JC McKenna Newsletter
March 2020
A Virtual Tour of the New School
Forward Exam Information
JC McKenna Parents,
State assessments will be starting soon. Students in grades 6-8 will be taking the Forward Assessment in ELA and Math. Eighth grade students will also take the Forward Assessment in Science and Social Studies.
All assessments will be completed during the school day and primarily within the scheduled class time. It is important that your child be in school during the testing dates. Students not in school will be scheduled for a make-up test prior to the close of the testing window. The tentative dates are as follows:
ELA on March 24, 25 and April 7
Math on April 14, 15
Science (8th grade only) on April 8, 9, 10
Social Studies (8th grade only) on April 14, 15
Below is an Informational Brochure for Families which gives more information about the assessment including its purpose, what scores will be provided, and how the scores will be used. The Forward Assessment measures the knowledge and skills your child should have acquired by the time they reach each grade level. Their performance on the assessment will not affect any of their current grades. Please encourage your child to take the test seriously and do the best they can.
During the testing there are sections that are read to the students. Please remind and encourage your child to have headphones or earbuds with them on the testing dates.
Thank you,
Joanie Dobbs, JC McKenna Middle School Principal
Wrestling
7th Grade Girls Basketball
8th Grade Girls Basketball
The 2020 girls 8th grade basketball season has come to an end. The team consisted of 15 players. The team had a wide range of talent, consisting of players who had never played before to players who have been playing for quite some time. Team chemistry was excellent. Everybody worked hard and came to practice with a positive attitude. The season had many highlights, including a win over Brodhead. The season ended with a game against Edgerton followed by a pizza party to wrap up the season. As coach of these young ladies, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and was sad to see the season come to an end. --Coach Hanke
6th Grade Sees UW Band at the Overture Center
On Thursday, February 6, 2020 the 6th grade students attended a UW Band performance at the Overture Center. The new conductor made sure the students were up and moving out of their seats for most of the 60 minute show. Highlights included the Chicken Dance and others like “Hey Baby” which became a sign along. JCM students represented Evansville well with great enthusiasm and wonderful attitudes all while bouncing to the music!!
Here's a video of 6th Grade at the Overture Center
Opera at JC McKenna
Chorus students got to meet professional opera singer Jeni Houser. She talked to students about her journey to becoming an opera singer, vocal health, auditioning, traveling, costumes, and so much more. She also performed excerpts from a few songs. 7th and 8th grade students were invited to a Q&A during lunch as well. To see Jeni talking and performing for the students, please visit Mrs. Proper’s website.
March Counseling Announcement
Tik Tok-- helpful Information
AWARE Easter Distribution Form
Mindfulness and Music
On February 18, 8th grade students experienced mindfulness and music!
They went on an "imagination vacation" as they listened to rhythms from a gong, crystal bowls, and a cello.
Mrs. Proper, the 6-8th grade general music and choir teacher, wrote a grant earlier this year and with the help of Mrs. Demrow, brought this residency to JC McKenna. This was the first of a six-session residency from The Overture Center. Mrs. Demrow and Mr. Wimmer will be integrating writing through music and mindfulness over the next six weeks to help students find new ways to destress. Thank you to the Evansville Education Foundation and the K-8 PTO for their financial support of this awesome residency!
Live Streaming-- Informational letter
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books was a huge success! Our school-wide battle occurred during February and TRIS teams did great. Each team read a total of 20 books and answered trivia type questions about them. The top scoring team went on to compete against other schools in the State Battle of the Books Competition. Congrats!