Routines? In a Middle School? Yes, I think so!

Leap Day*

Winfield Middle School Parent Blog

February 29, 2016

Another true #TBT photo…

From the days when he walked these halls as a student, we are proud and honored to have him here serving the community that formed him.

Attendance Challenge available to more participants…

We are adding a new twist to the Attendance Challenge. From today through the start of Spring Break (March 24th), when any class reaches 10 perfect attendance hours, the class will earn a pizza party. Classes and teachers log their attendance on a google docs spreadsheet and self-disclose when a class period reaches the magic number.

Schedule Details

Read Across America during this week of Dr Seuss’ Birthday

Monday - Feb 29 (Leap Day)

We have a Leap Day every 4 years because it takes about 365.25 days to get around the sun. We had a Leap Second last year.*

Read Across America: Read with my Eyes Shut Day - Staff and students are invited to wear shirts with words on them

• SPRING SPORTS practice begins district-wide today
• Track
• Baseball
• Girls’ Soccer

Tuesday - March 1

Read Across America: Cat in the Hat Day - No explanation necessary for the hat day!

• Word of the month - EMPATHY

Wednesday - March 2

Read Across America: Wacky Wednesday - Wear wacky hair, socks, clothes, etc

On this day in 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka “Dr Seuss”) was born in Springfield, Massachusetts

Personality portraits will be taken in the band room by a photographer from Wagner Portrait Group

Early Release  

• Coaches renew their CPR and First Aid training today

Thursday -  March 3

Read Across America: Dr. Seuss’ Sleep Book - Pajama Day

Friday - March 4

Read Across America: “My Many Colored Days,” by Dr. Seuss - Wear Class Colors

• End of Quarter grades are due from the teachers
• The Warrior Way Store will be open at lunch--any parent volunteers interested in helping are welcome to assist!

Refer to these flyers around campus for details regarding upcoming events:

     AND       

Please plan the end of your year accordingly

With Spring Break right around the corner and the end of the school year close behind, please note some important dates at the MIDDLE SCHOOL.

MAP TESTING; MAY 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th & 11th

Our MAP testing schedule places us testing in the early part of May. PLEASE plan around these dates. We are working on adjusting the date of “Semi” so it is not in the middle of MAP testing.In case you’re wondering, we have an annual dance called “Semi,” as in “semi-formal.” This event is similar to a prom, but functions at a middle school level of decorum. Dresses, suits and ties, updo hairstyles, and even flowers are par for the course. Not too many limo rides are expected, but it is amazing to see the students “all grown up” as they celebrate in our gymnasium and have a bunch of fun. STUCO coordinates the dance, and always puts on a great time for the Winfield Middle School students. The date for Semi will probably be on our last Friday of the year, May 13th.

BULLYING?!? Really?

Rude, Mean or Bullying? Posters like these placed throughout the building remind students to “be nice.”  As they develop their sense of empathy and compassion, it takes reminders, reteaching and coaching from everyone for them to reach social expectations. Often times, they simply may not have not thought it through. Therefore we say, “No, it is not ok to punch somebody to get their attention!”

Then how is that behavior characterized? Was it mean, rude or bullying?

For example, our average discipline items per day showed a slight uptick during February. This is the result of many factors. Part of our efforts include examining and considering each of these causes to determine which are the causes and which are the antecedents.

In Progress

This minutia contains some of the end of the year procedures, events, processes and activities for our middle school students and staff. We work from lists like these to ensure thoroughness. Please don’t think these responsibilities apply to everyone!

• Block Schedule begins 4/18 and continues through the last day of school:
• Aligns with the High School’s schedule for the last month of school beginning April 18th
• We will use A Days and B Days

• Regular Schedule on April 20th, 29th and May 4th, 9th
• May 4th is an Early Release day
• Summer Academy for some 8th Graders during June
• 8th Grade Shadow Days at the High School
• 5th Grade Transitions - Shadow Days for the 5th graders
• 6th Grade Boot Camp Day at the Middle School for incoming 5th graders
• 1 or 2 days of transitioning to the middle school
• Practice Schedule
• Mentors from National Junior Honor Society, etc
• Locker Work
• Lunch Procedures
• Team Building - Connections created between the  staff and new students
• Teacher Planning Days for May 25, 26 and 27 where we discuss:
• Pacing Guides
• Lesson Plans
• Common Assessments

• Student Work Review
• Data Teaming
• Collaboration Days
• eValuate Testing

Middle School VolleyBall Tournament

March 18th - Students will assemble teams now for the event on Friday from 3 - 4:30 / 5:00 in the Middle School Gym. Similar to other middle school events, we will begin right after school, then allow students to be picked up after the event.

Shout out at the Winfield VFW Hall

On Saturday, during a special event at our own local VFW Hall, two young authors received their awards. Also included were monetary prizes for their efforts toward describing “WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO ME” for the national VFW Challenge, Patriot Pen Essay Contest.

      

Parent Communication

There are a few other ways to connect with Winfield Middle School: Weebly Sites, Blogs, Remind 101, Assemblies, Facebook / Twitter, SIS Gradebook Updates, emails, Calls, IM or ???

NOTE: Make-up snow day - March 24th, Thursday

(Last day of school before Spring Break, starting on Friday, March 25th)

You’ve come a long way…

Routine? Middle School???

Well done this week! It was great as we transitioned back into somewhat of a routine. We use that term, routine, loosely in the Middle School setting. But despite the full moon, the threat of a snow day, and illnesses of staff and students, we seemed to work around everything. That ability to “smile in the face of ambiguity” is what impresses me most. It actually happens. We are making it “THAT” school.  A driven focus on attendance, academics and good behavior sets us up for success. Thanks for your support.

All week, Read Across America with Dr Seuss and daily themes!

Sincerely,

Tom McCracken

On behalf of the staff and students of Winfield Middle School