Wildcat Roar
NEWS AND INFO FOR WILDCAT STAFF 11.26
AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK
Welcome back! The next few weeks before the holiday break will fly by. It can be difficult for students (and teachers) to stay focused between the holidays, but it is imperative that we make sure every second counts. Make sure that we are maximizing all instructional time with well-planned and prepared, engaging, and rigorous instruction. Collect data everyday and use it to make every instructional decision. We will need to eat, sleep, and breathe the data of every single student to make sure we move each student to the next level. While we may "go slow to go fast" as an organization, we also still need to accomplish much more in a shorter period of time than a traditional school. Remember that we are a turnaround school. Much more is necessary of us, so we must maintain a growth mindset, let go of "what we've always done" and fully commit to the (sometimes) arduous yet deeply fulfilling work we are here to do. Our students do not have time to waste. Our work can literally mean the difference between life and death for our students. As we come to the end of the first semester and approach testing season, we all feel the heat turn up and the pressure turn on. Dig in. Our students deserve nothing but the absolute best we can offer them.
PBL TIMELINE - YOU ARE HERE
Should Already Be Complete:
- Qtr 2 Entry Event
- Evidence of PBL in displayed student work.
- Project Planning Template and Project Calendar should be complete
PBL To Do This Week:
- Integrate student inquiry into daily instruction.
- Completion of the project calendar and integration into lesson plans will be taken into account during TKES evaluations this week.
Minimum expectations based on pd and coaching thus far include:
- SEL practices that include the connections circle, restorative and affective language, and Second Step lessons
- Clear and consistently used classroom management routines and procedures that include usage of LiveSchool, positive feedback, and both timely and well-monitored transitions.
- Data-driven small group instruction that includes a teacher-led instructional group, standards-driven tasks, and consistently used management tools such as timers, task cards, roll assignments, and team points.
- Standards-focused PBL integration that follows a complete project calendar.
While observations do not have to be announced, if you would like to request a specific time due to circumstances (such as an upcoming absence, field trip, etc.), contact Mrs. Kemp asap.
Instructional Resource of the Week
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is an NSF supported project that began in 1999 to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-12 emphasis).
Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. Too much of current instruction fails to actively involve students. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals.
The NLVM is a resource from which teachers may freely draw to enrich their mathematics classrooms. There are TONS of virtual manipulatives you can use with students. Explore!
Click HERE to visit the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives.
TO DO LIST
- Make sure lesson plans for the next 2 weeks are uploaded by Monday morning before school begins.
- While books were given to most teachers to be read over the summer, you should now be done reviewing the first half of your book club book. Complete your Literature Circle Assignment ON THE PAPER PROVIDED. Search for the Literature Circle email sent at the onset of the Book Clubs if you need a copy.
- Make sure that assignments are graded and entered in Mastery Connect.
- Change your bulletin boards.
THIS WEEK
IMPORTANT LINKS AND NUMBERS
Lesson Plans
- Facilities Request: https://purposebuiltschoolsatlanta.formstack.com/forms/maintenance_janitorial_request
- Supply Request: https://tinyurl.com/ybtnbpwg
- Absence Request: https://tinyurl.com/yas5tbze
- Field Trip Request: https://tinyurl.com/ydx6kr4d
- Media Center Requests: https://goo.gl/forms/DT5rVm8OdUtIzzWh1
- Tech Requests: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/Page/28827
- Digital Instructional Resources: www.portaportal.com Guest Access: dkemp
- Milestones Blueprints: http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Georgia-Milestones-Test-Blueprints.aspx