MVR-III Memo on Learning
CIA & PD Newsletter for Meramec Valley R-III School District
Happy Halloween MVR-III
November 1, 2016-16th Edition
PHS Speech Team Succeeds again!
Congratulations to the speech team for their second-place finish at the 14-team School of the Osage tournament on Saturday. Special congratulations to Zack Sutton who won the tournament championship in Radio Speaking.
The following students also advanced to the tournament finals:
Ali Patton, 2nd place in Poetry Reading
Noah Sprick, 2nd place in Prose Reading
Tristen Schuchmann, 3rd place in Poetry Reading
Ellie Schmidt, 4th place in Orginal Oratory
Claudia Everett, 4th place in Storytelling
Brandi Aten & Dawson Neuner, 4th place in Duet Acting
Bryan Lee, 5th place in Radio Speaking
Ashley Burt, 5th place in Prose Reading
Tyler Warren, 5th place in Extemporaneous Speaking
Caelyn Hafley, 7th place, Original Oratory
Email captured from Mr. Ed Kappelar, PHS English Teacher and Speech Coach
Halloween Science Experiments to Support Learning
Did you know that the process of science inquiry should be the main emphasis in all science classrooms as students learn their science content? To help support this student learning objective all science classrooms are growing in their lesson planning to add more authentic science labs into their classroom instruction. Pictured below are a group of 5th graders from Mrs. Alcorn's classroom doing just that. This lab just happened to fit nicely with the Halloween theme and is cleverly called Growing Ghosts!
Science in 5th Grade is Spook-tacular!!!
Photo submitted by Greta Franklin, RE Principal/Elementary Curriculum Director
Creative & Innovative Halloween Customs by MVMS
Photo submitted by Ms. GeNetta Tomnitz, MVMS ELA Teacher & Department Chair
Teaching Like Pirates at Zitzman Elementary
Photo submitted by Mrs. Ketina Armstrong, ZE Principal
CS and Garden Gnomes for Halloween
Pictured left to right;
Ms. Patty- Title 1 Teacher
Ms. Natalie- ECSE Paraprofessional
Ms. Melissa- ECSE Paraprofessional
Photo submitted by Ms. Natalie Harris, CS ECSE Paraprofessional
Website to make students wonder
Healthy & Safe Students
Candy Donations....
Operation Gratitude
Halloween Candy Buy Back Program
Treats for Troops
Are you left with a mountain of candy after every Halloween? Perhaps you didn't have as many trick-or-treaters as you anticipated or perhaps your own trick-or-treaters got a few too many treats? Don't let that candy go to waste! Donate your excess candy to Soldiers' Angels "Treats for Troops" program! Soldiers' Angels will get this candy to our Troops and Veterans for a sweet treat.
If you are interested in learning more about the Treats for Troops program or where you can donate your leftover candy, email: InKind@soldiersangels.org. You can also download the Treats for Troops flyer by clicking here.
Healthy Treats compliments of Food Service
Howling about lunch at RE! Thank you - Food Service Director and Nutrition Intern!
Photo submitted by Mrs. Greta Franklin, RE Principal and Elementary Curriculum Director
District Health and Advisory Committee
Redos, Retakes, and Do Overs---Part Two
Sometimes all students need is "hope" that learning can still occur and they (the students) can take care of the rest. Here's wishing ALL MVR-III classrooms are filled with hope!
District Updates
Growth Goal 2.3---Theory of Learning
Did someone say Lesson Plan?
EL October 2016 Table of Contents
October 2016 | Volume 74 | Number 2
Powerful Lesson Planning
Feature Articles
Perspectives / Turning Lesson Plans into Learning Plans
Marge Scherer
Start with Higher-Order Thinking
Susan M. Brookhart
Convince your students you really want them to think, and watch both learning and motivation spike.
Kristina J. Doubet and Jessica A. Hockett
Engagement is the ingredient to use if you want to make learning delicious.
Every Lesson Needs a Storyline
Bradley A. Ermeling and Genevieve Graff-Ermeling
To reach your lesson's goal, proceed with the end in mind.
Kim Greene
A new marketplace of lesson plans is a click away. What are its benefits and drawbacks?
Andrew P. Marcinek
What you need to know about open educational resources.
How to Partner with Your Curriculum
Janine T. Remillard
Good teachers do use curriculum materials to guide their instruction.
Marilyn Burns
Math menus extend the lesson with lots of options for kids.
Pursuing the Depths of Knowledge
Nancy Boyles
Give every level of learning—from recall to extended thinking—the respect it deserves.
Suzy Pepper Rollins
From bookmarks to graphic organizers to cheat sheets—teacher-made scaffolds keep students reaching for new learning.
Michelle Bauml
Better than simply sharing the work, planning lessons with partners results in more effective instruction.
Ben Curran
There's a place for both direct and indirect instruction. Here's how to plan to make each work.
Nicola Giardina
Here's a museum-inspired framework for interdisciplinary art lessons.
Columns / Departments
Reviews, research, and relevant reads.
Research Matters / Novice Teachers Benefit from Lesson Plans
Bryan Goodwin
Well-designed lessons can be a new teacher's best friend.
Show & Tell: A Video Column / Sponge Activities—Make Every Minute Count
Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey
These tools help kids soak up learning. Watch the video.
The Techy Teacher / Escaping the Lesson-Planning Doldrums
Catlin Tucker
Take advantage of students' interest in all things digital.
Principal Connection / How Principals Spark Engagement
Thomas R. Hoerr
The joy of learning applies to teachers, too.
One to Grow On / Lesson Plans Well Served
Carol Ann Tomlinson
A set of standards is a starting point; enlivening learning is the goal.
Tell Me About … / What You Learned from a Lesson Plan That Flopped
Seven Lessons on Lesson Planning
November Career Education Focus
Career and Technical Education Program Evaluation
FBLA Diamond Year
This year marks FBLA’s 75th year known as the Diamond Year. Our FBLA chapter is off and running with high expectations. Currently we have 71 members and counting which is up from last year by over 20. FBLA members started the year off by raising funds and awareness for Friends of Kids with Cancer by holding a Hat Day. Friends of Kids with Cancer makes a bad day better. By providing a positive atmosphere, their Recreational Programs keep smiles on the kid’s faces every day despite their illnesses. To learn more, check them out at: https://www.friendsofkids.com/ On September 13th, members began working on their Business Academic Achievement awards known affectionately as BAA’s. These awards focus on basic business skills, introduction to community service, and FBLA involvement at the local level. Members will be recognized at chapter meetings and possible on the state/national level.
Article submitted by Garret Andreasen, PHS FBLA Sponsor and Business/PLTW Teacher
FBLA members receiving recognition
The Business Achievement Awards (BAA) is an aggressive, self-directed, results-based business and leadership program designed to complement academics while accelerating a student's leadership skills. The awards focus on the words surrounding the FBLA Crest: Service, Education, and Progress. Members meet the first Tuesday of each month to work on the requirements. Last year Shayla Birk, Haily Mann and Olivia Lindemann reached the first level. This year we have multiple students nearing the requirements.
The Membership Achievement Award is awarded to local FBLA chapters that increase membership over last year’s total. Winning chapters receive an online certificate of recognition. Our membership has increased by over 20 members from last year.
The MVR-III FBLA Chapter has two students that received the Membership Mania award which requires recruiting at least five members each. Congrats to Zachary Sutton and Jared Snider. Zach Sutton has continued with recruiting and earned the Membership Madness award by recruiting 10 members.
Super Sweeps Award – FBLA chapters must complete a total of 10 tasks focused on recruitment and retention. Four (4) activities are required and six (6) are chosen from a list of optional activities. Thank you to all members who helped us reach this goal. Now on to Non-Stop November.
The Community Service Awards (CSA) recognize members with extraordinary commitment to community service. It has three levels:
CSA Community (50 hours)
CSA Service (200 hours)
CSA Achievement (500 hours)
Hours for the CSA are cumulative and build throughout a student's FBLA career.
Congratulations to Megan Zahoczky, and Olivia Lindemann for earning this award. Multiple students are nearing the first level.
Article submitted by Garret Andreasen, PHS FBLA Sponsor and Business/PLTW Teacher
Membership Madness Award Winner
Community Service Award Winner
Community Service Award Winner
Are our students voting???
As our nation prepares for the upcoming election we want to ensure that our instruction is helping our students master their citizenship skills at all levels. Here are some sites that we believe you will enjoy to reinforce our duty as Americans to participate in the democratic process.
Kids Voting at MVR-III
MVR-III Kids Voting District Committee Members
Heidi Boyer – HS
Stacy Scoggin – HS
Steve Goff – HS
Justin King - HS
Debbie Sutterer – MS
Monica Artinger - RE
Carol Shoemaker - NE
Judy Fienup-ZE
Mark Sutterer – ZE
Sandy Thurston - TE
Debbie Hunkins-TE
Sarah Gilbert - TE
Josh Grodie-RB
Tonya Schimsa - CE
Debby Haley - Technology
District Academic Achievement Committee October Minutes NOW Online
The Academic Achievement Committee met on Thursday, October 20, 2016. The minutes for this meeting are attached here and linked to the district website. The next meeting of this committee will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016, 4:15pm at Central Office.
Teacher Academy Graduates continue learning
From the Desk of Scott Kovis....
Working/Learning Session on how to "Use Chromebooks to Enhance Student Learning"
Photo submitted by Russ Rowbottom, MVMS Principal
Pictured left to right: Gretchen Schaffer, Art Teacher; Jena Alt, FACS Teacher; Lori Hinkebien, Special Education Teacher; and Dana Shortt, 7th grade Social Studies Teacher.
Classroom Tech Visits Available to All Staff
Who? Any staff member can request an Instructional Technology visit, though they are part of the PD Plan for year 3-5 teachers.
What? Collaboratively plan the implementation of any EdTech in your classroom, and have co-teacher or simply on-site support during the lesson.
When & Where? Now! Meet in your building any time.
Why? Meet MO Teaching Standards:
· 4.1 — Student engagement in problem-solving and critical thinking
· 4.2 — Appropriate use of instructional resources to enhance student learning
· 6.4 — Technology and media communication tools
· 7.1 — Effective use of assessments
How? Fill in the Classroom Visit Request Link.
This is not an evaluative visit but a resource designed to support you and your students!
Google Certified Educator
It’s still not too late to join the Google Certified Educator Level 1 cohort. Just go to classroom.google.com while signed into your Google account, click the "+" in the upper right corner, and use the code 95xkamf to join. That will take you into the Classroom we are using to go through the GCE materials during the year. The first materials have already been posted, but you can follow the agenda to catch up. I’ll use a portion of the monthly Tech meetings to clarify and practice the GCE skills.
Staff Tech Forums
These monthly after-school sessions will be used to network and answer whatever tech questions you may have. info on Google Certification skills will be presented, but you don’t need to be a member of the GCE cohort to benefit. Relevant tips and tricks regarding classroom tech will also be provided, with a focus on the Google Forms quiz feature this month. See the table below for the dates/times of the Staff Tech Forums.
District APR Scores are HERE
MVR-III has improved from last year...growth is in the air! MSIP 5 APR and MAP performance results will be discussed at the next MVR-III Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. The following chart gives you a glimpse of what we can celebrate towards growth in student learning.
MVR-III Spotlighted at the State Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, October 25
PD News
CIA Calendar of Upcoming Events
November 1st-District Policy Review Committee, 4pm, CO
November 2nd-1/2 PD Day---Building Day (See PD Overview below)
November 3rd-Administrative Council Meeting, 9:15am-11:30am, CO
November 3rd-District Counselor's Meeting, 1:00pm-2:30pm, CO
November 4th-St. Louis Area Curriculum Coordinators' Association (SLACCA) Meeting, EdPlus, 8am-11:30am
November 8th-ELECTION DAY---PLEASE VOTE
All Riverbend students attend a Career Field Trip
*November 11th-Veteran's Day Observance
See School Veteran Assembly/Recognition Schedules by site
November 14th-Parents As Teachers Advisory Committee Meeting, Community School, 4pm
Draft November 2nd 1/2 PD Day Agenda
Curriculum Learning Walk Review
Thank you to the all the teachers for the opportunity to visit, the Board of Education Members who attended, and our students for welcoming visitors throughout the day. See some photos from the learning walks with related links below.
8th Grade Students "ARGUE" about the Road to Revolution
Photo is from Mr. Jesse Knott's 8th Grade Social Studies Classroom depicting the objective for the unit and the student "I Can" statements.
2nd Grade Publishes Writing
4th Grade Students Focus on Goal Setting
Pictured is 4th Grade student, Joee.
4th Grade Small Reading Group
Flexible Seating Pilot @ Truman
SMART Seats so students can do their BEST!
Both ZE and TE have classrooms that are piloting some flexible seating options.
MVR-III Board Members attend Learning Walks
Cyber Safety in Mr. Grodies Rm.
Cyber safety is embedded into our K-8 curriculum in computer courses and our Library Media objectives.
4th Grade @ CE
"The Fridge" Motivation Board
Goal Bags in Kind.
Dr. Hillhouse joins a small reading group
8th Grade Science "Flashes" back
"Do something amazing!"
Thank you to all MVR-III Staff who are growing in your craft and doing amazing things with students everyday!
Sincerely~
Dr. Hillhouse, Dr. Parks, and Dr. Way
Curriculum Learning Walk
Looking for Standard 3.-Curriculum Implementation, New Course implementation, Standard 2.3, and any innovative or pilot items occurring throughout the district....or if you just want to "show-off" the student learning happening in your classroom!
Monday, Dec 5, 2016, 09:00 AM
MVR-III District
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Community News and Events
Title I Parent Night hosted at Zitzman on Thursday, October 27, 2016
Literacy Night and Trunk or Treat. Over 400 students signed up and attending the event. Great job Title Teachers!
Photos below submitted by Ketina Armstrong, Zitzman Principal
ZE hosts Trick or Trunk
Spooky Poetry Learning Station
Witches Brew
SAVE THE DATES...
Adopt-a-Family Forms went out to students/families on October 21, 2016 *See letter from Cleta Null in the photo below
"Good News" Fall Musical @ PHS-November 10-13 *See photo included and more information about how to get your tickets is located on the MVR-III website.
Chamber of Commerce Luncheon @ PHS-Thursday, November 17, 2016, 11:30am
Sportsclub Dinner Auction-Saturday, November 19, 2016...tickets available at Zitzman Elementary or Central Office
YOUR EFFORT MATTERS---MVR-III Twitter Background for October
This collage of multiple students' artwork reminds us that EVERYONE'S effort matters as we continue to focus on growth in teaching and learning. This artwork was also used for the month of October as the @DistrictMVR3 Twitter background...follow us on Twitter to see what's happening at MVR-III. Can you see the profile used to construct this photo? Ask Mrs. Mari Hall if you can't figure it out.
MVR-III School District
Email: DistrictCO@mvr3.k12.mo.us
Website: www.mvr3.k12.mo.us
Location: 126 N Payne St, Pacific, MO, United States
Phone: 636-271-1400
Twitter: @DistrictMVR3