Ram Nation News
Week of May 13, 2019
#OnANewLevel
I trust everyone had a great weekend. For those who have the privilege and blessing to be mothers, I hope you had a great Mother's Day.
Last week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. While it was an intense week of preparation to our next milestone, STAAR testing, it was also a time to be recognized for the impact in the lives of our Rams. We know that education is hard work and only a few have what it takes to respond to this "calling." You are a part of this great profession and I am proud of the work done by you and our students. It is always very rewarding when we see students being focused, working and being successful. Thank you for being a part of this journey!!!
This week is critical and will determine our success in regards to our state accountability. It is that time of the year when we will have an opportunity to show the District and the State what Thomas J. Rusk Middle School is all about. You have worked extremely hard to get our students not only prepared for the next grade level, but also to take the STAAR test. Our students are ready and confident that they will succeed; I know that they have worked hard and will do their very best during testing days. As we strive to be beacons of hope providing a life of opportunity to our students and our community,
- Remind our students that you are proud of them
- Be calm and actively monitor the testing environment
- Smile and follow the testing protocol shared by our Testing Coordinator
Be the light that helps our students see there is a bright future ahead of them. Light up our students' path as you show them to have the courage to be the best they can be so that our students can achieve their highest potential.
Teacher Verification Roster (TVR)
Congratulations to the following teachers for having completed their TRV.
EDDY, ALLISON
INGRAM, KACIE
PEREZ, BARBARA
STRIPLING, KELLYE
The deadline for teachers to submit rosters is May 22 at 5:00 pm. Approvers have until June 9 to approve submitted rosters.
Thank You
- Ms. Michael, Ms. Buitron, and Coach Ford celebrated our baseball and softball teams for a great season. We appreciate our coaches and Coach Addison for their commitment to building the whole child.
- Everyone who has submitted his/her responses to the climate survey. As of Thursday, we had 58% participation; however, I know I received many response confirmations after this number was reported. Our goal is to have at least 90%; of course, I will not get mad if we hit 100%. As you know, by providing your feedback, it helps us to improve as an organization. Thank you for taking the time to be reflective and share your input with us.
- We had a special week, many partners from around the neighborhood and staff members contributed to ensure teachers and staff felt appreciated for the work and commitment to our students. Special THANKS to Ms. Saucedo, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Reyes and Ms. Galvan. Ms. Saucedo coordinated all parent volunteers and supported in your celebration. We hope you enjoyed all the food and treats prepared for you.
Growth Mindset
Small Groups
Blended Learning
High Expectations
Our students continue to rise to the level of expectations that we have set for them. Below, three of our students at Pinkston Collegiate Academy sign in day. We are very proud of our students!!!
Garver Chain Reaction Challenge
Inspiring Relationships
Our district's goal number four is about supporting students and the participation in extracurricular or cocurricular activities; it is great to see our students participating in the various sports and activities. Our students continue to represent our school in a very positive way; we are very proud of their accomplishments!!!
Emmanuel Cooper was selected as the 7th grader debater of the year during an award ceremony held at the Arboretum. This is a great honor for Emmanuel and we are very excited for him. Congratulations to Mr. Johnson for his dedication and leadership with Debate. Shout out to Ms. Minter for coming out to support our students.
Chess Tournament
Reunion Tower Visit
School Priority # 3 is to broaden constructive relationships with the members of school community.
Our school was chosen last year to implement a cooking club (created by students) and were given $2500 to implement the program. Since last year we’ve spent over 200 hours volunteering towards crediting a cool book, blog, and short video reel to highlight our recipes. Our students' video was highlighted during the Junior Players NBC Broadcasting event last week. Shout out to Ms. Baker and Mr. Willis for chaperoning our students.
Let's continue to make sure we encourage parent and community participation in school events, parent workshops, and parent conferences to create partnerships to build the whole child.
REMINDERS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK OF SCHOOL
We need to get our students as ready as possible for the next grade level; therefore,
- As we begin our second round of testing, let’s make sure that test security is a priority. One of the most crucial components is to have test proctors to remain mobile and vigilant. This means that we must circulate the classroom throughout the entire testing time. By doing so, it will allow us to maintain a secure testing environment as well as keep our students focused.
- It is critical to be prepared with lessons and materials to avoid having issues with students. When we are not prepared, our students can tell and will find their own way of entertainment. (TEI 3.1)
- We must have 100% presence in the hallway during transition times. Our students notice when there is a lack of adult presence in the hallways and will take advantage of it.
- Submit lesson plans by Thursday at 6:00 p.m. (TEI 4.2)
DAILY EVENTS
Monday, May 13
- B-Day.
- 6th - 7th Math STAAR and 8th grade Math retest
- 8th grade science and social studies camp.
Tuesday, May 14-
- A-Day.
- 6th - 7th Reading STAAR and 8th grade Reading retest
- 8th grade science and social studies camp
- After-school cancelled due to testing and providing you time to break early since during the day the break times are short - Thank you for your flexibility and support.
Wednesday, May 15
- B -Day.
- 8th Grade Science STAAR test.
- STAAR test make ups for 6th and 7th grade.
- 6th grade Social Studies rotations - Ms. Ingram and Ms. Eddy coordinate activities (all teachers will support with execution)
- 7th grade science and social studies camp - Mr. Geiger, Mr. Thornton, Ms. Iberosi, and Ms. Kannada will coordinate activities and all teachers will support with execution.
- After-school cancelled due to testing and providing you time to break early since during the day the break times are short - Thank you for your flexibility and support.
Thursday, May 16-
- A-Day.
- 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR test.
- STAAR test make ups for 6th and 7th grade
- 6th grade Science rotations - Mr. Salazar and Ms. Cooray coordinate activities (all teachers will support with execution).
- 7th grade science and social studies camp - Mr. Geiger, Mr. Thornton, Ms. Iberosi, and Ms. Kannada will coordinate activities and all teachers will support with execution.
- After-school cancelled due to testing and providing you time to break early since during the day the break times are short - Thank you for your flexibility and support.
Friday, May 17-
- B-Day
- STAAR test make ups.
- 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 8th grade college field trip - UTA
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tentative 6th grade field day.
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. 8th grade dance
Saturday, May 18-
- Job Fair at Conrad HS 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Leadership Team.
Upcoming Events
May 20
- Registration begins - The Future of Learning – 2019 Summer Professional Learning Opportunities-Planning Document and Timelines
May 22
- ACP Begins
May 30
- Last day for teachers and TAs
- Last day for teachers to complete 21 required PD hours. Deadline extended with penalty in reduction in pay
June 10 - 20
- Summer Readiness - Selected personnel has been notified. All other who applied will be notified if other opportunities come up.
June 10 - 26
- SSI - Selected personnel has been notified. All other who applied will be notified if other opportunities come up.
Accessing your Dallas ISD Contract
If you need further assistance, please email the Contracts Department at contracts@dallasisd.org.
Don Johnston Learning Tools
Happy Birthday
- Akash Patel ………….5/7
- Ms. Wells ……………..5/11
- Cristina Rocha........5/14
- Jacey Melchiorre ..5/15
- Adelina Vargas …...5/22
- Timothy Martin …...5/22
- Phylisia Rendon …..5/24
Rusk Middle School
Email: jcordoba@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/rusk
Location: 2929 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, United States
Phone: 972-925-2000
Twitter: @RuskAllTheWayUp