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
Educational research is clear that "Teachers Having High Expectations" for students has the highest effect size for improving student achievement. When you look below the surface, and as I analyze our current practices, a question that I have had in my mind centers around a couple of our students that have not embraced having the desire to learn as much as we all would like. There is a balance between holding these high expectations and building a strong, trusting relationship with the student that bolsters the connection to school. This balance can be very difficult. The article this week provides further insight into this important balance.
"The Necessity of Having High Expectations" - Kristine Napper
"Effective teaching demands that we strive to boost the achievement of marginalized students. Neither high expectations nor kind hearts can do the job alone."
Staff Meeting - Wednesday (5/18) - 7:15am
We will be having a staff meeting this Wednesday morning, starting at 7:15 in the PMS Cafeteria. We'll be sharing and reviewing some of our recent data. We will also hear a presentation led by our Student Services Team about our Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Also a time to come together to spend some time with colleagues that you may not get the chance to connect with in your typical routine.
Final Carelli Cup Event
We are in the beginning stages of planning for a larger Olympic-style Carelli Cup final event. We are tentatively planning for the afternoon of Friday, May 27. Mrs. Moe, Mr. Williams, and the Student Leadership team are shaping up to be the planning leaders, but everyone ideas and feedback are welcome. Our mission is to have each Homeroom have a rep to participate in a whole variety of competitions (academic, artistic, athletic, creative, etc.) that will take place, with each member contributing in some way. We'll keep track and find a winning team at the end. More information to follow.
End of the Year Plan for 8th Graders
The last day for our 8th grade students will be on Thursday, June 2nd. On this day, the 8th graders will be taking their class field trip to Mt. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells. They plan to leave around 9:15 on this day. At 9:10, we'll ask that all students and teachers line the hallways from the ramp through the IMC, to recognize this cool moment in their life.
The 8th graders will return from their field trip around 6:00pm, and we'll have some pizzas and snacks waiting for them when they return to school. A big thank you to the PAD Parent's Club for supporting the pizza for the 8th graders on their last day of Middle School.
Last Day of School
The last day of school is on Friday, June 3rd, and students will be dismissed at 12:30. We will plan to have a modified schedule on this day for our 5th, 6th, and 7th graders (will be shared soon).
Sometimes as we near the end of the school year, the excitement and energy can be more difficult to manage routines and procedures. The best practice to address this is being well-planned and holding high expectations for learning right up until the last minute of their time in your class.
We will be having a brief staff meeting in the PMS Cafeteria starting around 12:40 on Friday, June 3rd.
Images from the Week
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