Thursday Thoughts on Learning
CIA & PD Newsletter for Meramec Valley R-III School District
May 5, 2016-12th Edition
We hope you have had a great teacher appreciation week so far!
Thank you for all you do!
To all our staff for a wonderfully celebrated week for a job you do so well each day! Thank you to all the buildings, PTOs, parents, administrators, and students who honored our MVR-III Teachers for the great work they do with our students each and every day. Your commitment and dedication are noted all year long but particularly celebrated during this week!
MVR-III District Recognition Ceremony held TODAY will be showcased in next week's Thursday Thoughts on Learning
#ThankaMOTeacher
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6. Please watch for social media posts from the DESE office to help celebrate teachers. Use #ThankaMOTeacher to thank yours!
It's not too late to give THANKS to those who matter in our profession.
Don't forget to tag #MVR3Learns too!
TE "Stuck on School!"
Truman elementary students have been encouraged weekly to come to school and enjoy learning (CSIP & BSIP Goal). For the past two weeks, students were challenged to be "Stuck on school!" by their principal, Ms. Marian Meinhardt. Students were challenged to have perfect attendance during MAP testing. As an incentive/motivation for their effort students earned an inch of tape for everyday school day they were present. During the TE morning assembly, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, each class came forward and students were allowed to tape Ms. Meinhardt to the wall with the tape they had earned for perfect attendance.
Photo submitted by Angie Herbst, 1st Grade Teacher and District Kindergarten Grade Level Chair
Article courtesy of Debbie Hunkins, Odyssey Teacher
District Academic Achievement Committee
FROM DESE THIS WEEK:
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Office of College and Career Readiness is seeking a diverse group of professional educators to provide thoughtful input into its assessment development efforts. Three opportunities to participate in the development of Grade-Level and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments are planned for this summer. Applicants are actively sought. Please forward this information to appropriate candidates from your school or district who may be interested in participating in one or more of the activities.
Candidates must be appropriately certified teachers with at least three years classroom experience or educators supporting in the content area, special education or English Language Learners (ELL) classrooms. Additionally, candidates must have knowledge of Missouri content standards and grades 3-12 classrooms in a Missouri public school district or education agency.
From among the applicants, qualified educators who represent Missouri’s geographic regions and other demographic data will be selected to serve. Candidates must commit to the event dates and must be available for the entirety of the days of the event.
_____________________________________________________
Achievement Level Descriptor Writing: Educators in English, mathematics, social studies, and science will write Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) achievement level descriptors that describe the knowledge, skills and processes demonstrated by students in each performance category.
Dates - June, TBD
Content/Grade Levels:
- English Language Arts (ELA): Grade 3 – High School
- Mathematics: Grade 3 – High School
- Science: Grades 5, 8, and High School
- Social Studies: High School
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Standard Setting Meeting: Over three days, educators in ELA and math will recommend cut scores—threshold test scores that separate test scores into achievement levels: below basic, basic, proficient and advanced.
Dates - July 12-14
Content/Grade Levels:
- ELA: Grade 3 – 8
- Mathematics: Grade 3 – 8
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Assessment Item Writing: Over four to five days, educators in English, math, social studies and science will write assessment items for Grade-Level and EOC assessments.
Dates - August, TBD
Content/Grade Levels:
- ELA: Grade 3 – High School
- Mathematics: Grade 3 – High School
- Science: Grades 5, 8, and High School
- Social Studies: High School
______________________________________________________
Interested candidates should apply by May 13. After selection, participants will be notified via email with additional information regarding the specifics of locations and other meeting information. Most events will be held in the Columbia or Jefferson City area.
To apply please follow our link to the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UpcomingAssessmentEvents
DESE Assessment
Summer Professional Learning Series 2016
FROM DESE WEEK OF APRIL 25:
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Trainings with Fine Arts Integration
Missouri Learning Standards K-12 Expectations Workshops
The Missouri Department of Education Office of College and Career Readiness is offering a series of workshops designed to deepen understanding of the Missouri Learning Standards K-12 Expectations in English language arts, fine arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The workshops explore implications for curriculum, instruction, and assessment as Missouri transitions to the new expectations. The series is free and designed for school and/or teacher leaders with the expectation that participants will share this information with other Missouri educators. To register for the K-5 Summer Learning Series, click here PDF Document. For the 6-12 series, click here PDF Document.
Participants who register for all four days will have the opportunity to attend mathematics, science, social studies, and/or English language arts trainings depending upon the needs and interests of the district.
Participants may attend the workshop for one content area per day, but are not committed to attending both days of a content area’s workshop. Space is limited: first come, first served.
MVR-III STAFF---If you register and get accepted to the DESE Summer Professional Learning Series please notify tparks@mvr3.k12.mo.us
Lighter side of Learning
District Updates
MVR-III TECH 4 LEARNING NEWS
Uncommon Learning Book Study Concluded this week
CIA News
May 2 Curriculum Learning Walks
Library Media MVMS/RB
Visiting the Library Media Centers at MVMS and RB it is noticeable that students receive lots of instruction on "locating resources" (LMC Objective 2) and "selecting and analyzing sources of information" (LMC Objective 3). One example of the importance of these two objectives can be seen in the sources available on the MVMS/RB Library Website. Mrs. Amy Sauvage, MVMS/RB Library Media Specialist, also supports her webpage with an additional Google site that stores numerous academic and exploration links for her students and staff.
Photo is one small snap-shot of the MVMS Library Media Center Google Site.
Book Fairs
Did you know that each MVR-III elementary school hosts book fairs in both the fall and the spring each year? This reading promotion fosters a sense of reading in all our students and brings in community partners and volunteers.
#peacelovebooks Thank you Coleman Elementary for this week's book fair and the Buy One, Get One promotions for students, parents, and staff.
Rachel Schremp is the Library Media Specialist at Coleman, Nike, and Robertsville Elementary Schools.
LMS have Standards too!
SIGN UP HERE!---MVR-III Summer Curriculum Days
Sign up now for completing Phase II Curriculum Drafts on the designated summer curriculum development days:
June 14 & 15
July 19 & 20
Times and slots available on the Sign in-Google Accounts link below
Can't make the June/July days but still need some time???
If you are in Phase II of curriculum development and need some time and attention this summer to complete revisions, work on assessment pieces, pacing, etc. Please complete Form IF-AF2 for Curriculum Development and submit for consideration by May 13th.
CIA Calendar of Events Thursday, May 5 - end of May 2016
Thursday, May 5 - end of May 2016
Thursday, May 5---DEADLINE for APRIL PL Summary Submission for CEUs/Stipends
Friday, May 6---St. Louis Area of Curriculum Coordinators Association, 8:30am-11:30am
Monday, May 9---PAT Advisory Committee Meeting, 4pm, CS
Tuesday, May 10---
Wednesday, May 11---
Thursday, May 12---District Academic Achievement Committee, 4pm, CO
Friday, May 13---
Monday, May 16---District PDC Meeting, 4pm, CO PD Rm.
District Textbook Review Committee, 4pm, CO BOE Rm.
Tuesday, May 17---
Wednesday, May 18---Board of Education Meeting, 7:30pm, PHS Auditorium
Last day of School
Sunday, May 22---PHS Graduation, 3pm @ PHS
Monday, May 23---all summer school sites begin
Assessments
Updates...
The District Assessment Plan is currently being revised for the 2016-2017 school year. Thank you to the staff members who have given feedback on this document. MVR-III is really trying to focus on minimizing the number and types of assessments administered and to focus on "why" we assess and "what" we do with the data to help with continuous school, program, and student learning progress.
The updated plan will be posted on the district website after BOE approval on May 18, 2016.
End-Of-Course RAW Scores are back
It is a blessing to receive results for the EOC exams in such a timely fashion. This year we can celebrate our success before our students and staff leave for their summer break. Also, policy states that EOC performance counts for 10% of the students grade in those courses so it is important data for end-of-the-year grade reporting.
Although, EOC totals by course are considered RAW data the early RAW total indicators are indicating improved student proficiency and advanced status in:
Algebra I (RB & PHS) 74.9%
Algebra II 85.2%
English I 78.6%
English II 88.8%
Total RAW EOC results will be shared and discussed at the District Academic Achievement Committee Meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2016, 4pm, CO.
Photo shows 2015 PHS EOC Final Results for quick comparison purposes.
PDC News
Interface Call for Presenters
Interface 2017 – Call for Presenters
Planning is underway for the 33rd annual Missouri mathematics and science conference - Interface 2017. The Interface Steering Committee would like you to consider being a presenter at Interface. Selecting the highest quality professional learning sessions created by our most effective educators is vital to the success of the conference. Please consider presenting at one of Missouri’s premier professional learning events. Presentation proposals are due by July 1, 2016.
Summer Autism Conference
The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Training Experts in Autism for Missouri (TEAM) Program are excited to offer FREE opportunities to expand your knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Please see the attached flyer for information regarding the Summer Institute Program we are offering. If you are interested in participating or have any questions about the programs please feel free to contact us. More information on the MVR-III PD website, Professional Development Opportunities.
ADDED Summer PD Opportunities
Check out the district Professional Development Opportunities on the district website to make plans now.
Several NEW opportunities now posted for June and July 2017.
Don't forget to complete the appropriate Application for a Workshop Form GCL-AF1 thirty days in advance, as well as, link all professional learning to your educator growth goals.
Don't forget the "2 of 3" Rule
If you are exempt and meet the "2 of 3" rule you do not have to submit a PD Log this year.
Not sure....ask your PD Rep or building admin.
Sample PD logs can be found on the district website under Professional Development.
All 2015-2016 PD logs are due to your building principal at your May "checkout".
District Spotlight on Educator Learning
Congratulations Graduates!
MVR-III 2015-2016 Teacher Academy Graduates:
Samantha Barmeier, TE 1st Grade Teacher & District Vertical SS Expert
Barret Bielicke, ZE 5th Grade Teacher & District Vertical Science Expert
Becky Centerino, ZE Kindergarten Teacher
Sarah Schultz, RB Math Teacher & Department Chair
2016-2017 Teacher Academy Candidates
Keeping with our CSIP Goal 2 & PDC plan to support and grow highly effective and distinguished teachers, MVR-III is excited to announce the 2016-2017 Teacher Academy Candidates and to thank them for their willingness to participate in this year long professional experience:
Angie Signaigo, TE 5th Grade & District Vertical Science Expert
Chris Johnson, ZE Music Teacher & District Elementary Special Areas Level Chair
Genetta Tomnitz, MVMS 7th Grade ELA Teacher & Department Chair
Sarah Manno, RB 8th Grade Science Teacher & Department Chair
2016-2017 Technology Leadership Academy
PDC is supporting two teacher candidates to attend the year-long professional learning experience at EdPlus related to engaging, supporting, and challenging student learning using by embedding technology and the ISTE standards for professional educator knowledge related to technology integration. The 2016-2017 MVR-III Technology Leadership Candidates are:
Heather Frey, MVMS 7th Grade Science & Department Chair
Garret Andreasen, PHS PLTW & Business Teacher
Amy Sauvage, MVMS/RB Library Media Specialist and K-12 LMS Leader is also "Spotlighted" this week.
Thank you Zitzman Elementary & Art Teacher Stacy Johnson for the student art work that @DistrictMVR3 is using for our Twitter background during the month of May.
MVR-III School District
Email: DistrictCO@mvr3.k12.mo.us
Website: www.mvr3.k12.mo.us
Location: 126 N Payne St, Pacific, MO, United States
Phone: 636-271-1400
Twitter: @DistrictMVR3