BAMS Staff Newsletter
October 19, 2014 - Volume 2, Issue 7
It's a Great Day to Be Great!
Bessie Allen Middle School - SLO
Opinion Writing
By June of 2015, 80% of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will show growth in their opinion writing sample rubric score from the September 2014 writing benchmark based on the school developed writing rubric (adapted from the Smarter Balanced writing rubric).
Goals for SSR and SSW
- Provide a time for every student in our building to read and write.
- Ensure this time is a positive part of our students' day.
News and Notes
- Great Work with STAR - We definitely met our goal of learning a lot from our 1st STAR window. I know there were many conversations and moments of collaboration between our buildings Champions and other staff that were willing to help. I felt things went very smoothly. I'm excited to learn more about our data at our future Data Conversations lead by our STAR rep.
- You may have seen Johnette "Johnny" Grams in the building last week. She is an Advanced Practicum student from UWO. She will be working under Beth Stroede from now until November 7th. Please find time to introduce yourself to her.
- Sarah McDowell will be taking an extended leave towards the end of November to recover from a medical procedure. Her long-term sub will be Kathy Aeby. Kathy will be here one day this week to sub for Sarah and will also be in the building for a day in November to shadow Sarah and to get to know the students better. Another new face you might see in the building this week.
- Morning Attendance Procedure - Thank you for helping with our new morning attendance plan. Students that check into the office before 7:35am will be told to head to class. Students that check into the office later than 7:35am will be given a pass from the office before heading to 1st hour. If you mark a student absent and they arrive late, please don't forget to go back and make that change in skyward.
- Brandon Switz and I attended an introductory meeting about Project Lead the Way (PLTW) last week. It was really nice to receive some information about this program. I will keep you informed at we continue to think about the appropriate next steps. At this point, we are in the learning and thinking stages.
- We have seen some great gains from many students in our Intervention 6, 7, and 8 classes. Great work Adam, Julie, and Theresa! Reading Plus is working really well for us at this point. We will continue to evaluate this program throughout the year. Please talk to these teachers if you want to see the gains first hand.
- The RtI Team is taking a 1/2 day work day on Oct 24th to work to review data and determine what movement we will have in our Intervention 6, 7, and 8 classes.
- If you feel driven to donate money or items for the Team Room, donations can be given to Kim Broten or Jenny Stahl. Do what feels good! Thank you to anyone that donated funds. We were able to restock some items for the Team Room.
Out of the Office
- October 20th - 1:45pm - Honors Study Hall, Nest
- October 21st - 9am - Admin Team Meeting, DMR
- October 22nd - 8:30am - BCT Meeting, Team Room
- October 27th - 1:45pm - Honors Study Hall, Nest
- November 12th - 8:30am - BCT Meeting, Team Room
Oriole Way - Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe
- Discipline = To Maintain Safety, To Teach, and to Build Relationships
- Thank you for taking time to complete the Self-Assessment Survey (SAS). This survey is taken by all staff to reflect on our PBIS model. After taking the survey, we'll have information about what is working well and what are areas for improvement. These results will help to drive action steps for our PBIS Team.
- NEXT Meeting - October 22nd, 7am
OASYS and Teacher Effectiveness
- SLO Selection and Approval - Due by October 31st
- 2 Classroom Visits - Due by End of the Year
Click Here for a link to Teacher Effectiveness Info from CESA 6
Click Here for a Teacher Effectiveness Calendar for EDUCATORS/SPECIALISTS
2014 WKCE Schedule
Monday, October 27th
- WKCE Science Testing - Hours 2, 4, 5, 7 - Brandon
- Students with special needs - accommodations (Sarah)
Tuesday, November 4
- WKCE Social Studies Testing - Hours 1, 4, 5, 7 - Theresa
- Students with special needs - accommodations (Sarah)
November 5-7
- Make-ups - lead by Kim and Jenny
*The testing would occur in the classroom unless a student's IEP says otherwise.
*Adam, Kim, and Jenny will transport materials to and from rooms for security purposes.
*No snacks needed for this year.
Dates to Remember
- October 22 - Staff Meeting, 2:50pm
- October 22 - PTO Fundraiser - Buffalo Wild Wings - 10% of sales to PTO.
- October 27 - STAR Data Conversations, Team Time, DMR
- October 31 - Complete scoring of writing samples
*See Google Doc titled "2014-2015 BAMS Yearly Calendar" for a look at events for the entire year.
Staff Meeting Agenda
Staff Meeting: October 22 - 2:50-3:30pm - DMR
Agenda:
- ???
Next Meeting: November 14 - 12:50-1:15pm - DMR
Blackboard Connect Messages
Messages sent this week:
- PTO Fundraiser - Buffalo Wild Wings Night Out(Oct 22) - sent on Oct. 20
*New messaging system (ParentLink) tentatively coming in December.