The Black Bear Corner
January 6 - 10
#AIMHIGH
Happy New Year Back Black Bear Family!
"Be THANKFUL as we EMPOWER our youth to make an IMPACT!"
As we prepare to return to school, I ask that you reflect on what went well, what wasn't as successful as you would have liked and what you can do differently this semester the reap the best fruit from your labor. The second semester is always "fast and furious," but I am confident in our team and our ability to exceed expectations.
The first major assessments of the year will begin shortly... ACCESS and AAA. Every assessment is critical to improving student achievement. Please encourage our students to do their very best!
I am looking forward to blessings that await each of us!
Happy 2020!
Mrs. Anita A. Clarke
New District Policy on Anti-Vaping...
We have been asked to distribute the new policy by January 10. Therefore, we will disseminating DCS' updated Anti-Vaping Policy as follows:
- Copies of the policy will be given to each student.
- A copy of the policy will be placed on all social media outlets.
- Class meetings will be held to discuss the policy
Class Meetings will be held Tuesday, January 7 (Auditorium)
6th Grade - 8:45am
7th Grade - 9:45am
The Letter detailing the New Policy reads as follows:
Decatur City Schools notified students and families at the beginning of the 2019-20 year that we considered "vaping" to be a serious health concern and stronger repercussions would be implemented for students found vaping. During the first semester, students found in possession of or using a vaping device were assigned to in-school suspension (ISS). However, that punishment did not seem to deter many of our students who elected to engage in this harmful practice. After a discussion with students, parents, and administrators, it was recommended that discipline for vaping offenses include an assignment to our Center of Alternatives to Suspension (CAS). Therefore, beginning in January of 2020, DCS Administration will be assigning CAS to those students found using or in possession of vaping devices.
Again, as being reported in the news, vaping is causing serious health issues around our nation. We do not wish to see any of students negatively impacted by either direct exposure or second hand exposure to these products. Please help us and discuss the dangers of vaping and the consequences of vaping at school with your student.
Non-negotiables - "Friendly" Reminder!
Dr. Douglas (Superintendent)
- Bell to bell instruction.
- Standards must be taught
- Tier II Instruction
- Own the Data
- Love your students
Mrs. Clarke's Expectations
- Students should always be first!
- Build relationships (help to remove barriers)
- Engage parents in their child's educational process (minimum of 5 contacts per month)
- Improve student achievement
- Utilize your data
- Remove "menial activities"
- All teachers should be on during class change! (students line up and teachers lead them into the hallway.
- Movies should only be shown if directly related to instruction. Please seek approval first!
Strategic Teaching Updates....
Your classes will be observed for Student Friendly Outcomes, Before Strategies, and After Strategies on January 29. Our school team will be joined by district representatives to observe your implementation of the Strategic Teaching Model. The implementation of each stage is to serve our students. As soon as feedback is given, reports will be placed in your mailboxes. If instructional adjustments need to made, I will personally meet with you.
Please remember that your SFO's should be measurable, provide evidence that the students understand the purpose behind the lesson, and is working toward mastery of standards. Furthermore, I encourage all of you to be thoughtful and intentional in your Before and After Strategies. It is important to consider the diverse backgrounds of your students as you introduce lessons with the intent of helping all students make connections.
Future dates:
January 15 - Strategic Teaching Training @ DHS (select teachers only)
January 21 - Strategic Teaching Turn-around Faculty Meeting @ 3:45pm
January 29 - Strategic Teaching Walkthrough
February 11 - Strategic Teaching Training @ DMS (select teachers only)
February 18 - Strategic Teaching Turn-around Faculty Meeting @ 3:45pm
February 29 - Strategic Teaching Walkthrough
Standards Audit Requirements (January 21-23)... Select Teachers
An email has been sent to all core teachers with scheduled times for our Standards Audit meetings. Considering the lack of resources and information on how growth and proficiency will be measured this year, we must make a "good faith effort" to self-monitor.
Standards Audit
1. Which standards have you covered thus far and the dates of coverage? [Refer to lesson plans]
2. What was the average of your classes for the standards covered? [Refer to Gradebook]
3. List the students that did not master the standards that you have covered.
4. If a student did not master a standard/skill, what action did you take to address that issue?
Please make plans to discuss individual students. I am also requesting that you provide me a copy of your data (email or paper) prior to your meeting for review. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Upcoming Events...
January 6 - Meeting in Library @ 8:45am (AAA)
January 7 - Students Return
January 7 - Walkthrough #3 begins
January 7 - Class meetings (6th - 8:45am; 7th - 9:45am) in the Auditorium
January 8 - ACCESS Training (select individuals)
January 9 - Threat Assessment Training (select teachers)
January 10 - AR Celebration
January 11 - SOM Assembly @ 8:45am
January 12 - ELKS Hoop Shoot (Coach Burks)
January 13 - Principal's Meeting
January 14 - Leadership Team Meeting @ 7:30am
January 14 - Geography Bee @ 8:45am
January 14 - Middle School Basketball Tournament begins
January 14 - Faculty Meeting (Assessment PD)
January 14 - EL Training @ 3:45pm @ AJHS
January 15 - Strategic Teaching Training @ DHS (Select Teachers)
January 16 - Million Word Readers Lunch
Sports...
January 9 - AMS vs. Hartselle @ 5pm
Middle School Basketball Tournament.... Time TBA
January 13 - 16
Birthdays...
Lindquist, Teresa - Jan 06
Shannon, Bess - Jan 14
McBrayer, Alicia - Jan 21
Free, Lydia - Jan 22
Austin Middle School serves approximately 815 students... Grades 6th and 7th.
Email: ams@dcs.edu
Website: austinmiddleschool.com
Location: 2715 Danville Road Southwest, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: 256-552-4622