The Raider Professional
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 21
After The Stage Is Set!
We started our second semester last week and teachers were able to set the stage and give expectations. Our students will be supported and pushed to their limits. They will learn, produce, and showcase information. We have done a great deal to uphold the long positive tradition of Raider Nation and today's student is no exception.
So, what will we do after the stage is set? It's very simple. We have to practice what we preach! Teachers need to have engaging lessons that require students to give feedback and participate. We have to monitor and follow up with each student, which may require setting up individual success plans. Communication is key and we have to communicate with parents. This is a team effort and we have to work together as a collective unit to finish strong!
Make sure to encourage as many students as you can this week.
We are W.J. Keenan High School. Home of the Champion Raiders!
Raider Reminders
There are a few things that we will need to make sure we are doing to keep the natural order and flow of our school:
- You must not leave your students unsupervised for any reason.
- If you would like to have an end of year class gathering, food must be purchased and packaged to be consumed. Students/teachers may not bring food prepared at home.
- Stand at your door during the change of each class.
- Please do not allow students into the hallway without a pass.
- Please do not allow students that are not on your roster in your classroom. Students need to be in their scheduled classroom to receive credit. You are accountable for every student in your room.
- You may only sign out to leave on your planning period and/or with administrator approval in an emergency circumstance if you do not have a scheduled absence.
- If you are absent from school, it is your professional responsibility to input the appropriate information in Frontline in a timely manner. Substitutes are limited. Please check Munis prior to doing this so you are aware of your available days for an absence.
Raider Dates To Remember
Monday, January 9, 2023
- “If we have the attitude that it’s going to be a great day it usually is.” —Catherine Pulsifier
- Keenan Student Forum @ 7:00 p.m. / Sponsored by our PTSO
Tuesday, January10, 2023
- Brief Faculty Meeting @ 3:30 p.m.
- District Master Scheduling Meeting / lecture hall @ 9 a.m.
- Varsity Girls /Boys BBall Vs. Eau Claire (Home) @ 6:00 p.m.
- “If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it.” —Elon Musk
Wednesday, January11, 2023
- “Unsuccessful people make their decisions based on their current situations. Successful people make their decisions based on where they want to be.” ―Benjamin Hardy
- Class Meetings for 9th and 10th grade
Thursday, January 12, 2023
- “The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” ―Oprah Winfrey
- Class Meetings for 11th and 12th grade
- Report Cards will be issued
Friday, January 13, 2023
- “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” ―Albert Einstein
- Professional Development/Early Release Day @ 11:45 a.m.
- Varsity Girls /Boys BBall Vs. Eau Claire (EauClaire) @ 6:00 p.m.
- District Wrestling Meet @ Dreher High School
Congratulations To Ms. Ausburn, Our 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year!
Student Council Helps The Oliver Gospel Mission!
Student Council members from W.J. Keenan High School stopped by the Oliver Gospel Mission to drop off care packages for residents! It is exciting to see young Raiders stepping up to serve those in need.
Students Love Brims Too!
CHERYL LAWSON-WILSON, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR INSTRUCTION
Hello Raiders,
W.J. Keenan will have a district classroom observation in January. Please see your classroom learning walk tool that was emailed and be prepared each day of school to give your best. Be sure to pay attention to teacher actions and student actions on the form.
Save the date: Professional Development/Early Release Day - January 13
Student/staff Holiday - January 16
3rd quarter interim reports - February 7
End of 3rd quarter - March 10
Instructional Reminders:
- Gradebooks need to be updated weekly. Prior to interims, you need to have at least 7 grades reported in your gradebook. Prior to the end of quarter, you need to have at least 15 grades reported.
- Emergency lesson plans with five days of lessons should be available to your department leader. In your plans, you should have attendance rosters and class procedures accessible.
- Progress Learning (formerly USA Test Prep) is available for use. You should be able to use your login credentials from USA Test Prep. Let me know if you need support.
- If you are placing items outside of your classroom for display, please be advised that the standard addressed MUST accompany student work.
- As we plan, we need to make sure that we are addressing the Depth Of Knowledge levels in our lessons. An easy way to break this down is by having students answer each of these questions.
- What are we learning?
- How are we learning it?
- Why are we learning it?
- How can this learning be extended?
Observation non-negotiables:
- Standards/Learning targets should be addressed prior to the start of the lesson. They should be written AND communicated verbally.
- Gradual Release (I do, We do, You do)
- Questions that move through different levels of thinking
- Activities are aligned to standards and age-appropriate
- Monitoring student progress and class management (moving about the room)
Have an outstanding week!
Shalise Wine, Magnet Lead Teacher
Magnet Meetings are now held on Friday. The next student Magnet meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2022. The next parent magnet meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Magnet students that are in need of assistance with classes can attend the Raider Priority Tutoring. Students can sign up for "RPT" by using the following link:
https://forms.office.com/r/hzBTPzSQMa
Remember in order to remain in the Magnet Program the students must maintain the following:
- 70 or above in all classes
- No behavior problems
- Minimum attendance issues
It's Joy is when students come back to let you know they are doing great!
Our Raider Freshman Academy! - Kimberly Jeter. Assistant Principal
Within the last several weeks, I have had the opportunity to have quite a few meaningful conversations with students. My advice to each of those students was the same; "Choose You" and "Your Name is Your Brand".
It is imperative for our students to realize how important it is for them to make decisions which puts them in the best position to succeed academically, behaviorally, emotionally, mentally, and athletically. Those decisions will also cultivate and fortify their character and reputation.
Here at W. J. Keenan High School, we are molding, guiding, and teaching our students how to navigate their individual paths to achieving their goals. Please feel free to contact us for support and assistance.
Let's Talk Tutoring - Jabar Hankins, Assistant Principal
We strive to ensure that all our Raiders are successful and receive their high school diplomas. To help reach these goals, we offer our students ways to achieve academic success both during and after school.
Students or parents may sign up for after school tutoring to receive support with their studies.
Students can sign up for tutoring by using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/hzBTPzSQMa
Our student athletes are automatically eligible for Athletic Tutoring. This program meets Tuesday-Thursday immediately at the end of the school day. In addition to Athletic Tutoring, we also offer two other means of school support.
Raider Ready Tutoring is offered to students in grades 9 and 10. Tutoring is offered after school and offers help in core subjects (English, math, science and social studies). Raider Ready meets Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30. Students receive an after school meal and bus transportation home (with the exception of Magnet students).
Raider Priority Tutoring is available to all students in grades 9-12. This program offers students some flexibility in study support, as students may choose face to face assistance, or may select the virtual (online) option to receive help from home. Assistance is offered in English, math, social studies and science, Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. Face to face hours are from 3:30-4:30. Transportation is NOT provided. Students/parents must provide transportation home. If students do not have transportation, they may choose the online option, which meets Tuesday-Thursday from 4:30-6:30.
We are committed to offering as many avenues to success as possible. Students may talk with Coach S. Gilley (Athletic Tutoring), Mrs. S. DuBard (Raider Ready Tutoring) or Mrs. S. Wine or Mr. J. Hankins (Raider Priority Tutoring) with questions or for sign up information.
Use The QR Code Below to Sign Up For Tutoring!
Notes for Raider Teachers!
Feedback From Observations: Focus on engaging students and having them do the work. Rather than standing up and writing on the smartboard as you are explaining, have students come up to the board and share what they know. Put students in groups and give meaningful activities. Use balls and other manipulatives to identify students for a response. Make these engaging strategies apart of your daily routine.
Handling Conflict: Please talk with our students about how to properly handle conflict. Encourage them to reach out to adults in the building to get help with situations that can potentially get them in trouble. Please convey the importance of working together resolve problems before they become bigger issues. It takes a village!
Student Work: Please start posting your best student work inside and outside your classroom in the hallways. You may also share by tagging WJK on social media.
Ask Yourself: What is the hook for today’s lesson that will keep them engaged? Is there an opportunity for my students to get up and move around with my lesson? How am I going to check for understanding? Am I giving students the opportunity to show me they have a grasp of the content? Am I using the DLE to enhance the lesson or am I simply giving electronic skill sheets?
Signing In and Out: If you need to leave campus for an emergency, please get approval from an administrator, and sign out in the main office. We are professionals.
PTSO: Please consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association. It is a big part of communicating to our parents that we want to build a stronger partnership this year. The application is in the main office with Ms. Golston.
W.J. Keenan High School
Our Mission
The mission of W. J. Keenan High School is to provide engaging educational opportunities through a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to extend to our diverse community and produce first class citizens who will contribute to the present and excel in the future. WE ARE KEENAN!
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a nationally known high school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, leadership in cutting edge technology, science, environmental, and career based programs. A high school that builds strong relationships with all stakeholders and continues a culture where the expectation is to lead, set the example, and raise standards for all to follow.
Email: vondre.whaley@richlandone.org
Website: http://keenan.richlandone.org/
Location: 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-714-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenanraiders/
Twitter: @wjkeenan