Wildcat Roar
News and Info for Wildcat Staff 4.30
Affirmation of the Week
I am proud of the academic progress we have made. I use positive self-talk to build the confidence of my students. I inspire them to question, dream, and achieve.
Testing Updates and Reminders
- Cover up any content displayed in your room or hallway.
- Be sure you are practicing test protocols, especially collecting phones.
- Double your efforts to use affective language and restorative practices with students. Testing activates anxiety in students, families, and staff. Assume the best and de-escalate tense situations with encouraging and positive language. This is not a time to engage in power struggles. Try to calm and encourage students as much as possible. At this point, the focus should be on building confidence.
- Updated test examiner and proctor assignments will be provided this week. However, all certified staff should be prepared for any changes that may occur.
- Make sure you read the examiner's manual prior to testing.
- See Ms. Kemp for any testing questions or suggestions you may have.
Since you'll be up and actively monitoring all week, feel free to wear jeans and comfortable shoes throughout testing.
Congratulations! You made it through testing! Now what?
Student engagement will be of the utmost importance in the next 4 weeks. Although MAP testing is still on the horizon, it is important to make sure students are highly engaged. As you plan instruction, keep the following in mind:
- Find highly engaging and motivating ways to reteach content not yet mastered. Avoid rote practice, "sit and get" strategies.
- Soon we will be diving deeply into project-based learning. Now is a good time to fine tune small group practices and protocols and look for ways to integrate content areas.
- Connect real world problems to content in meaningful ways.
- Look for training with Ms. Williams and Ms. Kemp immediately after the end of testing to make the most of the last few weeks of the school year.
Look for details on instructional plans for the remainder of the year coming soon.
Critical Days
I know we've all worked hard, but it is imperative that we are all present in the next few weeks. Just as we feel the pressure of testing, so do our students. They need us to be present and positive. Hang in there!
Brianne Verraneault, is excited to provide a 6 week yoga series for the Price community. She will provide one hour of mindfulness, breathing, and yoga on Tuesdays from 4:45 to 5:45 starting on March 20th. 8 yoga mats will be available, but your encouraged to bring your own. Namaste!
To Do List
- Be sure all grades are up-to-date in Mastery Connect.
- Make sure you have followed all required steps for students who may receive failing grades.
- Plan highly engaging, interdisciplinary instruction.
This Week
Important Links and Numbers
Lesson Plans
- Room Clean Up Report: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nk8FVadRK0-bBdKmmVma0y74-85huuhIgPcUvM1wCDdUQklCTktDNVJFWEpJV0hVQVZXNkFQSE9PRy4u
- Tech Requests: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/28827
- Digital Instructional Resources: www.portaportal.com Guest Access: dkemp
- Milestones Blueprints: http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Milestones-Test-Blueprints.aspx