members are welcome to greet them upon their arrival that evening.
Middle School Upcoming Track Meets
We will be hosting track meets for our middle school students on both Monday, May 2nd and Thursday, May 19th. I encourage all middle school staff members to sign up to work the event and help support our Middle School Track athletes if you are able. I'm predicting beautiful spring evenings for both nights!
Images from the Week
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