February 2, 2017
Tenets to live by?
The Warrior Way, Personified!
Like father, like son. Does anyone recognize the star of this clip?
Hint: From our very own Primary School.
Behavioral Notes
Hall Restriction/Lunch Detention
Our use of hall restriction/lunch detention has been building wide and for an entire day. We are able to keep students in the building and NOT send them to the High School. With that, we can still provide them with direct instruction. Yet, throughout the day, they get a little reminder to tighten up their behavior. When all of us hold them accountable, we contribute to their growth and maturity.
Our #nextstep is to allow classroom teachers the right to issue a Single Hour Hall Restriction for that period. I envision staff using that tool as a direct method of intervention to help a student manage and control their own behavior during a stressful day, like a miniature and timely time-out. Continuous guidance and redirecting these minor classroom disruptions manage the majors with positive results. We should have passes or an email for students to admit them into the next class. We don’t want students to claim they were held back when in fact, they were just tardy.
Academic Highlights
Cultural advances, empathy and seeing the world through the eyes of another person are a few of the “soft skills” necessary but hard to teach. A reflection on the “I Have a Dream” speech is the beginning of the introspection process.
Even our academic focus has an emotional connection, especially when we listen to a recording of the actual MLK Speech. This 15 minute version here has some applause diminished but includes the actual text of the speech.
The focus on perspective crosses all sorts of boundaries. From the MLK Quote reflections to the Art projects to individual ways we express ourselves, the middle school becomes a place for all of us to build our awareness of others, their points of view and acceptance. Even these art projects above show the same pieces but from different angles.
In the same way, our views of the same event may be viewed with totally opposite perspectives. What one sees as positive, another considers unworthy. Together, we must learn to acknowledge, recognize but not judge. Education is the most powerful weapon...
January eValuate Results are in!
Slow and steady wins the race.
Good growth all across the board.
Well done, Team.
Celebrations Vary!
Math posted a BRAG WALL for individuals reaching highmarks, great growth or advancements.
Other ways to celebrate may include things such as class snacks.
What would motivate you?
Schedule for February 6th - 10th
Monday
- Valentine’s Grams on sale at lunch
- Yearbook Sales ongoing
- Students to hand in registrations and fees to office
- Hines for 6th grade
- Applebaum (Penrod?) for 7th grade
- Open for 8th grade (Volunteer? Anyone?)
Tuesday
- Culture Climate in Gracey’s Room
Wednesday
- Do you remember your intruder drill procedures?
Thursday
- Chess Club in Mr. Utlaut’s room
- Binder Teams to work in the afternoon - Data Cycles, Common Assessments, Collaboration or U of I’s.
- Math Planning/Collaboration Day
Friday
- Valentine's Day Fundraiser Kick Off -
- Sales over today
- PROGRESS GRADES DUE THIS WEEKEND on 2/12/17
See the Daily Announcements for a detailed version of this document
Upcoming/Ongoing items to keep on your radar
- Feb 6-13 NJHS candy grams at lunch, delivered Feb 14th during ac lab
- February 13-15 METC Conference
- February 14th - Glow Dance 2:45-4:30 (will need chaperones)
- Units of Instruction due Feb 10th (next Friday)
- Video Due Date Feb 17th
- Harlem Wizards at TBHS, Sunday, Feb 19th @ 2:00 pm
- NJHS - DodgeBall Tournament - February 22nd - 2:45-4:30 (will need help)
- March 10th - NJHS volunteer day at Food bank (7th/ 8th grade only)
- SPRING BREAK - March 17th-24th
- Math Vertical Collaboration day with the High School - 2/15/17
- Semi - April 21?
- MAP Testing - May 4th - 11th
- Six Flags - May 12th
- Last Day of School - May 17th?
February 1st, the NAEP staff was here to administer this nationwide test. This test provides an overall perspective on the state of the state of education, statewide as well as across the nation. The students I spoke to mentioned that it seemed quite simple. (hmmmm?) Some used the NAEP computers and others had paper and pencil version but both groups sounded confident with their achievements. Of course, a test like this, without direct feedback to the test takers, school or even district creates a challenging situation when trying to motivate, but feedback from the test administrators implied that students had done a good job, being conscientious, hardworking and cooperative. Thanks for holding a high bar prior to this so students continue to meet those expectations wherever they go!
Special thanks to the 6th grade team for lunch. Here is the link to our PD notes we discussed together. I appreciate your efforts throughout the day with students as well as each other. It seems like a real team. For the rest of the month, we are hosting a Fabulous Friday Faculty Celebration in February. This Friday, we will have Soup for our Super Staff in preparation for the Super Bowl, where ticket prices could be as high as $70,000 for a seat! My suggestion: Stay home and watch the game with friends. Start time: 5:30!
Humbled,
Tom McCracken
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