From the Middle EMS and ELA
News from the Principal, 4/22/19
Hello Parents and Families,
We recently celebrated "College Week" at both EMS and ELA. This was spearheaded by our AVID classes and teachers. All students participated in fun activities including research about colleges, giveaways for college swag, scavenger hunts, door decorating contests, and personalized college pennants. See the photos below as well as some information about AVID and how our students benefit from this amazing national program. AVID promotes college readiness for all.
Also, just a reminder that we have our final dance of the year this Friday, April 26th from 6:00--8:00 pm. The cost is 10 signatures on the CREW card and $5 to cover the DJ and one snack at the dance.
Have a great week!
~Annessa Hart, Principal
Inside Our Classrooms--AVID
What is AVID?
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID is an in-school academic support system for grades 6-12. It is designed to prepare students for success in college and in Advance Placement courses. AVID is for all students, but targets those in the academic middle.
The AVID elective class is offered to 7th graders at EMS and 8th graders at both middle schools. There is an application process and we look for the right kind of student to be in our AVID program.
In class we do a lot of different things like:
• Participating in team building activities
• Exploring college options
• Gaining awareness of professional careers
• Learning with college tutors
• Writing and note-taking for all classes
• Developing success strategies
• Visiting college campuses
• Interacting with guest speakers
• Participating in extracurricular and community activities
Counseling Corner--A Few Words About Attendance
Attendance is something we take seriously here at EMS/ELA. In fact some of our goals with CDE include hitting at least 90% attendance rate and we often are quite close to that--a GREAT celebration! That being said simply meeting our goal isn't the only reason we focus on attendance--it is about our students and making sure that they have good habits and skills. As we push into next year many of our students will be moving onto High School and we would love for all of our students to move into their next year with the best habits and skills possible.
The attendance rate is important because students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently. It’s difficult for the teacher and the class to build their skills and progress if a large number of students are frequently absent. In addition to falling behind in academics, students who are not in school on a regular basis are more likely to get into trouble with the law and cause problems in their communities.
A 2008 study conducted by the Rodel Community Scholars at Arizona State University that tracked students from kindergarten through high school found that dropout patterns were linked with poor attendance, beginning in kindergarten. Gregory Hickman, director of the Rodel Community Scholars program and former director of the Arizona Dropout Initiative, notes they discovered that as early as kindergarten, behavioral differences are apparent between those who go on to graduate and those who drop out, with dropouts missing an average of 124 days by eighth grade, which means on average 13 missed school days per year.
Extra-Curricular Highlight--Spirit Week for EMS and ELA
Since then, students across Colorado and the nation have taken this incredibly positive day to their communities to say that we will not tolerate violence or hate, and we will reach out to friends and acquaintances and say, "We're all in this together."
Spirit Attire:
Monday 4/22 Pajama Day
Tuesday 4/23 Alien vs. Cowboy Day
Wednesday 4/24 Twin Day
Thursday 4/25 Galaxy Day/Black Hole day (basically, wear black)
Friday 4/26 Kindness/Wear white
On Friday our students will also listen to an amazing presentation called Rachel's Challenge. This group presented to both middle schools and the high school last as well. We are very excited for all the great learning and next steps that our students are taking to make sure our students and staff take pride in promoting a kind and welcoming environment for all.
Supporting our Families--School to Home Connections
Staff Highlight--Mr. Spencer Malott
I have been teaching for five years, two of which at Englewood. As a teacher I strive to make all of my students welcome in my classroom and hope that they find a home in band or orchestra. In my spare time I am a professional trombone player, playing jazz, funk and variety music throughout the country. I also spend every moment I am not at work or playing trombone with my niece Hayden and nephew Camden.
I love working with middle school because every day is a new adventure. I have taught some of the most honest and genuine students at the middle school level.
Striving for Excellence
Semester One-- 90-Day Plan for Improvement (linked here).
Semester Two--2nd 90-Day Plan for Improvement (linked here).