Titan Staff News
Week of March 7
Titans,
As we reconvene into PLCs this week, I am drawn back to a quote from Dan Venebles in his latest PLC book. "The question we should be asking is not are teachers collaborating, but what are they collaborating about?" This is the heart of the reasoning behind our purposeful, planned discussions in PLCs. It's not a series of items I check off each grading period that you've discussed. Each week the topic and guiding questions are carefully planned to reach a desired outcome I have for our students. ((Did you see that? PLCs are NOT about you, but about our students!!))
I shared with the Leadership Team this morning that this is an easy time of year to get off track and let some of the daily things slide in the name of "spring." Titans, spring is the time to push and continue on the path we have started. While other schools let PLCs go, let students off the hook for critical thinking or staff meetings are cancelled, we will continue to drive ourselves forward doing what it takes to make Tidwell MS the BEST school. You all nodded in agreement on January 4 that you'd do what it took to push us to the top - now's the time to get out there and get it done!
Have a great weekend,
Kim
As we reconvene into PLCs this week, I am drawn back to a quote from Dan Venebles in his latest PLC book. "The question we should be asking is not are teachers collaborating, but what are they collaborating about?" This is the heart of the reasoning behind our purposeful, planned discussions in PLCs. It's not a series of items I check off each grading period that you've discussed. Each week the topic and guiding questions are carefully planned to reach a desired outcome I have for our students. ((Did you see that? PLCs are NOT about you, but about our students!!))
I shared with the Leadership Team this morning that this is an easy time of year to get off track and let some of the daily things slide in the name of "spring." Titans, spring is the time to push and continue on the path we have started. While other schools let PLCs go, let students off the hook for critical thinking or staff meetings are cancelled, we will continue to drive ourselves forward doing what it takes to make Tidwell MS the BEST school. You all nodded in agreement on January 4 that you'd do what it took to push us to the top - now's the time to get out there and get it done!
Have a great weekend,
Kim
This Week at Tidwell:
Monday, March 7
Math/Sci PLCs - 8:00am
Sweet TREAT in the Lounge (pm)
Tennis vs Haltom
String Drives for Orchestra
Parent Mtg for Incoming 7th and 8th Graders 6:00pm
Board Mtg
Tuesday, March 8
MAP Reports w/6th Grade ELA/Math 8:00am (library)
Dazzlers at 8th grade Lunch
Parent Mtg for Cheerleader Tryouts
AVID Spirit Day
Wednesday, March 9
ELA/SS PLCs - 8:00am
Dr. Rue Visit pm
AVID Parent Mt 6:00pm
Advisory Schedule
Thursday, March 10
Dr. Faris Visit am
Track Meet @ BNHS
Pre UIL Competition for Symphonic Band
Open House 5:30-7:00pm
Friday, March 11
Faculty Mtg - 7:45am Library
Spring Pictures
Advisory Schedule
Math/Sci PLCs - 8:00am
Sweet TREAT in the Lounge (pm)
Tennis vs Haltom
String Drives for Orchestra
Parent Mtg for Incoming 7th and 8th Graders 6:00pm
Board Mtg
Tuesday, March 8
MAP Reports w/6th Grade ELA/Math 8:00am (library)
Dazzlers at 8th grade Lunch
Parent Mtg for Cheerleader Tryouts
AVID Spirit Day
Wednesday, March 9
ELA/SS PLCs - 8:00am
Dr. Rue Visit pm
AVID Parent Mt 6:00pm
Advisory Schedule
Thursday, March 10
Dr. Faris Visit am
Track Meet @ BNHS
Pre UIL Competition for Symphonic Band
Open House 5:30-7:00pm
Friday, March 11
Faculty Mtg - 7:45am Library
Spring Pictures
Advisory Schedule
Important Information
- Monday we'll enjoy a sweet treat (ice cream/yogurt bar) in the lounge in the afternoon. Please await an email stating it's ready. And yes, JEANS on Monday.
- Personal Days will not be approved on the followings dates: April 15, May 26 and May 9-13.
- Did you know we have the ONLY Middle School Destination Imagination Team going to State? #titanpride
- WICOR Bingo is still going....get your samples in to Peacock for a chance for your department to have lunch provided.
- 4th Six Weeks Attendance Rates: 6th - 96.25%, 7th - 95.49% and 8th - 96.14%
- Just a reminder that your Moodle page needs to have all assignments listed in the calendar. We refer parents to Moodle pages often.
- Your PDAS appraiser will be reminding you if you need to submit your Flex Day Certificates, Parent Conference Documentation and/or other documents.
- Don't forget to sign up to share your learning with the staff this Friday!
- A glimpse into RTI....or what's NOT RTI.
Sweatin' in the PLCs
We reconvene our PLCs this week. You will be in Content Specific PLCs looking at data disaggregation.
Task: Compare your CBA data (SE report) to the Lead4Ward STAAR frequency distribution chart. Identify points of celebration within your content and opportunities for growth. How are specific students in our Sub Pops (ELL, Sped, Eco Dis) progressing towards mastery in these TEKS? What interventions or supports may need to be put into place? How are your Progress Monitoring tools reflecting and supporting this practice?
If you're looking for the STAAR frequency distribution chart, you'll need to refer to the email I sent prior with the PLC attachment. Please note, this is a task you'll need to be prepared for prior to the meeting.
Upcoming School Year
- I know everyone is asking....the APs will remain with their current grade level.
- Our counselors are looking at several options for splitting next year. Stay tuned!
- If you're interested in floating....let me know!
- Middle School Course Selection Guide
- If you are interested in any campus leadership position (Department Chair, Team Lead), please email by March 25th. I will send you the position expectations and description prior to being considered. All leadership positions are selected through an interview process.
- Likewise, to those currently in leadership positions, please communicate to me your desire to be considered to remain in that role.