The Bird Nest
CMS News & Notes March 2023
Spring MAP Testing April 27 - May 10
The Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Grade-Level Assessments evaluate students’ progress toward the Missouri Learning Standards.
The Missouri Learning Standards define the knowledge and skills students need in each grade level and course for success in college, other post-secondary training and careers. These expectations are aligned to the Show-Me Standards, which define what all Missouri high school graduates should know and be able to do. Find more information about the standards at https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/mls-for-parents.
A policy statement, adopted by the Missouri State Board of Education, designated the purposes of the Missouri Assessment Program as:
- Improving students’ acquisition of important knowledge, skills and competencies;
- Monitoring the performance of Missouri’s education system;
- Empowering students and their families to improve their educational prospects; and
- Supporting the teaching and learning process.
Grade-Level Assessments provide important information that contributes to decisions concerning individual students, groups of students, and educational programs.
Students in grades three through eight are administered assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Those in grades five and eight also take Science assessments.
The effectiveness of an assessment program depends on the wise choice of assessment methods, appropriate administration procedures and accurate interpretation of results.
Grade-Level Assessments include multiple types of questions or items:
- Selected Response (also known as multiple choice) items are composed of a question followed by a series of possible responses. Students must select the correct response or responses.
- Constructed Response or Short Text items require students to supply an appropriate response rather than making a selection from a list of choices.
- Performance Tasks/Events allow students to work through more complicated items using real world scenarios.
- Writing Task items require students to write either narrative, information/explanatory or opinion/argumentative essay.
Each test produces an Individual Student Report (ISR) that includes an Achievement Level, which will describe the student performance as Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, or Advanced. The report also includes a short description of the knowledge and skills that are typically demonstrated by students in each Achievement Level.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publishes a Guide to Interpreting Results (GIR) that provides additional details about the content of the Individual Student Reports. The GIR is available on the DESE website at: http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/assessment/grade-level.
CMS Read-In Day
Middle schools enjoyed the opportunity to visit elementary classrooms and read to students. The school participated in a Read-In Day!
CMS Band Brag - Marshfield JH Festival
On Saturday the 8th grade band and some 7th grade band members went to the Marshfield JH Band Festival. The 8th grade band (plus Olivya Goodin and Emily Guist) performed for a panel of 3 judges and received a 1- (one minus) rating. 1 is the highest rating that groups can receive, so that is an awesome achievement!
There were also several solos and small ensembles who performed for 1 judge in the afternoon on Saturday. Nine of them received 1 ratings and two received 2 ratings. We are so proud of the kids who decided to go the extra mile to prepare a solo or small ensemble. It takes guts and they did a great job!
Tyler H, Rylan C, Morgan S - 1 rating
Olivya G - 1 rating
Emily G (flute solo) - 1 rating
Aliza B - 1 rating
McKenna H, Hope S, Rylee K - 1 rating
Bella B, Austin P, Hunter D, Mason S - 2 rating
Emily G (piano solo) - 2 rating
Ethan K, Morgan S, Rylee K, Bella B, Rylan C, Jade S, Molly G - 1 rating
Ella H, Gracie E, Gabby H - 1 rating
Ella H, Ella M, Gracie E, Emily G - 1 rating
Gabby H, Emily G, Gracie E - 1 rating
CMS Choir Sings Loud & Proud!
A select group of CMS students performed in the district Honor Choir last month. Congratulations to all the students that were selected.
Elemiddle Campus Beautification Day!
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: Meet at the PreK-2 Entrance
Goals: pulling weeds, cleaning up the playground & painting outside
Join us for a campus beautification day! Bring your brooms, gardening gloves, rakes, extra paint brushes, shovels, and a sack lunch. Our goal is to make the Clever Elemiddle School a clean, safe, and enjoyable area for our students.
Please fill out the sign up genius with your area of interest and a time you’d like to help out.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45AEA72EA2F4C61-campus
Here are some ideas of what we are wanting to paint outside on the sidewalks.
We’d love to see you there!
School Board Appreciation Month
Our school board is made up of seven dedicated individuals who provide leadership and direction for our school district. These board members give their time and talent to make sure our students are being given the best education possible.
From the CMS staff and students, thank you to each of our board members: Justin Peebles, Sarah Camp, Rachel Simons, Clint Satterlee, Perry Barnes, Shawn Eaton, and Jared Monger.
Updated Spring Tutoring Schedule
Yearbook Orders Online
21-22 Yearbook Still Available
Student Technology/Chromebook Reminders
Students bring a charged chromebook with them daily. Chargers may be brought to school in the event that the device charge won’t last all day.
The school does not have chargers to loan students. However, replacement chargers may be purchased in the middle school office. The cost of replacement is $25. Replacement chargers can also be purchases online. 7th Grade C-Type Click Here 8th Grade Round Type Click Here
Headphones are required for students to be able to listen to the recorded videos lessons without disrupting others. Earbuds are not allowed to be used during class or passing times.
Damage to a student device should be reported IMMEDIATELY! The damage will be assessed by the technology department and invoice will be generated for any repairs needed. The school does NOT cover the cost of any damaged device unless it is within factory warranty.
Insurance coverage is available. Please click here to see the options.
Chromebooks should be stored in a protective case when they are not being used. The dimensions of student devices are 11.6 inch for those looking to buy one online or a local retail store.
Other District Events
Canvas Access From Home
Having trouble logging into Canvas from a home device? Here is a quick how-to video to assist with the process. Students will need to use their @cleverbluejays.org login and Google password. This is the same credentials they use everyday when logging into their chromebook at school. If you are having trouble, please reach out to the middle school office.
Stay Connected!!
Part of our mission at CMS is to keep students and parents up to date with important information. This year we will be using various platforms to help achieve this mission.
Email - It is important that you have an updated email on file with the school office. Most often communication will be done using email.
Facebook - Like the Clever Schools 6-8 page
Remind - Join Mr. Sullivan's News & Notes Class @clevms6-8 - Each teacher will create class codes that parents can join as well.
Canvas - Students will use Canvas on a daily basis for completing assignments; parents have the opportunity to create an observer account that is linked to their child's account.
Lumen Touch Parent Portal - We encourage you to create an account to access and view student information at any time.
Upcoming Dates
March 13-16 - Spring Break
March 24 - Spring Sports Pep Rally
April 5 - 8th Grade Field Trip
April 15 - Campus Beautification Day
April 24 - 7th Grade Field Trip
April 27 - MAP Testing Begins
April 28 - Spring Dance
Connect With Us!
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Location: 103 S Public Ave, Clever, MO, USA
Phone: 417-743-4820
Facebook: facebook.com/Clever6-8