MAP or eValuate? Which is harder?

February 23, 2017

2016-17 eValuate Scores

These current eValuate scores imply that between 28 & 31% of our student will score advanced or proficient on their MATH and 51% of our ELA student will reach the advanced or proficient levels.

Study the current charts above.  Compare and contrast those with the charts below and make a few notes on any differences.

2015-16 eValuate Scores

This time last year, we looked at 11% as our estimated proficiency in Math and a 26% students scoring proficient or advanced in ELA.

The biggest change I see, which should show up on the MAP test is the smaller Red and additional Yellow and Green portions, especially in ELA.  Without the realigned scores from eValuate, we have more students in the higher categories.  WELL DONE, Team.

eValuate scores were adjusted to align with the latest MAP results.  

Just a few points, but every bit counts.

Do Kids Really Respond to Data?

Schedule of Upcoming Events

See the Daily Announcements for a detailed version of this document

March arrives on Wednesday.  We will SNEAK (Snack) into march on Tuesday instead of Friday with so many staff out of pocket.

Schedule for February 27th - March 3rd

Monday

• Admin with Jay Reese
• Crider will be in the building this week to speak to both the
• 8th in Ross’s Room Monday through Wednesday
• 7th in Davis’s Room Thursday and Friday

Tuesday -

• Crider w ROSS
• Snack (Sneak) into March today with snacks and treats during lunch break
• ACTIVITIES” COMMITTEE
• Big discussion on Six Flags Registration
• PBiS Tier 1 and Tier 2 to meeting for 3rd of 4 day long PD in house.
• Finish the Survey
• Big 5 Data
• AM Tier 2
• PM Tier 1
• Interagency Meeting at CO at 1:00

Wednesday - March 1st

• Crider w Ross
• Early Release - Lunch from 7th grade team
• 2017/18 Schedule Team
• 2017 MAP Team
• Report Back Sessions

Thursday

• Crider w Davis
• Admin to training in Columbia - Half Day
• Chess Club in Mr. Utlaut’s room
• Binder Teams - Assemble and Submit Data Cycles

Friday

• Crider w Davis

Upcoming/Ongoing items to keep on your radar

• Units of Instruction can be reviewed in Author Teams (ie. Ross & Davis together)
• March 1st Report Back Sessions from:
• METC Technology Conference
• Math
• PE Tours
• Summer School Registration coming up soon -
• We will not know final details and needs till we gather all the student registrations
• March 10th - NJHS volunteer day at Food Bank
• SPRING BREAK - March 17th-24th
• April 6- Bumper Volleyball Tournament 2:45-4:30
• Spring Choir Concert - May 2nd
• Spring Band Concert - May 16th
• BOGO Book Fair - April 24-28
• NJHS Induction - April 25 at 6:30 pm in MS Gym
• Semi - April 21st
• Middles School MAP Testing - May 4th - 11th
• Six Flags - May 12th
• Google Forms to gather student data
• Last Day of School - May 17th?
• Graduation - May 21st at 2:00 PM

Coach & Coach

Tough to get ahead of these two!  

After calling for a “Dress like a PE Coach” they schooled us all looking like Dapper Dan in khakis and polos!  Well done, Gentlemen.

Photobomb? Really?  Yup.  

This is the middle school and this place rocks.  Looking over their scores during our Binder Meetings gave testimony of the relationships you all have built, the extra work you have put in and the ability to ride the wave of understanding trying to maximize their learning by managing just how much struggle to allow.  Nice work.

Have a great Friday.

We will bump our Snack day to next Tuesday.

There will be a few gone or out of pocket Friday. Davis, Ross, Farhat, Mix and McCracken but subs will be enrolled but we will have a great crew of selected students with us. See the list from Tuesday's 2:30 meeting for details.

Hang in there. March is right around the corner.

Tom McCracken

The struggle IS real...

February 16, 2017

The struggle is real!

How does this impact our classrooms?

What about our students from poverty?

Students from challenging situations?

Students from atypical homes?

How can we help?  

Academic Focus on the eValuate

Details for the completed month of January 2017 in GREEN above

Details for the completed month of January 2016 in RED below

Note the growth from 2016 to 2017 as well as month by month.

One way to embrace achievement: Celebrate growth!

Just another Brag Board to demonstrate successful effort, growth and progress academically.

#OvernightSuccessTakes5Years

Off season workout pays off in the long run.  

The Winfield Weekend Basketball Tournament was a huge success.

Hardwork beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

Pick a name, any name...

 

Using the Name Generator

( http://www.miniwebtool.com/random-name-picker/ )

With the Attendance Lists allowed us to pick these 10 winners out of over 700 names with substantial ease.

#WinnerWinner

You go Girl!

The first Middle School Razor Scooter award goes to Madigan Riddle for her stellar attendance in first semester.

Schedule of Upcoming Events

See the Daily Announcements for a detailed version of this document

Schedule for February 20th - 24th

Monday

• President’s Day - Make up a snow day
• METC Conference with various Tech Subcommittee attending the conference

Tuesday - Valentine’s Day

• PBiS Tier 2 in Ulhmeyer’s Room
• “ACTIVITIES” COMMITTEE THE FOLLOWING WEEK
• Big discussion on Six Flags Registration
• Board of Education Meeting - 6:30pm
• Pre-Trip Meeting for students attending Workshop Friday. 2:30 in Higgins Room

Wednesday

• NJHS - DodgeBall Tournament - February 22nd - 2:45-4:30

Thursday

• Chess Club in Mr. Utlaut’s room
• Binder Teams - Terri is slated to visit and check on our data cycle progress
• MS - CHEER Info Meeting at 5:00
• Primary Family Fitness Night

Friday

• The Megan Meier Foundation is hosting the Feb 24th Leadership Workshop
• Football Coaches are also out of the building

Upcoming/Ongoing items to keep on your radar

• Units of Instruction can be reviewed in Author Teams (ie. Ross & Davis together)
• Report Back Sessions from:
• METC Technology Conference
• Math
• PE Tours
• Summer School Registration coming up soon -
• We will not know final details and needs till we gather all the student registrations
• March 10th - NJHS volunteer day at Food Bank
• SPRING BREAK - March 17th-24th
• April 6- Bumper Volleyball Tournament 2:45-4:30
• Spring Choir Concert - May 2nd
• Spring Band Concert - TBD
• BOGO Book Fair - April 24-28
• NJHS Induction - April 25 at 6:30 pm in MS Gym
• Semi - April 21st
• Middles School MAP Testing - May 4th - 11th
• Six Flags - May 12th
• Google Forms to gather student data
• Last Day of School - May 17th?
• Graduation - May 21st at 2:00 PM

Summer School Flyer

We will share more details as they become available:

Such as:

Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

$100 Gift Card availability

Student of the Month from your Middle School

Library Superstars

6th Grade February Student of the Month

Macy Beckemeier

I nominated Macy Beckemeier for February student of the month because she is a role model to her peers.  In technology class she didn’t just meet the criteria for each project, but exceeded expectations.  She often helps guide her peers to understand assignments when they are confused or improve projects.  In the general school community she is very kind to others and shows respect to all who come in contact with her.  I look forward to two more years of Macy at the middle school.

7th Grade February Student of the Month

Madison Greenwood

I have had the pleasure of working with Madison Greenwood for the past 2 years through the classroom, as a member of the library crew, and a member of NJHS.  No matter the task, Madison always puts in 110% and does so with a smile on her face.  Her peers respect her and look to her as an example.  As a teacher, I am thankful to have such a capable student who is always willing to take on a challenge and help where needed.

8th Grade February Student of the Month

Tabitha Brinker

I am so impressed with Tabitha’s drive in reading this year.  She is reading 5 or more books WEEKLY!  She has the highest number of Reading Counts points in the school.  She has met requirements for the City Museum Challenge several months ahead of schedule.  Tabitha is also very helpful when other students are not sure what to read.  She will spend time helping them find a book that is a good fit.  I am unbelievably proud of her accomplishments and her drive to make herself a better student and reader this year.

From the #biggestloser to #frostflowers???

February 9, 2017

A real #TBT Compilation to share in AC LAB

This #TBT movie clip reminds us of all the places we have been, the battles we have won, and lost, and the obstacles we have overcome together!  Special thanks to you all.

We will share 5 of these over the next few weeks for staff to share in AC LAB.  

#WHODUNIT

Note this crime scene reenactment set up in the B building for the 7th grade ELA team to develop their skills in inferencing.  Note the various footprints, the cups of soda, the stopped clock, glasses, clip on earring, paint and other obvious signs of struggle.  After gathering these clues and “interviewing” the suspects, the classes tried to figure out  #whodunit!  Practicing their powers of observation, inferencing, speculation and intuitive ideas made for lively and passionate discussions.

Well done squad!

Missouri Frost Flower and the Biggest Losers???

Comparing notes, struggles and successes along the path of becoming the “biggest loser” adds so much camaraderie. Watching meals, counting steps, tightening belts and feeling better about personal health adds years to life and maybe even life to years!

Thanks Coach for organizing, and everyone else for participating!

Close up of a Frost Flower.

For instance, this frost flower was noticed on a hike in Cuivre River State park, while walking the dogs and trying to contribute to the Big Loser battle.

Without the Big Loser contest, we would have totally missed this unique and fragile display of freezing condensation from plant moisture called a FROST FLOWER.

Crushing on who?

Getting ready for the Valentine’s Candy Gram Sales, the team organizes and prepares the notes for the big day!

The right place, at the right time!?

In the right place at the right time?  We found a steal of a deal on these Razors, so we stocked up.

These will be tied to the attendance prizes for 100%, 95% and 90% students.  A Random Name Generator will pick one for the grand prize and 9 more students will win their choice from the PBiS Store.

We will draw one group from the 1st semester data and then pick monthly winners based on the lists.

That  Random Name Generator will help you pick people from class with no bias at all!

Here’s why!

Ouch!

FFFF

Preparing for Fun Fridays in February for the Faculty of Winfield Middle School provides a fun distraction through the winter stretch.  After the Souper Bowls for the Supper Staff, we have another surprise slated for this week as well.  Stay tuned.

Schedule for February 13th - 17th

Monday

• Progress Reports delivered today
• Valentine’s Grams on sale at lunch
• Yearbook Sales ongoing till 2/17/17
• Students to hand in registrations and fees to office
• Be thinking of your student of the month nominations.
• Hines for 6th grade
• Applebaum (Penrod?) for 7th grade
• Open for 8th grade (Volunteer?  Anyone?)
• METC Conference with various Tech Subcommittee attending the conference

Tuesday - Valentine’s Day

• PBiS Tier 1 in Harmon’s Room
• Admin Mtg at Central Office
• Annual Glow Dance right after school

Wednesday

• Early Release Day
• Math to High School
• PE to O’ Farm

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.

Friday

• Myra Collins Math Collaboration Day

See the Daily Announcements for a detailed version of this document

Upcoming/Ongoing items to keep on your radar

• Feb 10 & 13 - NJHS candy grams at lunch, delivered Feb 14th during ac lab
• February 13-15 METC Conference for Tech Committee
• February 14th - Glow Dance 2:45-4:30 (will need chaperones)
• 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)
• The Megan Meier Foundation is Hosting the Feb 24th Workshop
• 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
• April 6- Bumper Volleyball Tournament 2:45-4:30 (will need help)
• Semi - April 21st
• MAP Testing - May 4th - 11th
• Six Flags - May 12th
• Last Day of School - May 17th?

Speaking of Schedules…

Here are the High School Block Day Schedules for 2017.  There are only 2 weeks this year.  

Feel free to audit, and offer constructive adjustments, then plan accordingly.

Links to April &  May

#SOFTSKILLS

Do you believe this?

Celebrating Counselor’s Week with powerful first impressions!

Our marquee message reminds us “KINDNESS should not be confused for WEAKNESS!”

Perfectionism: “But he is so smart in other ways!”

Heavy on my mind over the past few weeks due to students losing hope, failing to turn in assignments, acting out when they should be reading and working harder to avoid work than actually doing the work. I have written an essay on my professional public blog considering the influence perfection and insecurity interfere with learning and elaborate on a possible workarounds. Please follow this link to see more, hints for addressing the apathy and fear of failure that plagues struggling learners. I will not include that text here for the sake of brevity.

Sincerely,

Tom McCracken