Triton Middle School Updates
February 21, 2017
Pride Pack Video Announcements
Important Calendar Items
Parent Engagement Tours - March 1, 2, 3
Q3 Midquarter - Friday, March 3
Teacher Work Day, No Students - Friday, March 10
Parent/Teacher Conferences - March 14, March 21 (3:30 PM - 7:30 PM)
End of Quarter 3 - March 31
Triton Middle School Price is Right - Saturday, April 22
Parent Teacher Conference Information
Triton Middle School Parents/Guardians,
We are approaching the middle of the third quarter grading period. Progress report grades will be posted to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal on Friday, March 3. Please take some time to review these grades with your child as this information will be helpful for discussions on strengths and areas of needed improvement at conferences. We are going to attempt conferences in a different format this Spring. We recognize that parent/family partnerships are key components to student achievement and success. We are hoping this new format will be beneficial for all students and families. Please review the schedule listed below. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns with this format.
Tuesday, March 14 Scheduled Conferences (3:30 -7:30 PM)
We will meet with parents and students in grade level teams. This is different from the traditional conference format as we will sit down as an instructional team to discuss progress and strategies for improvement.
A middle school staff member will contact families who should be attending scheduled conferences.
You may also request a scheduled conference by contacting Luke Lutterman.
Tuesday, March 21 Traditional Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30 -7:30 PM)
This will be a traditional conference format where parents and students will have the opportunity to visit with teachers individually.
Luke Lutterman
Triton Middle School Principal
(507) 418-7510
Parent Engagement Tours
Please join us for all or part of the experience. If you are interested, read through the information below and fill out the RSVP form so we can plan accordingly.
What will happen during parent engagement tours?
1. Parents/guardians will start their experience with Mr. Lutterman (Middle School Principal). We will meet in the conference room and discuss the following items:
- Instructional Design
- Infinite Campus - Parent Portal Uses and Information
- School Schedule and Course Information
- School Achievement
- Middle School Goals and Strategic Plan
- Curriculum Design (Understanding by Design), Classroom Instruction - Essential Outcomes, Enduring Understandings, Assessment
- Homeroom/House Program - Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
2. Parents will then attend two class periods and observe their child's classes. They will also attend Homeroom.
3. We will finish by inviting you to eat lunch with your child.
Parent Engagement Tour Dates and Times
Wednesday, March 1 (9:00 AM)
Thursday, March 2 (9:00 AM)
Friday, March 3 (9:00 AM)
9:00 - 9:35 AM - Discussion with Principal
9:38 -10:23 AM - 3rd Period
10:27 - 11:12 AM - 4th Period
11:16 - 11:31 AM - Homeroom
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM - Lunch
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP. You will receive a confirmation Email. You can join us for all or part of the time.
Please contact Mr. Lutterman with questions.
(507) 418-7510
MCA Test Information - Reminder
Triton Middle School Parents/Guardians,
We are rapidly approaching the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) Testing Window. We feel that students, parents, and teachers experience more success and a better overall testing experience when they understand the purpose of the assessments and what achievement levels are expected. We also feel that student achievement is measured in many ways and that the state tests are one quick snapshot of student achievement. We are moving forward with a positive outlook and viewing the MCAs as an opportunity to demonstrate our academic growth. These tests are a one time quick snapshot and we want to make sure we are prepared so we have the best snapshot possible. I am hopeful that the information and schedule below will help answer your questions about the MCAs and why we administer them.
MCA Information
What are MCAs Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments: State tests that students take beginning in third grade. Tests are administered in mathematics, reading, and science. MCAs measure student performance in accordance with the Minnesota Academic Standards.
How Are Tests Administered: We want to schedule our assessments so students feel comfortable and have adequate time to complete all segments without feeling rushed. Please reference the schedule below. All testing will be conducted online except for students that qualify for accommodated tests based on their IEP.
We continue to use assessment information (STAR and MCAs) to improve teaching and learning. We will evaluate the MCA results to reinforce what we are doing well and develop strategies in accordance with areas of needed improvement.
MCA results are a part of school district accountability. The Minnesota Department of Education uses results to identify schools that need additional support or to recognize districts demonstrating high performance.
Test Tips for Parent - Student Discussions
Share your enthusiasm for academic achievement, reading, and solving complex problems.
Have a positive outlook for achievement that has an emphasis on growth and improvement.
Discuss the test as an opportunity to demonstrate their growth and hard work.
Encourage good study habits.
Make time and set priorities for homework, reading, and test preparation.
Talk to your child’s teachers and principal if you have concerns about their achievement and growth.
Practice at home - Item samplers provide examples of the types of questions that are on the test. These can be accessed at home and practiced. You can find item samplers for each grade on the PearsonAccess website. http://minnesota.pearsonaccessnext.com/ click on student resources. Online tests tutorials are also available under the student resources tab.
Encourage students to take their time, answer each question to the best of their ability, and to re-check their work.
Have your children get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious, protein-filled breakfast before taking a test.
More information on the MCAs can be accessed on the Minnesota Department of Education Website.
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/fam/tests/.
Triton Middle School MCA Schedule 2017
Reading (Grades 6-8)
Wednesday, April 19 (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Thursday, April 20 (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Mathematics (Grades 6-8)
Wednesday, April 26 (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Thursday, April 20 (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
Science (8th grade only)
Wednesday, May 3 (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
February is “I Love to Read” month at Triton Middle School
WHOOOO GIVES A HOOT ABOUT READING?
Students will be given owl bookmarks and will record reading minutes on those. Each section is 15 minutes of reading and parents and teachers need to initial those sections for their children. Each completed bookmark earns 5 house points when students turn them in to their homeroom teachers. There will also be dress up days and students who participate will earn points for their houses.
Dress Up Days
February 9th---Hunting for a good book ---wear camouflage or orange (no hats)
February 14th---dress your best day
February 16th get up and go day---Pjs and sweats--no slippers
February 23rd Triton Pride day--cobra clothing, jerseys, Triton colors
March 2nd (Dr. Seuss' birthday)---Superhero day
Middle School FFA Update
Feb meeting Monday the 13th
Triton FFA Steak Feed Dinner
Sat Feb 25 4:00-7:30 PM
Faith Community Church West Concord
Buy tickets at the door $10.00, kids menu $5.00
On the menu: ball tip steak, baked potato with fixings, sweet corn, dinner roll, bars, milk, coffee, and lemonade. Kids menu: hot dog, chips, clementine, bars, milk and lemonade
March meeting Monday the 13th
April meeting Monday the 10th
Banquet: Sunday May 21, meal 5:30 pm and program at 7 pm- held at Triton High School.
Contact Mr. Ickler with questions.