The Rock
Eagle Rock Middle School Parent Newsletter
Week of February 27th, 2023
Message from the Principal:
Hey Eagle Rock Family,
I hope you are well. We appreciate all of you who came to parent teacher conference. This trimester is winding down and will come a close on March 2nd. Please be sure to check your student's grades and progress in PowerSchool and Schoology. Thank you for all the ways you support your student's learning.
A few weeks ago in our newsletter I mentioned our school and district's model of instruction which is The New Art and Science of Teaching. I also wanted to highlight some of the elements that our district and school have identified as elements to focus on. Our district selected 7 elements and our school selected an additional 3 that we want to become innovating in regard to.
District selected
- Element 1: Providing scales and rubrics
- Element 2: Tracking student progress
- Element 3: Celebrating success
- Element 12: Engaging students in cognitively complex tasks
- Element 15: Previewing strategies
- Element 32: Motivating and inspiring students
- Element 38: Using verbal and nonverbal behaviors that indicate affection for students
School selected
- Element 19: Reflecting on learning
- Element 23: Noticing and reacting when students are not engaged
- Element 41: Demonstrating value and respect for reluctant learners.
This is an amazing model of instruction and when we as educators put these elements into practice we will see great things happen in the success of our students. If you have questions about any of our elements we are focusing on, we will be sharing more information on each of these elements in the coming weeks so that you can understand what it means to effectively implement them so that we can have effective teaching in each classroom of our school.
Have a great week!
Ethan Wilford, M.Ed.
Principal
Eagle Rock Middle School
(208) 525-7700 Ext. 30901
Events This Week
Monday
- Skyline Tours for 8th Graders (more info below)
- National History Day Parent Meeting @ 4:00
Tuesday
- Choir Concert @ 7:00
Wednesday
- Compass Academy Applications Due (link below)
Thursday
- Winter Dance
Friday
- No School - Teacher Work Day
- End of Trimester
Backpack Policy
Last week, an email was sent explaining our new backpack policy. We will follow up this week with some answers to your questions. Below is the email that was sent last week:
Student safety is always our number one priority at Eagle Rock Middle School. Our School Safety & Culture Committee consists of dedicated faculty members committed to establishing and monitoring safe procedures. We are grateful for the work of this committee. A recent topic of discussion was the use of backpacks throughout the school day. After surveying the staff, the committee determined to no longer allow backpacks to be used throughout the school day starting third trimester.
Background Information:
Backpack restrictions are common nationwide. Eagle Rock Middle School had backpack restrictions until 2020 when COVID-19 changed our everyday operations. At that time, school administration determined that allowing students to use backpacks between classes would allow for social distancing, less congregating in the halls, etc. Three years later, we were curious if this was still the safest and best option for students. When given a survey, 69.4% of faculty believed that backpacks should not be in the classroom.
Backpack Safety Concerns:
Tripping hazards
Blocked doorways during emergencies
Weapons
Illegal items: Drugs, vapes, etc.
Security of personal items
Our Plan:
New schedule with additional passing time in-between classes
Backpacks should remain in lockers during the school day
Students will be instructed to keep supplies in their lockers and visit lockers between classes
Exceptions will be made for students with Individualized Education Plans, 504 plans, or medical needs.
We realize there will be some inevitable learning curves with this new plan, but the safety benefits outweigh any alternative.
Thank you for your understanding. Please call or email Mr. Wilford or Mrs. Conner with any questions of concerns.
Skyline Tours for 8th Graders on Monday!
Navigator Team - 8:50
Pathfinder Team - 10:15
Trailblazer Team - 1:15
- Please remind students to dress warm - we are walking to Skyline
- Students will have the opportunity to see the school and learn about Skyline's programs.
- Students will be able to ask questions before registration.
Please complete our Parent Engagement Survey
Compass Academy Applications
Compass Academy applications are due Wednesday, March 1st. Compass will then review applications and send out a list of accepted students on March 6th. Please let Ms. Egan know if you have any questions
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxhWzJprlU7o7UQlhu2VEkySWTMMFZzcytLFIMX4yGJ1L8hw/viewform
Ski Club Beanies
Students, Staff, and Eagle Rock Ski Club members,
Are you interested in purchasing a ski club beanie?
See Kat Walker in the front office if you are interested, bring her your check or cash $15.00 to preorder your Eagle Rock Ski Club Beanie.
Mr. Sego
Student Council Applications
Please talk to Mr. Smith if you are interested in joining student council!
Yearbooks for Sale
Another friendly reminder to buy your yearbook now! Just $30 for a lifetime of memories! Click on the link below to buy your book today!