The Middle Update 4/15/16

Hopefully this is what your grill will look like this weekend!

Forward Exam is Under Way!!
The 8th grade has already kicked off this year's state testing.  So far, things have gone pretty smooth, and having a practice session prior to the first official testing session proved to be valuable.  8th grade will be finishing up their testing sessions next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Tornado Drill
Hats off to all of our staff members in leading another efficient, successful tornado drill on Thursday afternoon.  In May, we will be having a fire drill.  More details to come.

3rd Quarter Report Cards
3rd Quarter report cards are printed.  We will be prepping the report cards for mailing today and into early next week.  While we did not meet our goal of 80% with all ME's, we improved considerably from 2nd Quarter.  See the Data section below for results.

Middle School Track Meets
This is a reminder that we will be hosting 2 MS track meets this spring.  The first one is set for 5/26.  Thanks to all of those who signed up to work the event.  We are still in need of a couple workers.  If you are able to work the meet, feel free to sign up on this document.  Our 2nd home meet is on Monday, 5/16.

End of Year Planning
The end of the school year seems pretty far off, but the time will go fast.  For planning purposes, I wanted to share some guidelines for the last couple weeks of school using my notes from last year so that we may maintain our strong culture of hard work and high expectations right up to dismissal time on the last day of school.
     -We will not have a bump-up day on the last day this year.  We will schedule a time for the 5th graders to meet with 6th grade teachers only (detailed information to follow).  We will run a modified early release schedule similar to the one we used earlier this year on that last day.  We should be as routine as possible all the way up to the time of dismissal on the last day.  If your team has an idea for your group during that last week, please let me know in advance.
     -Class time spent outside should be limited only to academic activities that require us to be outside.  IE periods should also follow our consistent lesson plan format right up through the end of the year.
     -I am anticipating another assembly during the last week.  More communication will follow on this.
The 4th quarter will be our best yet!

Improving Instructional Practices (from Mrs. Morrissey & Ms. Niemeyer)

Four Fast Ways To Assess Understanding

Danielson’s Domain 3d: Using Assessment in Instruction

To know where your students are at with their understanding one must utilize various ways to assess. Below is one teacher's example of how she came to realize that just calling on students wasn’t giving her enough information.

"We've got this, it's easy," my students said. "Can we move on?"  I looked at the other students and asked, "Do you have this?"They nodded their heads furiously up and down in a "yes." My teacher instincts said that everyone knew it, but I decided to experiment. So I wrote a problem on the board. Students were already logged into Socrative, and a box opened up on their screens. Each student typed in his or her answer to the problem. They clicked enter, and all of their answers appeared on my screen beside the name of each student.I was floored. Guess how many knew the right answer? Two! Just the two students who had spoken up and no one else!

Good teachers in every subject will adjust their teaching based on what students know at each point.  Here are some ways to quickly check to ensure their understanding:

1. Socrative

Socrative can be used for quick quizzes and also on the fly. Another feature, you can create quizzes that can be  played  as a game called Space Race. The website automatically divides the class into color teams and can look at the rockets racing one another on the board. Socrative allows students to link to their name so you can see what students have it, and what students may still need support.

2. Kahoot

Kahoot lets you build fun quizzes. Students use computers, cell phones, or other devices to join in the game. You can create flashcards for review. You can also embed videos and use Kahoot as part of the teaching process, or students can create review games to share. One disadvantage is that students can use aliases. While you can see overall how the class is doing, unlike Socrative, you can’t see the patterns of which unfamiliar nickname is struggling.

3.  No BYOD? Plickers and Mobile Scanners Rock

But what if you have no computers, no cell phones, no nothing? Do you have a smartphone or tablet? If so, you've got two simple answers.   For verbal questions: Log into PlickDeansers and create a page for each student. This tool will code in the student's name and answers. Hand each student their plicker card and ask a question. The student will hold the card up in the direction of their answer. Looking at the class through the camera on your smartphone inside the Plicker app, you’ll see the name of each student and whether he or she got the answer right to the question you just asked! BAM!

4. Backchannel Chat Tools

Backchannel chat -- a live chat that accompanies class discussion -- is a great way to do exit ticket activities. While these chat tools aren't anonymous, Chatzy, Today’s Meet, or Ning can be powerful. Students can take notes as you teach together, and you can check for understanding by having them type answers to questions.

Adapted from Edutopia Blog Fantastic, Fast, Formative Assessments

Duty Next Week
Morning - Hendrickson
Bus - Deans

Data
Attendance rates (through mid-April)
15-16 - 95.52%
14-15 - 94.86%
13-14 - 95.24%

Behavior Referral Data (through mid-April)
15-16 - 195 Events, 69 Students
14-15 - 245 Events, 73 Students
13-14 - 341 Events, 105 Students

Percentage of all students receiving ME in all areas of Puma Pride for 3rd Quarter
6th: 75.3%
7th: 77.5%
8th: 63.5% (up from 54% in Q2)
Total: 72.2%

1st Quarter - 73%
2nd Quarter - 69.5%
3rd Quarter - 72.2%

The Middle Update 4/8/16

End of Quarter 3

We are at the end of Quarter 3.  Grades are due by the end of Wednesday (4/13).  I will review report cards on Thursday and our goal will be to have them in the mail by the end of the day on Friday.  If your final Quarter 3 grades are not posted by the end of the day on Wednesday, please let me know.  As always, comments help to get a clearer picture of student performance in class.

Fire Inspection

Earlier this week, we had the fire department in for a fire inspection.  From the inspection, we received reminders that everything must be 2 feet from the ceiling, including wall hangings.  Also, no more than 25% of a wall can be covered with paper.  Please take a look at your classroom, and adjust if necessary.

Also, another safety item...an annual reminder that candles, scents, toasters, and space heaters should not be in any classroom.

Budget

Earlier this week, I submitted the Middle School budget numbers to the district office.  Once I get approval from the district office, I will hand back the requisitions that have been approved for you to enter into Skyward at a later date.  Things like conference fees or encumbered money do not need to be entered into Skyward.  Once I have approval I will give an update to each department about what will be ordered for next year.  If you have questions prior to that, please let me know.

Forward Exam

Our 8th graders will be kicking off our Forward Exam testing at the end of next week.  In Homerooms, students will learn about the interface and tools required for the Forward Exam.  This is an important time for our students to demonstrate their abilities.  When you talk with students about the exam, continue to stress how this is another opportunity for us to display what being a Poynette Puma is all about.

Improving Instructional Practices (from Mrs. Morrissey & Ms. Niemeyer)

Creating Better Questions

Domain 3 Instruction: 3b Using questioning and discussion techniques

Asking good questions gets students to do more of the work and allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the material.  For questioning to be effective one must allow for wait time, not simply ask questions that have one right answer, and scaffold questioning so that students can gain a greater understanding.  Below is a resource you can utilize as you create questions to ask your students, or could even be shared with students as they create their own questions.  

To get a copy of this resource just click on the link here ,or if you want a hard copy without the work of printing, you can grab one from the teacher’s workroom!  

Duty Next Week

Morning - Harms

Bus - Barnett

Data

14-15 Badger Exam Results - To see DPI site for comparisons, click HERE

ELA (% P + A) - 55%

Math (% P + A) - 52.5%

WKCE Results

SS (% P + A) - 80.3%

Science (% P + A) - 83.1%

The Middle Update 4/1/16

It's almost time to get back in and finish the home stretch on a high note!  I hope everyone has had a relaxing time and is ready to come back and get after it.  See below for a couple of items of note.  Looking forward to Monday!

Hoops 4 Heart Rescheduled
Due to last Thursday's weather cancellation, we'll make up the Hoops 4 Heart game on Tuesday, 4/5 night.  Doors open at 5:00pm, with game time set to start at 5:30.

16-17 Budget
I appreciate all of your hard work to get your budget requests to me on time.  My recommendations for final requests are due to the district office on Tuesday, 4/5.  I will meet with some groups on Monday to clarify some of the requests.

Forward Exam
The Wisconsin Forward Exam is coming up later this month.  Click HERE to learn everything you want to know (of what has been released anyway).  Also, click HERE to view the testing schedule.  It's important to share this information with students to help prepare them.  We will be having a meeting on Monday, 4/11, to train all test proctors.  An invite has been sent for that meeting.  Teams should be reviewing testing groups, and making any adjustments they feel is necessary this week.

Assembly this Friday
We will be having a Middle School Assembly this Friday, 4/8, in the 1-8 Gym.  Students should be released at 2:10.  All teachers that aren't teaching elementary or HS classes should be there.

March Students of the Month
The March Student of the Month Breakfast has been postponed and will take place on Thursday (4/14) morning.  That will bump back the final SOM Breakfast of the year to Thursday (5/12).

Congratulations go out to this month's recipients:
Gemma Buss     Michael Leiterman     Jessica Bruchs     Ethan Buss
Maddie McGlynn   Cory Hohlstein   Evonna Morgan   Shelby Reeder

Wisconsin Observance Days
Please share the following information about a day this week. This information is from the Wisconsin DPI website.

Saturday, April 9 : Prisoners of War Remembrance Day *

Commemorates the date during World War II when the largest number of Americans were captured in the Conquest of Bataan. Customarily observed through gubernatorial proclamation, the day recognizes those who suffered captivity in foreign countries while in active service with the U.S. armed forces.

Enacted November 29, 2001, from the 2001 Laws of Wisconsin, Act 20 budget bill.

Twitter Find of the Week
This takes our study of Dweck's growth mindset to the next level...

edutopia ‏@edutopia  6h6 hours ago

Carol Dweck wants you to know that growth mindset isn't just about praising effort: http://edut.to/1MEVORz .

Duty Next Week
Morning - Greer
Bus - O'Connor

The Middle Update 3/18/16

It's March Madness time!  We have one more week to go till everyone gets a much needed Spring Break.  I am continually impressed with how our teachers maintain focus and make the most out of every classroom minute with our kids.  This solid routines that we have built will continue to be of the utmost importance as we head into next week.  Check out below for more information about this past week and next week.

Puma Pride Committee Meeting
The Puma Pride Committee will be meeting on Monday (3/21) at 2:50 in Ms. Deans (109) room.  As always, anyone is welcome to attend.  Click HERE to view the tentative agenda.

Staff Meeting
We will be having our March Staff Meeting on Wednesday (3/23) at 2:50 in Mrs. Anderson's Room (3).  We will be continuing our work on 3B: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques, along with an update on progress for this school year.  We will also have a Staff Share segment...if you have something that is working well, send me an email and we'll set up your segment at the meeting.

Tornado Drill
We will be conducting a tornado drill next week.  Specific details will follow, but please review the locations, and share with students.
6th Grade - Ms. Stangl's Room - (107)
7th Grade - Band Room (111)
8th Grade - Downstairs Hallway (adjacent to rooms 109 and 110)

Hoops 4 Heart Event
Ms. Strobel and the 8th grade Health class have been working hard to prepare for the 10th annual Hoops 4 Heart Basketball game.  The game will be on Thursday, 3/24, with the doors opening at 5:00 and game time set for 5:30.  Please let me know if you are interested in playing in the game, representing the staff.

March Students of the Month
We will be hosting our next Student of the Month Breakfast next Thursday (3/24) morning.  Congratulations go out to this month's recipients:
Gemma Buss     Michael Leiterman     Jessica Bruchs     Ethan Buss
Maddie McGlynn   Cory Hohlstein   Evonna Morgan   Shelby Reeder

Staff Websites
In a conversation with a teacher from another school, I learned that some of our individual teacher websites are outdated.  If you have been here for a while, and have put information on your teacher website in the past, check it out, and remove any outdated material.  In a future staff meeting, we will all add our syllabus information to our individual webpages.  The best way to see your own webpage is the search your name under "Staff Directory", and click on webpage if there is a link available.  See me with questions.  Also, email Anna to get your username and password information if you do not remember that information.

Twitter Find of the Week

edutopia ‏@edutopia  5h5 hours ago

10 things that teachers know keep students engaged: http://edut.to/1UDF2nk . #edchat #ntchat

Duty Next Week
Morning - Frehner
Bus - Rogness

The Middle Update 3/11/16

Friday PD Session ReCap
I was really happy with how our Friday PD Session went.  I thought we were able to dive a little more deeply into Component 3B: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques, and add some more tools to our tool belt in this area.  I will be checking in with your note card and on some of your ideas for ways to develop our questioning further and incorporate discussion techniques into our lessons.
Also, the collaboration and action on our student data was pretty exciting.  With this continued focus, we will continue to refine our practices.  Great job!

Forward Exam
The Wisconsin Forward Exam is coming up.  It will be computer-based, just like the Badger Exam.  Click HERE to learn everything you want to know (of what has been released anyway).  Also, click HERE to view a very early tentative exam schedule.

PT Conferences
One night is in the books as far as PT Conferences go...one more to go.  I enjoyed the chance to greet everyone as they arrived, and hand out the student data folders.  If you have any feedback from the first night, please share.  It will be interesting to see what type of turnout we get for the second night.  Thanks for your work in prepping for a productive round of parent discussions.

Twitter Find of the Week

edutopia ‏@edutopia  14h14 hours ago

How emotions affect learning, behaviors, and relationships: http://edut.to/1RCtRpY . #SEL

Duty Next Week
Morning - Deans
Bus - Schoen

The Middle Update 3/4/16

Happy March!

Check out below for some Middle School updates.

Spring Parent/Teacher Conference Goals
Parent/Teacher Conferences are next week.  This is the first time that we are running a format where we will have scheduled conferences on the first night, and more of an open format on the second night.  There are sure to be some things that come up that we did not anticipate...that is ok...we will learn from any of these items as we move forward.  Please review the NOTE sent out to parents.  Our goals for having this format are as follows:

-We wanted to specifically schedule conferences to ensure that we meet with students who may be struggling a bit.  We want to help open the lines of communication so we can work together to see improvement in effort.

-For both nights, we will have a folder for each student available to parents as they enter the building.  The goal is for them to get the chance to review student information prior to their time with the teachers.  We want to maximize the time they have with the teachers so there is a better chance for rich discussion and an opportunity to review student work using rubrics and model papers to outline the path for improvement for each student.  In the folder will include: Current Grades Report (similar to report card format), STAR Progress Update, and Puma Pride reflection sheets (done in Homeroom this Friday).  The folders will be put together by the front office staff.

-For the Open House night, we really want to get the chance to check in with all parents.  It will be important to have some samples of student work ready to review.  The conversations should focus on areas of strength, but also highlight areas for each student to improve.  Seeing work samples can really help all parties understand the expectations and our system.

-If a parent would like a more in depth conversation during the Open House portion, work with them to set up a time to come in and meet.

-If a parent would like to schedule a conference on the 2nd night...we can be flexible and do that, as long as it only involves one teacher at a time.  On the 2nd night, all teachers should be near their rooms ready for parent drop-ins.

-Applied teachers should schedule any conference they wish or join a conference for a student on the first night,  If you want to leave a note for a parent to stop buy, that is acceptable also.

Field Trips/Chaperones Reminder
If you plan on having a field trip or have any parent/community volunteers working with our kids, please review the Field Trip Guidelines.

Budget
The budget process materials have been shared.  By March 22nd, please have paper copies of your requisitions to me.  Each department's requisitions should be submitted together below a cover sheet.  I will review the requests once I receive them or over Spring Break.  I will meet with teachers or departments after Spring Break if there have been modifications to the requests.  Once approved, I will return them so they can be entered into Skyward for the 16-17 school year.  Please see me with any questions.

Student of the Month Breakfast
The next SOM Breakfast will be on Thursday, March 24.  Please begin discussing your selections for this month's recognition, and let us know as soon as you make a decision.  Mr. Lendobeja is up for the Applied teachers this month.

Twitter Find of the Week

edutopia ‏@edutopia  5h5 hours ago

Strategies for helping teens stay organized & manage their time: http://edut.to/1TVw5Fz . #mschat #hschat

Duty Next Week
Morning - Barnett
Bus - Williams

Data
Behavior Referral Data (Through March 4)
15-16 - 165 Events, 64 Students
14-15 - 210 Events, 65 Students
13-14 - 254 Events, 97 Students
12-13 - 197 Events, 81 Students

The Middle Update 2/25/16

We are almost to March!  After getting the chance to meet with other teachers and administrators this week from other schools, I feel so appreciative of all of the Poynette staff.  I feel we have a student-centered culture, focused on continually improving our practices...this has caused our teachers to be innovators in the field.  I feel blessed to be a part of this school.  Thank you all for the great attitude and effort that you bring to our students each and every day.

PT Conferences
The grade level teams have been working hard to schedule conferences for March 10.  We will be having an Open House type format on March 17.  Please see the NOTE that will be going out to parents today through a Infinite Campus messenger blast with more details about our conference format for this spring.

Culture of Reading Group
I would like to get together regularly with any teachers or staff that may be interested in planning for our continued work on growing our culture of reading.  If our discussion at the last staff meeting sparked your interest, please send me an email letting me know of your willingness to be a part of this opportunity.  We will set a time to get together once I have an idea of the who our group will be.

Puma Pride Interventions
We continue to work and discuss how we can systemically provide behavioral interventions for our students who need them.  In the past 3 weeks, the 8th grade team has been working on our system for addressing students who need help in the "completes and returns work in a timely manner".  If you have any ideas or thoughts on this standard, or the other Puma Pride areas, let me know.  We will also be discussing and planning around this topic at our next Puma Pride Committee Meeting, which will be on Tuesday, 3/15.  Any and all interested staff members are welcome to attend and contribute.

Twitter Find of the Week

edutopia ‏@edutopia  Feb 25

5 ways for teachers to practice #mindfulness in the classroom: http://edut.to/1QdB4wB .

Duty Next Week
Morning - Williams
Bus - Lendobeja

The Middle Update 2/19/2016

Staff Meeting Review

I really enjoyed watching our teachers in action on Wednesday afternoon, reviewing each other's assessments, and sharing effective assessment practices with each other.  We are blessed with very talented people who work hard on our staff.

Puma Pride Data
Like we discussed at the staff meeting, this spring will be our planning the implementation of a systemic approach to using our Puma Pride data to provide targeted, systematic interventions to help our kids improve in these areas.  The 8th grade team is working on developing the logistics for our system focusing on the "Completes and returns work in a timely fashion" standard.  As we begin, it is clear we will need this time to work out the kinks before we roll out our system-wide plan next fall.  All ideas are welcome, feel free to share thoughts for any of the standards.

Student of the Month Breakfast
Next Thursday morning will be our next Student of the Month Breakfast.  Thanks in advance to Jill, Julie, Tess, and Kevin for being our staff representing and help sharing our story to members of our community.

Hoops for Heart

Mark your calendars...Thursday, March 24th will be the annual Hoops 4 Heart Event.  More details to come.

Middle School Track Meets

We will be hosting 2 Middle School track meets this spring.  It would be great to get our middle school staff out, working at the meet.  What a great way to support our students and it's also a natural opportunity to connect with both students and parents.  Meet workers also receive extra duty pay.  The dates of the 2 home meets are:

Tuesday, April 26 - 4:00 pm

Monday, May 16 - 4:00 pm

Send an email to Debbie Simon dsimo@poynette.k12.wi.us to let her know you are interested in helping out with this meet.  Thank you!

Twitter Find of the Week

edutopia ‏@edutopia  6h6 hours ago

The most important question a teacher can ask: http://edut.to/1TsVbfP .

Duty Next Week
Morning - Schoen
Bus - Kallungi

The Middle Mid-Week Update 2/10/16

With my absence at the end of last week, we missed a weekly blog post, and with my upcoming attendance at the state Principal's Convention this week, I thought a mid-week blog post would be appropriate.  As we review our SLO data and the recently completed Winter STAR results, it is hard not to get excited about the great things happening in our building.  Great things come from great people working hard, and that is what we have at Poynette Middle School.

Staff Meeting Next Week
Our monthly staff meeting will be next Tuesday (2/16).  Our focus will remain in tact...we will be analyzing the assessments around the building and we will further explore growing our culture of literacy.  For this staff meeting, please bring a copy of an assessment you recently gave or will be giving soon.

Lock-down Drill
Last week we conducted a lock-down drill.  A lock-down is much different than a "Hold".  With the lock-down, doors should be locked, lights shut off, and students positioned in a manner in which they cannot be seen or heard from the door window.  We will be practicing this drill again, and I'll let you know when it will happen, but it is important for each class to understand the expectations for this situation if it ever arises.  Please let me know if there were some issues to sort out after the drill.

Another 3B Resource
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/structuring-questioning-in-classroom

Summer School
One of our district areas of focus is to build up and enhance our summer school offerings.  If you have an idea for a course, please contact me or Anna or Mr. Hausser to discuss the potential.  The possibilities are endless, and we could offer courses specific to standards that students are struggling in or even some fun activities.  This is a great opportunity for our teachers and our students.

Field Trips
We have had a slight modification to one of our field trip procedures.  If teachers collect money for a field trip, the money should never remain in a teacher's desk overnight.  The money should be brought to the office as soon as it can be reasonably delivered, and the money will then be brought to the district office at the end of each school day.  This extra security measure is designed to protect all of us from potential issues that could arise from the handling of money.

Students of the Month
Congratulations to this month's recipients.  The next breakfast will be on Thursday, February 25.

Ashia Meister     Tucker Johnson     Hunter Heuer     Tyler Wipperfurth     Grace Haukom
                         Maysa Clemens     Rosa Medina-Monsibais     Noah Stark

Pritzl out of the building through Friday afternoon
I will be attending the AWSA State Principal's Convention starting this afternoon through Friday afternoon.  I plan on being back Friday afternoon.  I am looking forward to this learning opportunity, and look to learn more about the other school's experience with the RTI process at both the Middle and High School level, as well as areas concerning literacy in Middle Schools.  We will also be sharing our model to other principals throughout the state.  I will have limited availability via email.  As always when I am out of the building, Katie, Anna, or Mr. Hausser are available to assist.

Twitter Find of the Week

 

edutopiaVerified account‏@edutopia

Encourage students to value questions above answers: http://edut.to/20HajHA . #inquiry #inquiryed

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Duty This Week and Next
Morning (2/8) - O'Connor
Bus (2/8) - Hendrickson

Morning (2/15) - Rogness
Bus (2/15) - Johnson

Data
STAR RESULTS (% of students at or above benchmark)

Reading
Fall 2015 - 55.9%
Winter 2016 - 60%

Math
Fall 2015 - 74.2%
Winter 2016 - 77.6%