Meadow Park News
December 21st, 2018
Principal's Corner
Hello Meadow Park Families,
The week leading up to break has been stressful for our community. I want to thank each of you for entrusting us with your children each and every day. Their safety and care is our first priority and we have taken many extra measures this week to create a safe school environment.
I messaged to staff this morning that I believe strongly that our safety within our school works in parallel to the community we are able to create with students. We had many events happening this week where a strong, caring community was evident here at The Park. Our 7th and 8th grade teachers gathered their halls individually to recognize great work, hold PARK ticket raffles, and do entire hall celebrations. Our 7th grade math teachers worked hard to create the first (and hopefully annual) Meadow Park Solve for X Tournament, bringing students together in celebration of academic success. In response to the crazy day on Wednesday, students and parents brought all kinds of treats on Thursday to thank the staff for their hard work. All this to say, despite the chaos around us, I believe our community grew stronger and many students will be leaving with positive memories of the week.
I want to again reiterate that our first priority is caring for each of our students and ensuring their safety. If your student sees something that causes concern, encourage them to tell an adult in the building. Our local law enforcement partners are fond of using the phrase, “If you see something, say something.” As a community, we can work together to keep our students safe.
I hope that the next two weeks are relaxing and full of cheer for each of you.
See you after the break!
Jared Freeman
Principal
For Your Calendars
- Every Wednesday - All Students Released at 2:20 pm
- December 24th through January 4th - Winter Break
- Have you taken our MYP Parent Survey?
Connect 4 Solving for "x" Tournament - A HUGE SUCCESS!
What’s all the excitement about!?
Meadow Park held its first (and hopefully annual) 7th Grade Solve for "x" Math Challenge. It was a HUGE success, involving 64 different teams and spanning 8 different 7/8 math classes. Each team had 3-4 students and each battle was between four different teams resulting in two teams advancing from each battle. There was a double elimination bracket so teams who lost one battle had the opportunity to come back - and they did!
How did it end?
Our final championship was held this afternoon in the Meadow Park Library at 1:00pm and was viewed by many through our Facebook Livestream. The excitement was palpable! We saw team motivation and camaraderie like we’ve never seen before. It was a fantastic way to keep our students focused and fully engaged in math learning, leading up to the start of winter break!
So how did this all work?
Throughout the week, teams worked together to solve a given equation for “x.” Equations were at least 3 steps and some equations required up to 8 steps. The equations got harder as you made your way deep into the tournament. Everyone on the team had to write the problem down and show all of their work individually. They were allowed to work together and help each other - group thinking was encouraged and celebrated. Calculators were also allowed. Once a team was ready with their answers, they raised their hand to signal that they were ready for the “answer check.” If the answer was correct, they placed their team’s sticky note on the large Connect 4 grid (7x6). This added another level of strategic thinking for each team. Not only did they have to be quick and accurate at solving equations, but they needed strategies to potentially be the first team with a “connect 4.” The first two teams to “connect 4” advanced to the next round. Each battle will be 45 minutes in length. Tie breakers scenarios and challenge problems were administered if teams failed to “connect 4” within the time constraint.
So what did our teachers have to say?
“My heart is full. I am grateful for how this math tournament went down and elated to see that I just so happen to trick 200+ 7th graders into doing 8th grade math super-fast! I am beyond proud at the result. Kids who have struggled all year are understanding how to solve for x! I go home happy knowing these little victories are occurring and students are building up their confidence and belief in themselves.”
“It definitely added to them WANTING to learn the math, and when they do, you see the fire and pride in their eyes.”
What if I want to learn more about this challenge?
You can find out more information through these Resources. You can also check out our social media campaign through YouTube Videos, Instagram & Facebook:
Promo Video: https://youtu.be/SeFV-EKPqlc
Connect 4 Rap Video: https://youtu.be/3jGpxjBSPxM
Explanation of Rules (to show students) Video: https://youtu.be/aUmzxTfp1UA
Livestream on Facebook Promo: https://youtu.be/nZkv6Jk7exg
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/solveforxtournament/?hl=en
Championship Rounds (Part 1 & Part 2) can be viewed on Facebook at MPMS Eagles: https://www.facebook.com/meadowparkmiddleschool/
Special Thanks!
To the amazing 7th grade math teachers for making this happen!: Jesse Slick (mastermind of the tournament), David Kloucek, Harrison Merims, Eric Ruiz, and Janet Sanders
And the staff who helped make this possible: Jared Freeman, Sandy Boe, Kim Haskins, Jenn Mann, Nancy Elsmore for letting us take over the Library, The C-hall team for letting us disrupt their flow on Thursday and Friday, and the parent volunteers who helped with crowd control. It was a combined effort and couldn't have happened if everyone wasn't onboard and constantly willing to serve our kiddos.
An additional thanks to our valuable collaboration time on Early Release Wednesdays when teachers are able to plan for and execute awesome experiences that motivate students to apply their learning in a variety of creative and motivating ways.
The Ultimate Tournament Champions
6th Grade Humanities - Country Project Presentations
by Selah M. Evans
by Nathaniel Sessions
by Gaby Contreras
Adobe Spark Education Series Filmed at Meadow Park
MPMS Art Literacy Needs YOU - Please volunteer!
The MPMS Art Literacy team is looking for more volunteers. This is a great opportunity to work directly in your child's classroom and enrich students' lives through the arts. Attend a one hour training session on our next Art Literacy project, Illuminated Manuscripts, on January 8th (9:15am OR 7:00pm). At the training, you can sign up for a two hour time slot to facilitate the lesson. Please email MPMSartlit@gmail.com for more information.
Learner Profile Attribute of the Month - Communicators
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who help to create a better and more peaceful world. When we focus on these character traits, not only do they promote the type of person we want our young adults to be - these are the soft skills that help our learners thrive in the classroom. The Learner Profile Attribute of the Month of December is Communicator. This week in advisory students began to explore this month’s attribute by preparing for a philosophical chairs debate around the essential question: “Does service truly matter?”
This weekend, check in with your student about their thoughts on the activity and what they learned about serving others. Ask them what they have learned about small acts of kindness and potential ways to take action within and beyond the school community. Students take action when they apply what they are learning in the classroom and beyond. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community who demonstrate a commitment to service—making a positive difference to the lives of others.
As a reminder, it is suggested that students complete 5 hours of service per semester. Students can log their hours and reflection using the link on our webpage.
BSD School Budget Listening Session
Wednesday, Jan 9, 2019, 06:00 PM
Beaverton High School, Southwest 2nd Street, Beaverton, OR, USA
Beaverton School-Based Health Center open during Winter Break
The Beaverton School-Based Health Center, located on the campus of Beaverton High School, 13000 SW 2nd Street, will remain open during Winter Break with the regular business hours; Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The only exceptions will be the Health Center will be CLOSED on Tuesday, December 25 and Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
Are your immunizations up-to-date? The Beaverton SBHC has a licensed Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant on staff. The medical provider can conduct routine exams, diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, as well as prescribe any needed medication and perform immunizations. Additional services include mental health and dental.
Patients and their families are encouraged to call ahead for appointment times and any questions they may have about services.
Appointments: 503-356-3985
After hours phone: 1-800-867-6577
About Meadow Park Middle School
Email: jared_freeman@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/schools/meadow-park/
Location: 14100 Southwest Downing Street, Beaverton, OR, USA
Phone: (503)356-2640
Facebook: facebook.com/meadowparkmiddleschool
Twitter: @mpmseagles