The Raider Professional

Asking the right questions will lead to the change you need. As educators, we must plan using data that answers the question: what knowledge, skill, or habit is needed by all my students? Once you have planned for the ‘broad stroke,’ now you ask the question, what shift do I need to make to move from broad strokes, to determining the finer details needed to develop student growth?

Personalized learning is the individualized, personal learning environment, and direct instruction tailored to meet the different needs of each student. Personalized learning is needed in every classroom and promotes equity for our students. The students must develop the skills to self-monitor, self-assess, and begin to think about their thinking. Students that reflect on their learning develop behaviors that translate into employable skills. Students who learn to set growth targets develop strategies to move beyond failure to new learning. Imagine what planning would look like in a class where the students were asked: What do you need to learn this week to reach your learning goal? In this classroom, the teacher facilitates learning and guides students in selecting the knowledge, skills, and habits required for standard mastery.

We are W.J. Keenan High School. Home of the Champion Raiders!

There are a few things that we will need to make sure we are doing to keep the natural order and flow of our school:

• School starts at 8:00 a.m. Remind students they need to report to class before then to avoid a tardy.
• Stand at your door during the change of each class.
• You must not leave your students unsupervised for any reason.
• If you would like to have an end of year class gathering, food must be purchased and packaged to be consumed. Students/teachers may not bring food prepared at home.
• Please do not allow students into the hallway without a pass.
• Please do not allow students that are not on your roster in your classroom. Students need to be in their scheduled classroom to receive credit. You are accountable for every student in your room.
• You may only sign out to leave on your planning period and/or with administrator approval in an emergency circumstance if you do not have a scheduled absence.
• If you are absent from school, it is your professional responsibility to input the appropriate information in Frontline in a timely manner. Substitutes are limited. Please check Munis prior to doing this so you are aware of your available days for an absence.

Monday, January 30, 2023

• “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s what you’re made of. Not the circumstances.” —Unknown
• Principal EOC Mini Workshop

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

• Brief Faculty Meeting @ 3:30 p.m.
• Principal EOC Mini Workshop
• “Whatever you are, be a good one.” ―Abraham Lincoln

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

• “Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” —Isabelle Lafleche

Thursday, February 2, 2023

• “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” ―Abraham Lincoln

Friday, February 3, 2023

• “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” ―Michael Jordan

The top 48 girls and boys high school basketball players in the country will get a chance to showcase their talents on a prestigious national platform during the 2023 McDonald’s All American Games in March.

Among those elite basketball players will be MiLaysia Fulwiley, a senior at W.J. Keenan High School. MiLaysia is the only South Carolina player selected this year and only the sixth girls basketball player from South Carolina ever to be named a McDonald’s All American.

“I’m so excited that I’ve accomplished this goal,” MiLaysia said. “I feel like all of my hard work and dedication has paid off. I can’t wait to go out there and do what I do best in front of the crowd.”

The games will be played March 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The girls game will air at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

“This is a goal a lot of high school athletes want to reach,” said W.J. Keenan Head Girls Basketball Coach Reggie McLain. “MiLaysia is a great team player and is very humble. Her teammates really look up to her as an athlete and a person.”

MiLaysia will further her education and play basketball at the University of South Carolina.

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, W.J. Keenan High School administrator's participated in Richland One's Recruitment Fair. Currently, we are looking for teachers in Math, Science, and English. If you know of someone, please let Mrs. Jeter or Mrs. Dubard know. We all are apart of W.J. Keenan's HR team!

On Friday, January 20, 2023, W.J. Keenan announce it's first ever Hall of Fame. 15 inductees were celebrated in the auditorium and they were recognized at the game after a brief reception. Thank you to Coach Sean Gilley and his team for starting a new tradition for Raider Nation.

Here is a list of our first Hall of Fame Class!

Dr. Aaron Bishop W.J. Keenan Class of 1993 · Bernard Mckie W.J. Keenan Class of 1972 · Carl Solomon W.J. Keenan Class of 1987 · Gerald Isreal, Jr. W.J. Keenan Class of 1980

· Herman Abel W.J. Keenan Principal · Ida Williams Thompson W.J. Keenan Class of 1972

· Ivan G. Earle W.J. Keenan Class of 1974 · Maxine Pearson W.J. Keenan Educator/Coach

· Dr. Ronald L. Rhames W.J. Keenan Class of 1973 · Shaunzinski Gortman W.J. Keenan Class of 1998 · Dr. Steve Wilson W.J. Keenan Principal · Todd Rutherford W.J. Keenan Class of 1988 · Willie Lyles Legendary WJK Band Director · Vanderlyn “Van” McCloud W.J. Keenan Educator/Coach

Hello Raiders,

Welcome to another week in Raider Nation!

Thank you so much to teachers that have supported our Winter STAR testing administration. A special thank you to Mrs. Robinson for taking the lead with ninth grade students on this very important district assessment.

If you are teaching an EOC course, you do not have to wait to expose your students to the Online Tools Training.

Please be sure to follow the links that will help you prepare for testing.

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/algebra1-test-blueprint-2022-23

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/biology-test-blueprint-2022-23

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/biology1-teachers-guide-and-sample-items/

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/english2-test-blueprint-2022-23

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/2019-eocep-sample-release-items-for-english-2

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/eocep-english-1-writer-s-checklist/

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/eocep-text-dependent-analysis-scoring-rubric/

https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/ushc-test-blueprint-2022-23

Gradebooks should be updated weekly so parents and students know their academic progress.

Dates to Remember:

3rd quarter interim reports - February 7

February 17 - School based PD/Early release for students

February 20 - PD/No school for students

SAT - March 1 in the Lecture Hall

ACT - March 7 in the Lecture Hall

End of 3rd quarter - March 10

End of Course Testing - May 1 - May 19 in the small gym

AP Calculus Test - May 8

Spring STAR testing - May 10-24

Instructional Reminders:

• Gradebooks need to be updated weekly. Prior to interims, you need to have at least 7 grades reported in your gradebook. Prior to the end of quarter, you need to have at least 15 grades reported.
• Emergency lesson plans with five days of lessons should be available to your department leader. In your plans, you should have attendance rosters and class procedures accessible.
• Progress Learning (formerly USA Test Prep) is available for use. You should be able to use your login credentials from USA Test Prep. Let me know if you need support.
• If you are placing items outside of your classroom for display, please be advised that the standard addressed MUST accompany student work.
• As we plan, we need to make sure that we are addressing the Depth Of Knowledge levels in our lessons. An easy way to break this down is by having students answer each of these questions.

1. What are we learning?
2. How are we learning it?
3. Why are we learning it?
4. How can this learning be extended?

Observation non-negotiables:

1. Standards/Learning targets should be addressed prior to the start of the lesson. They should be written AND communicated verbally.
2. Gradual Release (I do, We do, You do)
3. Questions that move through different levels of thinking
4. Activities are aligned to standards and age-appropriate
5. Monitoring student progress and class management (moving about the room)

Have an outstanding week!

On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Aniyah Hodges Received the Superintendent's Award for being named an MLK Dream Keeper Scholarship recipient.

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Sanders Middle school visited W.J. Keenan High School. We were able to showcase our band, athletic teams, JROTC, cheerleaders, football, academic magnets, and other programs that make us unique!

Shout out to Mrs. Kimberly Jeter, Assistant Principal, for organizing the event.

Teachers and staff, please help us keep our students and school safe by reporting to work by 7:30 (morning duty) or 7:45 am. Please be at your doors ready to receive students by 7:50 am.

Please be reminded if you are going to be absent, report your absence by:

1. Submitting your absence in Frontline (Aesop).

2. Sending an email that you will be out.

a. To: Mr. Hankins

b. CC: Ms. Erving and Mrs. McIntee

c. Subject: Your Name Absent Date of Absence (Ex: Jabar Hankins Absent 1/16/23)

3. Calling the school (if an emergency happens on your way to work).

Substitutes and staff members covering classes should arrive by 7:45 am.

Thanks for your cooperation and for all you do for our students.

Please be reminded that the deadline to make up attendance recovery (seat time) hours is Saturday, February 4. After this date, FAs (Failure due to Absence) will become a grade of F in students’ historical grades, if they have not completed seat time for their courses. This will mean students will have to re-take some courses to satisfy graduation/promotion requirements. This may also mean that some students may not graduate on time or may not be promoted to the next grade level.

Students who have seat time hours to make up may see Mrs. Wine, Mrs. DuBard or Mr. Hankins to get information for sign up and completion. Attendance recovery hours are offered Monday-Friday from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm and Saturdays (January 28 and February 4) from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.

The next student magnet meeting will be held on February 24, 2023.

Changes are coming to the Magnet Program so stay tuned.

Magnet students that are in need of assistance with classes can attend the Raider Priority Tutoring. Students can sign up for "RPT" by using the following link:

https://forms.office.com/r/hzBTPzSQMa

Remember in order to remain in the Magnet Program the students must maintain the following:

• 70 or above in all classes
• No behavior problems
• Minimum attendance issues

Within the last several weeks, I have had the opportunity to have quite a few meaningful conversations with students. My advice to each of those students was the same; "Choose You" and "Your Name is Your Brand".

It is imperative for our students to realize how important it is for them to make decisions which puts them in the best position to succeed academically, behaviorally, emotionally, mentally, and athletically. Those decisions will also cultivate and fortify their character and reputation.

Here at W. J. Keenan High School, we are molding, guiding, and teaching our students how to navigate their individual paths to achieving their goals. Please feel free to contact us for support and assistance.

We strive to ensure that all our Raiders are successful and receive their high school diplomas. To help reach these goals, we offer our students ways to achieve academic success both during and after school.

Students or parents may sign up for after school tutoring to receive support with their studies.

Students can sign up for tutoring by using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/hzBTPzSQMa

Our student athletes are automatically eligible for Athletic Tutoring. This program meets Tuesday-Thursday immediately at the end of the school day. In addition to Athletic Tutoring, we also offer two other means of school support.

Raider Ready Tutoring is offered to students in grades 9 and 10. Tutoring is offered after school and offers help in core subjects (English, math, science and social studies). Raider Ready meets Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30. Students receive an after school meal and bus transportation home (with the exception of Magnet students).

Raider Priority Tutoring is available to all students in grades 9-12. This program offers students some flexibility in study support, as students may choose face to face assistance, or may select the virtual (online) option to receive help from home. Assistance is offered in English, math, social studies and science, Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. Face to face hours are from 3:30-4:30. Transportation is NOT provided. Students/parents must provide transportation home. If students do not have transportation, they may choose the online option, which meets Tuesday-Thursday from 4:30-6:30.

We are committed to offering as many avenues to success as possible. Students may talk with Coach S. Gilley (Athletic Tutoring), Mrs. S. DuBard (Raider Ready Tutoring) or Mrs. S. Wine or Mr. J. Hankins (Raider Priority Tutoring) with questions or for sign up information.

Feedback From Observations: Focus on engaging students and having them do the work. Rather than standing up and writing on the smartboard as you are explaining, have students come up to the board and share what they know. Put students in groups and give meaningful activities. Use balls and other manipulatives to identify students for a response. Make these engaging strategies apart of your daily routine.

Handling Conflict: Please talk with our students about how to properly handle conflict. Encourage them to reach out to adults in the building to get help with situations that can potentially get them in trouble. Please convey the importance of working together resolve problems before they become bigger issues. It takes a village!

Student Work: Please start posting your best student work inside and outside your classroom in the hallways. You may also share by tagging WJK on social media.

Ask Yourself: What is the hook for today’s lesson that will keep them engaged? Is there an opportunity for my students to get up and move around with my lesson? How am I going to check for understanding? Am I giving students the opportunity to show me they have a grasp of the content? Am I using the DLE to enhance the lesson or am I simply giving electronic skill sheets?

Signing In and Out: If you need to leave campus for an emergency, please get approval from an administrator, and sign out in the main office. We are professionals.

PTSO: Please consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association. It is a big part of communicating to our parents that we want to build a stronger partnership this year. The application is in the main office with Ms. Golston.

Our Mission

The mission of W. J. Keenan High School is to provide engaging educational opportunities through a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to extend to our diverse community and produce first class citizens who will contribute to the present and excel in the future. WE ARE KEENAN!

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a nationally known high school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, leadership in cutting edge technology, science, environmental, and career based programs. A high school that builds strong relationships with all stakeholders and continues a culture where the expectation is to lead, set the example, and raise standards for all to follow.

Email: vondre.whaley@richlandone.org
Website: http://keenan.richlandone.org/
Location: 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-714-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenanraiders/
Twitter: @wjkeenan