SMS Bulletin
3.30.2015
I have been in many classrooms the last few weeks and am proud of the work I continue to see from teachers and students. As you know, we are in the business of developing, nurturing, and sustaining positive relationships with our colleagues and students. Without these relationships, learning can be limited for students and staff. Please continue to focus on creating and sustaining positive relationships with students. Building positive and trusting relationships in the classroom will definitely improve the academic success of our students.
I want to recognize Mrs. Hipsher and her 8th grade students for their great performances. The last 8th grade musical is scheduled for Monday, March 30th beginning at 7:00. Also, please help me congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Carnall and their students. They represented SMS extremely well and brought home many accolades during the ISSMA contest last weekend. Great Job!
Have a wonderful week and restful spring break!
Something to think about as you plan your lessons. See the image below.
Advisory
One Book/One School continues. I have heard many positive comments and appreciate the enthusiasm being displayed from teachers. Please remember that teachers should be reading with students during this time. Also, when we begin ISTEP the week of 4/27, we will start each day with Advisory on testing days.
3/31 (end of day): One Book/One School
Students who raised more than $60 for the walk-a-thon will be dismissed to attend a party at the end of the day.
4/2: One Book/One School
ISTEP: Round 2
4/27, 4/28, 4/29, 4/30 (Math Testing: 3 class periods each day)
5/4, 5/5, 5/6, 5/7 (Language Arts Testing: 3 class periods each day)
5/8, 5/11 (Science Testing: regular schedule)
Summer School Criteria
We have invited students to summer school. Please be advised that we are inviting students who DNP ISTEP last school year. We are also inviting most students who scored 40% or below on the Acuity 2 Readiness assessment. If you receive calls from parents, you can share this information with them.
Feedback
The Indiana Department of Education is seeking your feedback regarding two critical areas—assessment and accountability. There are two ongoing critical conversations in Indiana for which we need your continued involvement and ideas. The two areas for which we seek input are:
- Indiana Assessment System of the Future (Memo Indiana Assessment System)
- Indiana Accountability System Growth Model Chart and Associated Point Values (Memo Indiana Student Centered Accountability)
Please take time to read the memo associated with each area, and then please follow the links to feedback tools for each.
- Indiana Assessment System Feedback Survey (click here)
- Indiana Accountability System Growth Models Survey ( click here)
We would also ask that you share these opportunities directly with your education community, and encourage their feedback. Thank you in advance for your time. The surveys will remain open through Friday, April 3rd.
Using Technology to Enhance Instruction
We are currently planning professional development opportunities at it relates to the use of Chromebooks in the classroom next year. These details will be shared sometime after spring break.
Also, please sign up to attend the PHM Technovation this summer if you are able.
Congratulations to our 7th grade Girls Team. Conference and Tournament Champions!
WIDA: Have you watched the training videos yet? They are due May 15th.
Video 1 (approximately 23 minutes)
https://wisc.adobeconnect.com/_a825758332/p1s79ilfk17/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal
Video 2 (approximately 30 minutes)
https://wisc.adobeconnect.com/_a825758332/p739epoygrr/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal
Video 3 (approximately 22 minutes)
https://wisc.adobeconnect.com/_a825758332/p5fct6oocmx/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal
Sean Galiher
Email: srgaliher@phm.k12.in.us
Website: http://schmucker.phmschools.org/
Phone: 574-259-5661
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schmuckermiddleschool
Twitter: @SMSSpartanPride