BAMS Staff Newsletter
November 2, 2014 - Volume 2, Issue 9
It's a Great Day to Be Great!
Bessie Allen Middle School - SLO
Opinion Writing
By June of 2015, 80% of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will show growth in their opinion writing sample rubric score from the September 2014 writing benchmark based on the school developed writing rubric (adapted from the Smarter Balanced writing rubric).
Goals for SSR and SSW
- Provide a time for every student in our building to read and write.
- Ensure this time is a positive part of our students' day.
News and Notes
- THANK YOU!!! This has been a busy month. Thank you to everyone for working hard to meet deadlines with data collection, report cards, trainings, and evaluations. November is another huge month for us and our students. Please keep your energy positive. Your attitude has a great impact on the climate of your classroom and our school.
- Welcome Student Teachers! - We have 2 student teachers joining our builing this quarter. Jenna Serwe will be with Connie Gross for this quarter. Jenna is a UWO student. Amber Sterr will be working with Mikki Detert for this quarter. Amber is from Marian. Please take some time to welcome them to our building and introduce yourself.
- Busing for Field Trips and School Functions - Transportation for field trips and school functions came up at our last administration meeting. Please let me know if you have any questions about these rules.
Administrative Rules
Driving - Who (Only Staff - at discretion of administration 21+)
If take own vehicle - it must be inspected by Superintendent or Facility Director
Need DL and background check.
Use school vehicles if possible
Bus if necessary
Any field trip transportation needs to be addressed before trip is approved.
Cost identified from what fund and who pays
- Joan Brenner will be taking an extended leave and will be out for the month of December. The current plan is for her to return when we come back to school in 2015. Janice Hau will be helping to cover many of these days and Jennifer O'Leary will continue with her hours.
- Sarah McDowell will be taking an extended leave towards the end of November to recover from a medical procedure. Her long-term sub will be Kathy Aeby. Kathy will be here one day this week to sub for Sarah and will also be in the building for a day in November to shadow Sarah and to get to know the students better. Another new face you might see in the building this week.
- If you feel driven to donate money or items for the Team Room, donations can be given to Kim Broten or Jenny Stahl. Do what feels good! Thank you to anyone that donated funds. We were able to restock some items for the Team Room.
School Board Meeting Highlights - October 27th
- Safety Forum - Administration reviewed with the board and community members our plan for safety in the district. Tom Kubish also shared information about A.L.I.C.E.
- The board was updated on the Facilities Study information. A Facilities Study is taking place to make recommendations on needs for district buildings and grounds.
- Maria Putzer updated the board on several budgetary items.
*See the District website for the board meeting minutes.
Out of the Office
- November 3rd - 1:45pm - Honors Study Hall, Nest
- November 4th - All Day - Personal Day (caring for my 4 year old son)
- November 5th - All Day - BIE Day at UWFDL
- November 10th - 8:30am - Admin Team Meeting, DMR
- November 10th - 1:45pm - Honors Study Hall, Nest
- November 12th - 8:30am - BCT Meeting, Team Room
Oriole Way - Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe
- Thank you to everyone that was more visible in the halls last week during our BAMS Buck Blitz for hallway behaviors. Please continue to look for manners and positive hallway behaviors from our students. Make it rain with BAMS Bucks!
- NEXT Meeting - November 4th - Oriole Way Team work-day
OASYS and Teacher Effectiveness
- SLO Selection and Approval - Due by October 31st
- 2 Classroom Visits - Due by End of the Year
Click Here for a link to Teacher Effectiveness Info from CESA 6
Click Here for a Teacher Effectiveness Calendar for EDUCATORS/SPECIALISTS
2014 WKCE Schedule
Monday, October 27th
- WKCE Science Testing - Hours 2, 4, 5, 7 - Brandon
- Students with special needs - accommodations (Sarah)
Tuesday, November 4
- WKCE Social Studies Testing - Hours 1, 4, 5, 7 - Theresa
- Students with special needs - accommodations (Sarah)
November 5-7
- Make-ups - lead by Kim and Jenny
*The testing would occur in the classroom unless a student's IEP says otherwise.
*Adam, Kim, and Jenny will transport materials to and from rooms for security purposes.
*No snacks needed for this year.
Dates to Remember
- November 3 - First Quarter Grades Due, 7am
- November 7 - Pep Assembly, 1:45pm
- November 7 - School Dance, 6-8pm
- November 11 - Veteran's Day Program, 10-11am
*See Google Doc titled "2014-2015 BAMS Yearly Calendar" for a look at events for the entire year.
Staff Meeting Agenda
Staff Meeting: November 14 - 12:45-1:45pm - PAC
Agenda:
- Safety Meeting - ALICE Training with Tom Kubish
Next Meeting: November 19 - 2:50-3:30pm - DMR
Blackboard Connect Messages
Messages sent this week:
- School Dance - sent on Nov. 4th
- BAMS Report Cards - sent Nov. 6th
*New messaging system (ParentLink) tentatively coming in December.