And So It Begins…
...Missouri MAP Testing at WMS
No Pressure?
Every spring, students across the state of Missouri demonstrate their knowledge and skills by recording answers to questions on the State MAP Tests. These tests are then used to sort, rank and list areas of needed growth, as well as publicize successes. Winfield Middle School doesn’t teach the test--we teach children. In the process, we work to get the most of every opportunity to maximize our learning. In fact, while some groups are testing, the remaining classes are proceeding on, working on learning projects, sharing our presentations, writing about life and going about their daily routines. Yes, the tests are important but they are only one component of our lives in the Middle School. All our previous data gathered throughout the year points to the results we gather from this day. Now, we are ready to start next year's plan. How can we do it together?
What do you teachers do during those half days when you send the students home?
Here’s one thing!
Working with the staff at WMS always brings surprises, adventures and something from the outside the ordinary. Last Wednesday, during our PD, it felt like we broke barriers, opened up new dialogues, saw updated revelations regarding our co-workers and confirmed that some of us can’t say “No!” Each of us picked what shape we would be, then shared feedback with each other about that shape, then saw a written description of people who tend to choose that shape. We were surprised to learn that the descriptions matched many of us quite accurately. For example, a square is supposedly always prepared. A triangle wants to get to the bottom line and then move on! Circles want harmony and to avoid confrontation. And squiggles, well, we never know what “great idea” is next.
This time was both entertaining, informative and beneficial as we strengthened the bonds and connections as a team, building on our levels of trust and noticing new similarities that we never knew existed. To Read more about the SHAPE activity, click here.
Speaking of blooming flowers...
We are gearing up for the SEMI. It is great to see students signing up for the fun and festivities. As our youngsters grow up, part of their education includes socialization through manners, proper etiquette and formality. Part of how we impart that is through our year-end social called the SEMI. (It is called this because the students are dressed “SEMI-FORMALLY.”) We mimic the High School’s prom, which they held last week at the new Knights of Columbus Hall in Old Monroe. We dress up, get some flowers, play fun music, do a little dancing, enjoy some snacks and generally have a very good time. The SEMI, however, does more than just entertain students. It teaches young people what to say and how to conduct themselves in a formal social setting. They learn to say things like...
“You look nice.”
“I like your hair.”
“Great dress.”
“Fun shoes.”
From Principals Day to Teacher Appreciation Week.
Green Eggs and Ham, Formula Pair, Caution, Motorcycle Luck Sox and the SHARKS. Thank you.
It is an honor and privilege to work alongside such an energetic, passionate and diverse group of teachers that puts the team and student success first. All week, they have been supporting the students, encouraging them to do their best and allowing them a bit of leeway as the pressure and tension is at its highest. The week started with a schoolwide card and a gift package of cards, treats and socks. Then, throughout the week, daily surprises brought us a variety of treats and perks every day.
A brief discussion about “Boy Meets World” and “Mr. Feeny.” All of us grew up with a Mr. Feeny who seemed to teach us more than just content. This person taught us about life. Winfield Middle School wants to be filled with Mr Feenys...
- Boy Meets World Clips…
Math, Algebra, Calculus, Trig and Physics, in Winfield? Yes.
A little gnome must have left this on our whiteboard. But finding such intricacy and attention to detail on this single physics problem reminds us of why we might continue to press on towards the goal. Imagine this is read in English, converted to Swahili, then recorded back in English. Well done, HK.
NEXT YEAR
- Some of our expectations for the School Year of 2016-2017
- Tardies We will begin to track these next year on a quarterly cycle. Students will understand the expectations and we will continue to improve the culture of learning.
- 1st - Warning
- 2nd - Warning and phone call home
- 3rd - After-School Detention
- 4th - After-School Detention
- etc
- Pyramids of Academic and Behavioral Interventions
- PBiS Tiers 2 & 3
- Hot Sheets
- Buddy Sheets
- Time Out Rooms
- Student Planners
- Grades entered weekly into SIS - Grades will be both teacher generated as well as student generated
- Advanced Classes with Curriculum
- Expectations
- Withdrawing from the class
- Homework requirements
- Ac Lab Consistency:
Upcoming Schedule:
MONDAY - May 9
- REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE and Regular Room Assignments
- MAP Test Make-ups - (Location TBD)
TUESDAY - May 10
- Red Day Schedule
- MAP 8th Grade ELA Testing
WEDNESDAY - May 11
- Black Day Schedule
- MAP 6th & 7th ELA Testing
- BAND CONCERT in the Middle School Gym at 7pm
THURSDAY - May 12
- Red Day Schedule
- SIX FLAGS LEADERSHIP DAY
FRIDAY - May 13
- Black Day Schedule
- SEMI
- Thanks for signing up to supervise, chaperone, or clean up! (Many hands make light work!)
- Students must be at school all day in order to attend SEMI that evening
- Student behavior leading up to the event should be exemplar
Upcoming (This list keeps getting shorter and shorter.)
5/9 Summer School and Summer Academy calls will begin inviting students and notifying parents
5/16 Field Day - ALL Middle School students - We’ll begin with the Pink & Purple Assembly, then discuss expectations for the day, followed by participation in a wide variety of activities
5/17 Final Ac Lab Challenge - Dunk Tank - eValuate - Locker Clean Out; Survey Day
BOE Meeting - 6:30 Central Office
5/18 Chris’s Cakes for students with perfect attendance and also students who were named Student of the Month during this academic year
5/19 Last Day, Half Day, 8th Grade BBQ & Walk-Out (8th grade graduation)
Day One and Two of MAP Testing
Flexibility, focus and self-control allowed us to overcome the technology issues, the room assignments, the bandwidth concerns and student issues. Students demonstrated their ability to focus, to motivate themselves and, ultimately, give superior attention to this key indicator. The B Building setting, the ability to think on the fly with situations like lunches and times, the gorgeous weather and our supportive Building Testing Coordinator allowed us to do our best to get everyone #onthemap. Especially appreciative were the teachers who discovered various unforeseen obstacles. As a team, we practiced troubleshooting determining options and then proposing plans that would address each situation. Together, we (Read: TEACHERS, COUNSELORS and the TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT) all worked together and got through Day One and Two by remaining agile and handling every obstacle with a view toward success. Regardless of our progress or growth, we have made major impacts on the lives of our students. We hope our relationships with students make each of our teachers a MR. FEENY to someone else in this building.
We desire this to the extent that one of our Teacher Appreciation Week Activities was for the students to write something nice about 3 teachers: their first hour teacher, the teacher that taught them the most and an elective teacher. These SuperPower Notes confirmed our individual and corporate impact on our students, building, community and even the future. Thank you.
Encouraged,
Tom McCracken
No comments:
Post a Comment