The War Cry
Everyone, Everyday; High Standards, High Achievement
Volume 19-20: Friday, August 30, 2019
Principally Speaking
Today at DCMS, ILEARN and NWEA MAP Growth assessment results were sent home with most students. ILEARN is the summative accountability assessment for Indiana students and is taken by all 3rd through 8th-grade students in the spring. Your child will have ILEARN results only if they attended Danville Community School Corporation during the testing window last year in the spring. NWEA is an adaptive assessment taken locally three times a year to gauge progress and growth. Due to the differences between these tests, we wanted to provide additional information that may help as you review these reports with your child. Please note that varying performance on these tests is common. Neither of these tests is used solely to make academic decisions such as class placement, retention, etc.. They are simply pieces of an overall picture of your child’s academic strengths and needs. If you have any concerns after reviewing these reports, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
ILEARN
ILEARN is Indiana’s new online computer-adaptive assessment designed to measure your child’s proficiency based on the Indiana Academic Standards. Students will receive a four-digit scale score that corresponds with one of the four proficiency levels: Below Proficiency, Approaching Proficiency, At Proficiency, and Above Proficiency. The graphic below contains helpful information as you review your child’s report and will expand when clicked on.
You may notice that your child’s score is lower than it may have been in the past. Due to lower scores statewide, the Indiana Department of Education has put together the following discussion points to share with our families:
How are proficiency rates for ILEARN and I AM determined?
● Proficiency rates are determined through a very careful process that is similar across
all states. This process involves Indiana educators with content area expertise and
significant teaching experience reviewing the expectations of the Indiana Academic
Standards and establishing thresholds of proficiency for each grade based primarily
on a content judgement using objective criteria.
● Educators then review their proficiency determinations in relationship to the larger
policy perspective including national proficiency benchmarks such as the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
● Finally, educators make cut score recommendations to the ILEARN policy committee
which in turn makes a recommendation to the State Board of Education presented by
IDOE. The educator panel recommendations were brought to the State Board for
approval.
Why are there drops in statewide proficiency rates?
● ILEARN is a new assessment focused on the college and career readiness of
students articulated from elementary to middle school and ultimately to high school.
● Advances in technology are allowing for measurement of standards that were
previously not measured.
● The content blueprints define rigorous standards as priorities for reporting student
scores.
How can we position our local results in light of the state trends?
● It is difficult to compare the proficiency rates from ISTEP+ in 2018 to the ILEARN
proficiencies of 2019 or comparing ISTAR to I AM based on blueprint, test design and
item deployment. For ILEARN, performance level descriptors highlighted the
expectations for college and career readiness as an independent indicator.
● It is understood that Indiana’s students or educators did not decrease their
commitment to instructional delivery or ability even though the cut score is lower.
● Indiana continues to reinforce college and career readiness through multiple
pathways in high school to achieve success.
● Local proficiency rates will be affected by the new cut scores but are also sensitive to
local interventions and efforts.
● Academic progress (or growth) may offer a way for understanding how local results
on ILEARN compare to 2018 growth shown on ISTEP+ based on the student growth
percentile. Progress can be legitimately measured across assessments with different
scales and different proficiency cuts, but comparisons must be thoughtful in light of
the content and policy expectations.
How will the changes in proficiency affect accountability placements?
● With lower proficiency rates the IDOE would expect to see a downward shift in state
accountability grades.
● The federal accountability placements will be new in 2019 and the cuts for these
category placements will be set in September of 2019.
NWEA MAP Growth
NWEA MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive test that students in Danville will take in the fall, winter, and spring. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level.
MAP Growth uses a RIT scale to accurately measure what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your child’s progress throughout the school year and across multiple years. Once your child completes a MAP Growth test, they receive a RIT score.
RIT scores have the same meaning across grade levels. If a fourth-grade student and an eighth-grade student have the same RIT score in reading, then they are testing at the same level in that subject. This stable scale allows teachers to accurately measure each student’s academic growth throughout the school year and over time.
The chart below contains average RIT scores for each grade level. These scores provide perspective about how your child is performing in comparison to other students in that grade level across the nation. Note that it is normal for students to see a bit of a dip in their fall score compared to where they ended the year in the spring.
Teachers can use the RIT score to inform instruction, personalize learning, and monitor the growth of individual students. Principals and administrators can use the scores to see the performance and progress of a grade level, school, or the entire district. MAP Growth scores are just one data point that teachers use to determine how a student is performing.
DCMS PBIS: What it it?
What is PBIS?
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. It is an evidence-based framework used by schools to improve school culture and student behavior, promoting a safe environment for learning. PBIS is based on several decades of research by major universities across the country. A key aspect of PBIS is focusing on more positive behaviors and less on negative behaviors. You can learn more about PBIS on our “What is PBIS” resource page.
What is PBIS Rewards?
PBIS Rewards is a Software-as-a-Service solution that provides an automated schoolwide PBIS management system. Our system simplifies the implementation and tracking of the PBIS framework within a school. With PBIS Rewards, school administration can clearly see how teachers are utilizing PBIS and how PBIS is improving school culture.
PBIS Rewards is easy-to-use, fun for both students and staff and provides accountability for everyone in the school. Our suite of PBIS Apps includes a Parent App that gives parents a view of how their child is doing with respect to the PBIS program.
Chromebooks
If your student's device needs repair or they need assistance please, have them come to the support center. It is open daily from 8:15 A. M. to 8:45 A.M., as well as student lunches times Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information on Chromebooks please see the district website.
Student Health
Medication
If your son or daughter needs to take medication at school, including but not limited to over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicines, and CBD oil, you must abide by the following guidelines:
1. Written instructions from a doctor. Current prescription bottle with label is ok.
2. Written permission from the parent.
3. All medicine should be brought directly to the nurse to be safely stored and administered under adult supervision. The medication should be in the original container and labeled with student’s name, grade and dosage instructions.
4. No medication will be sent home with a student. Parent/guardian will need to pick up any medication that needs to be returned to the student. Releasing medication to a student requires written parental permission.
5. Students will be allowed to carry emergency prn medications such as inhalers and epi-pens as long as a note from the doctor, as well as the parent, has been provided to the school.
This plan is in compliance with Indiana Code – Legal Reference: IC34-4-16.5-3.5; IC20-1-1-6; IC 34-30-14; IC 20-8.1-7-22; 511 IAC 7-21-8.
Attention parents of 6th grade students:
All 6th grade students MUST have documentation of the following vaccinations ON OR BEFORE September 30, 2019:
- (Tdap) Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis
- Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4-Menactra)
- 2 doses of Hepatitis A (HepA) – minimum interval between 1st and 2nd dose is 6 calendar months
If documentation of these vaccines is not received by this date, the student will be excluded from school beginning October 1, 2019, until:
- The vaccinations are received and documentation provided to the school OR
- A confirmation of an appointment to receive these vaccinations is received from the office where the vaccinations will be given. This can be dropped off at the school or faxed to (317)745-3949.
Most physicians’ offices and pharmacies offer these vaccines. The Hendricks County Health Department also offers them by appointment during normal scheduled clinic hours. For questions, please contact the Hendricks County Health Department at (317)745-9222.
For further assistance or questions, please contact the school nurse at (317)745-5491 or email: khawk@danville.k12.in.us
Character Focus for September/October - Responsibility
noun, plural responsibilities.
- the state or fact of being responsible, answerable, or accountable for something within one's power, control, or management: We must accept responsibility for the decisions we make.
- an instance of being responsible: The responsibility for this mess is yours.
- a person or thing for which one is responsible: A student has a responsibility to take care of his or her cell phone.
- reliability or dependability: Bill exercised responsibility when completed his assignment on time.
Expectations for Home Football Games
In an effort to maintain a safe and orderly environment at our home football games, so that ALL fans can enjoy the games, DCMS is asking parents to please help us in our effort by reviewing these expectations with their middle school and elementary students before they attending.
- Students are encouraged to enter the game with an adult.
- Students are to sit in the designated home bleachers. They can also sit with their parents.
- Students are to be seated during the game to watch the game. Do not wander around stadium.
- Concessions are available at the concession stand.
- Students should return to their seats after going to the concession stand or using the restrooms.
- For safety reasons, please leave footballs, soccer balls, kick balls, etc. at home. Ball playing and/or tag games are best saved for home.
- Always exhibit good sportsmanship by...
- Being respectful during the National Anthem, school songs, and player introductions.
- Never booing or yelling at officials or opposing players.
- Cheering for the players.
- Representing Danville in a positive manner.
- Being respectful of other students and adults attending the game.
Athletic News
The Athletic Department sells punch passes for ball game admission at a discounted price. The pass costs $20.00 and may be purchased at the games or during school hours. A pass saves you one dollar per person. Your immediate family (husband, wife, children) may use the same pass. There are 10 "punches" per pass. Admission for first grade through age 65 is $3.00 per person. Should you have questions, please call 317-718-2335.
Students attending ball games are to remain at the games until the events are completely over for the night. If a student needs to leave early, we ask that you send a note or make a phone call to Miss Hopkins for them to leave.
Please Call to Report Your Student Absent
New Transportation Policy for Bus Passes
For the 2019-2020 school year, our transportation department will be adopting a new end of day destination policy. Moving forward, families with students riding the bus at the end of the day will be asked to designate two possible addresses to which their child may be dropped off. These two addresses will be the only ones that can be used throughout the year for afternoon drop off.
This policy change can be attributed to safety, capacity and funding. Ensuring the safety of each child in the transportation process is important to us. When a student has fewer changes in their schedule, our building staff can better monitor and safeguard that students are heading to the right place. It also allows our bus drivers to make connections with their riders and to verify that they have delivered them safely.
Additionally, when students change routes often it can cause capacity issues on buses that serve some of our more heavily populated areas. Overcrowding on a school bus may cause safety and behavioral issues.
State funding changes and reduced operational costs have made this policy necessary for our transportation department. If this trend continues, additional measures may include an implemented walking radius, longer drive times or elimination of certain routes.
Nutrition Club
The Nutrition Club provides supplemental weekend food for children at North, South and the Middle School each Friday during the school year. We all struggle at some point. The goal of this program is to ease a bit of the struggle. You are welcome to sign-up at any point during the school year. The food will be sent home in a plastic bag that can fit inside a school backpack or be carried. You only complete one form per family. List all of your children that you would like to participate. Each child in your family will receive their own cinch sack or bag on Fridays throughout the school year. This program is the result of the generosity of the Danville community!
Please contact Chrissy Larkin with any questions. clarkin9893@aol.com or 317-563-2498. Please click on the link below for the form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p4TylOt_YDg1w6Q2g9pZmGacD3DCN_8s/view?usp=sharing
Follow Us on Social Media!
You are invited to follow us on social media. We are working to improve our communications by layering our messages using Infinite Campus, email, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and our website. Please help us by following us and giving constructive feedback. We want to get better and serve you well.
Instagram - dcmswarriors
Facebook - DCMS Warriors @DanvilleCommunityMSWarriors
Twitter - DCMSPrincipals @DCMS_Warriors
Webpage - https://www.danville.k12.in.us/Domain/9
Cummins Behavioral Health Partnership for School Based Services
We continue our partnership with Cummins Behavioral Health Systems to provide a variety of services for students and families. We are excited to introduce our new school based therapist, Taylor Gibbs.
How Can the Partnership Benefit Students and Families
- School personnel and Cummin's staff are able to quickly identify needs that students may have.
- Cummins staff are located at the school and work hand in hand with teachers, school counselors, parents, and students.
- Parents/guardians are consulted each step along the way and are active participants in planning and carrying out treatment.
- Most services can be provided at the school or in the home, making it more convenient - and they are available year round.
- Services are strictly confidential and no care will be provided unless the parent/guardian gives permission.
All we ask is that you become actively involved in your child's care. When parents, school, and behavioral health professionals combine their knowledge, amazing things can happen!
FREE Math & Science Help!
Upcoming Events
9/2
Labor Day - No School
9/3
7/8 Volleyball Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Cross Country 3 - Way Meet @Crawfordsville - 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Girls on the Run - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Football Game vs Lebanon @Home - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
8 Football Game vs Lebanon @Home - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
9/4
FCA - 7:45 AM to 8:20 AM
Cross Country Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
7/8 Volleyball Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
9/5
Cheer Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Girls on the Run - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Volleyball Game vs Western Boone @Home - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
8 Volleyball Game vs Western Boone @Home - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Cross Country 3-Way Meet @Home - 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
9/6
FFA Meeting - 7:45 AM to 8:22 AM
Cross Country Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
7/8 Volleyball Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
9/9
FFA Horticulture Practice - 7:25 AM to 8:20 AM
Cheer Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Cross Country Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Volleyball Game @Lebanon - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
8 Volleyball Game @Lebanon - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
School Board Meeting - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
9/10
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
7 Volleyball Game @Northridge - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
8 Volleyball Game @Northridge - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Cross Country 7 - Way Meet @Plainfield - 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Girls on the Run - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Football Game vs Lebanon @Home - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
8 Football Game vs Lebanon @Home - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
9/11
FFA Horticulture Practice - 7:25 AM to 8:20 AM
FCA - 7:45 AM to 8:20 AM
Cross Country Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Football Game vs Crawfordsville @Home - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
8 Football Game vs Crawfordsville @Home - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
7/8 Volleyball Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
9/12
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Girls on the Run - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
7 Volleyball Game @Brownsburg West - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
8 Volleyball Game @Brownsburg West - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Cross Country 3-Way Meet vs Northridge @Home - 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
9/13
Cross Country Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
MS Football Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
7/8 Volleyball Practice - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
9/14
Cross Country Invitational @Cascade - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
About Us
Please call by 8 AM if your child will be late to school or absent all day.
Student Hours
- Doors Open - 8:15 AM
- Locker/Breakfast - 8:22 AM
- Warning Bell - 8:31 AM
- Classes Start - 8:33 AM Be in your seat, please.
- Bus Rider Dismissal - 3:24 PM
- Car Riders/Walkers - 3:30 PM
Bus Transportation Line - 317-745-6875
Email: tlucas@danville.k12.in.us
Website: www.danville.k12.in.us/middle
Location: 1425 W Lincoln St, Danville, IN, United States
Phone: 317-745-5491