Team Trailblazer Weekly Update
February 8, 2016
Text Based Instruction - Part 4 - Assessing Text Complexity
Why is it important for us to push our students with complex texts?
How do we do that effectively in our environment?
HAPPY Birthday to MS Math Teacher and Content Coach, Stacey Perkey, on February 8!
COUNT DAY IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016!
Expense Report Guidelines
Please be sure to submit by the 15th each month for the previous month's expenses.
If you are able to combine all of your receipts into one pdf, that is helpful for me. I know many are using the iScanner app - try it!
Thank you!
Welcoming new team members!
Sara Kenzie - MS Social Studies on 2/10
Ruth Marzolo - HS Social Studies - TBD
Stacey Wolak - MS/HS English on 2/12
Darice Taylor - HS Special Education - TBD
Amy Bidigare - HS math on 2/16
NEW MTSS Referral System
Hello amazing staff!
Over the past month, you have all been so amazing and patient through all our “issues” with the MTSS referral submission site. THANK YOU! We finally ditched the bad stuff, and we have started using a MUCH better site to collect and analyze your referrals. This means that we now have new MTSS referral links. I have updated them on the weebly (link below) but have also included them in this email.
The referral links are essentially the same as the last ones, but they shouldn’t get bogged down and start sleeping on us like the last ones. Please continue using the referral that is housed on the weebly (and attached).
PLEASE let me or Corista know if you run into any issues with the submission links, but we are hoping that won’t be the case any more.
Please see the referral form attached to this email.
Weebly: http://mvcainterventions.weebly.com/
K-6 MTSS Referral link: https://mtssreferralsmvca.wufoo.com/forms/z10jfxsp078rozv/
7-12 MTSS Referral link: https://mtssreferralsmvca.wufoo.com/forms/m15lc91a1txpm7p/
Please keep those referrals coming! Our 7-12 ELA interventionists have upwards of 80 open spots!
Please complete survey!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-1oa-5Cd53MLgcyQ0S3h4b4O8lsFdTjjidefAvUjnZg/viewform?usp=send_form
Thank you!
Promising Practices 2016
I know that we have at least one MVCA team presenting - Sarah Schubring and Lindsay Wesley are hosting a session about their Peer Power Tutoring Program!
Thursday, Feb 25, 2016, 08:00 AM
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PROM 2016!
After a day of PD on the 17th, we look forward to celebrating with our students at prom.
If you are interested in helping out - please get in touch with Michelle Bunton at mbunton@k12.com.
Graduation is on the 18th - it will be a fun-filled weekend! If you are interested in helping with graduation, please get in touch with Annie Butzu at abutzu@k12.com.
Friday, Jun 17, 2016, 07:00 PM
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On-line weekly educational newsletters - Andrei's top picks that he reads each week
Interactive News
Bringing you the latest information in school law, news, the business of academia, and the politics of education. FREE and weekly ………
http://paper.li/ilec_now/1379435343
ASCD SmartBrief
There are four different SmartBriefs’ one can subscribe to: one for teachers, education leaders, one on global education news, and another on policy:
http://www.ascd.org/Default.aspx
Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP)
Right-wing perspective on school choice, relative to activity in Michigan
http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5dd7e80c6057071c93c9941c9&id=4636076c45&e=c707605985
MEA Voice
Left-wing perspective on schools and education, relative to activity in Michigan. The publication from Union side of things.
Education Next
Sponsored by the Fordham Institute (HUGE in public policy!), Stanford, and Harvard. Non-partisan and great objective writings ………
Note from Susan Brown - Don't get locked out of your gradebook!
Another note from Susan Brown regarding Class Connect issues:
Upcoming Meet and Greets
Tuesday - February 16, 2016
Charmont Bowling Center
6138 Cass City Rd, Cass City
5:30pm – 7:30pm (Open bowling )
Wednesday - February 17, 2016
Davenport University – Livonia Campus 19499 Victor Pkwy, Livonia
5:00pm – 8:30pm
Thursday - February 18, 2016
Oakland Community College
2900 Featherstone Rd, Auburn Hills
3:30pm – 6:00pm
Friday - February 19, 2016
Ann Arbor—Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. 5th Ave. 3:30pm – 6:00pm
Tuesday - February 23, 2016
MVCA Learning Center, Grand Rapids
678 Front Avenue NW,
Please also see FAST's latest issue of the Community Connector in the email attachments!
Charter School Teacher/Admin of the Year!
From Lindsay Wesley:
Hi team!
Last year we had a finalist from MVCA – wouldn’t it be amazing if this year we had a winner?!
If you can think of a teacher or admin you want to nominate, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TLSWWXJ
Survey closes Feb 12th.
Lindsay Wesley
Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
Please find the most recent MDE Spotlight newsletter - if you haven't already, please sign up at the BAA for automatic testing updates!
Diversity Training Part 2 - Virtual
Diversity Training - Diversity Training-Understanding our history and how who we are impacts teaching our students
Please plan accordingly with cancelling any CC sessions for that afternoon - thanks!
Thursday, Mar 17, 2016, 01:00 PM
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The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize
HS Teachers - can you please push this out to your classes?
The CollegeBoard is holding an essay writing contest. It is for ALL students, not just AP. Can we push this out to all students in grades 9-12? The Grand Prize is $5,000!
Students would need to submit their essays to AP Coordinator, Tonya Westra. Not all essays will be accepted, but she will review and grade each and every entry. She will return essays to students if she feels there is area for improvement before submission. The last day for Tonya to submit is 2/28 so she would need all student essays before that point.
More information:
The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize
2016 Call for Entries
Submission window: Jan. 1–Feb. 28, 2016
The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize returns for its second year! This time, we’re looking for exceptional high school student essays that insightfully analyze and interpret a meaningful work of art.
Our understanding of the human experience is enhanced by the study of significant historical artifacts. When we interact with art — when we learn about it, think about it, write and talk about it — we participate in a larger, ongoing conversation about culture and society. The 2016 Writing Prize contest invites you to be part of this conversation.
Your essay should share your perspective on the artwork you choose to write about, and it should also include evidence that backs up your conclusions. We’re looking for writing that is both interesting and instructive, and that clearly communicates your experience with the artwork and your views on it.
Essays should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and can be submitted from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2016. You’ll need to ask a teacher-sponsor to approve and submit your essay; see How to Enter for more on that. We’ll select one student winner who will earn a $5,000 prize and have his or her essay published in the September 2016 issue of The Atlantic.
https://www.collegeboard.org/writing-prize?ep_ch=PR&ep_mid=11201648&ep_rid=243373118
What can you attend with your team?
GVSU - Free PD Opportunities
Event Start: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Vocabulary, Fluency, and Comprehension (East)Event Start: Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
ADHD Clinic for Educators (West)Event Start: Friday, February 12, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Capturing Curiosity: Creating Engagement in Mathematics (West)Event Start: Monday, February 15, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 1:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Friday, February 19, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Monday, February 22, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: L. William Seidman Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Friday, February 26, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $150.00
Location: GVSU Detroit Center
More Information or Registration
Event Start: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 12:30 PM
Member Cost: $0.00
Non-member Cost: $75.00
Location: GVSU Bicycle Factory
Face to Face PD in Lansing
Breakfast will be served from 8:00-9:00 am and lunch will be served as well. If you have a special dietary request, please get in touch with Julie Overholt.
Our PD will start at 9:00 am.
Our MS teachers as well as our HS special education teachers will be working with our winter NWEA throughout the day. The afternoon will include planning for our S2 NWEA prep as we look to our spring testing window opening up on May 2.
Our HS gen ed teachers will be working on instruction.
Anyone who lives an hour or more away from Lansing is welcome to get a hotel in the Lansing area. There are quite a few hotels very close to Lansing Community College's West Campus. Please use Atlas Travel to book your hotel - thanks! Please find a roommate for your hotel stay - thanks!
Patrick McClanahan is also suggesting these hotels - please book through Atlas Travel:
Hyatt Place
Courtyard Marriott
Holiday Inn Express
Hampton Inn
We also would like people to rent a car when the cost of the rental is less than what your mileage would be. Please use Atlas Travel to reserve your car - thanks!
Please bring your laptops and if you have an extension cord, please toss it into your bag just in case.
This PD is being paid for by our regional assistance grant - just as our December PD.
Please come prepared with your mileage/car rental/hotel receipts so that you can fill out a paper copy before you leave on Friday. You will then fill out a report in Intacct for reimbursement as well.
We look forward to seeing everyone!
Friday, Feb 12, 2016, 08:00 AM
Lansing Community College West Campus, Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI, United States
Free ASCD Webinars
Upcoming Free ASCD Webinars
ASCD's free webinar series brings experts in the field of education to a computer near you with practical, ready-to-use strategies and advice. We archive each webinar so that you can get your professional development on-demand!
Check out the upcoming webinars below or browse the complete webinar archive.
Upcoming Webinars
Using Discussion to Inspire Writing
Thursday, February 25, 3:00 p.m. ET (US)
Presented by Terry Roberts
Register Now
Join Terry Roberts, director of the National Paideia Center and co-author of The Better Writing Breakthrough, for a discussion of how to use formal classroom discussion to inspire student writing that is more clear, coherent, and sophisticated.
Disrupting Poverty: Creating a Poverty Literate Culture for Student Success
Thursday, March 17, 3:00 p.m. ET (US)
Presented by William Parrett & Kathleen Budge
Register Now
William Parrett and Kathleen Budge, authors of the award-winning ASCD book, Turning High-Poverty Schools into High-Performing Schools, will share a framework for collaborative action in classrooms and schools. Practical strategies and specific examples will "jumpstart" your thinking about what it takes to disrupt poverty's adverse effects on learning to help your students succeed.
MVCA is proud of you, Cassandra!
MVCA AWARDED GRANT!
THANK YOU, Nicole Ehle, for submitting the grant!
How exciting for MVCA!
New Positions at MVCA!
I have again attached the 3 new positions that were created through our Title I amendment:
Data Coach
MTSS Lead
Homeless Liaison
Students First Broadcast this week!
On Wednesday, February 10, 2016 K12 will deliver the latest Students First update to all employees and school teams. To accommodate busy schedules and time zones, there will be three dedicated viewing times throughout the day.
Time Options: 2:00pm | 4:00pm | 7:00pm
You will be able to access to webcast using the following link: www.dcwebcasting.com/studentsfirst
Log In Credentials-
User ID: students2016
Password: first
K12 has always been about putting the students we serve - and their academic success - first and foremost in everything we do. To achieve that goal, we must foster a culture of professionalism, service, transparency, accountability, and most important, the highest level of integrity at every level of our organization.
New Students as of February 1
STUDENTID STUDENTLASTNAME GRADE
1849710 Austin 7th Grade
1701680 Browning 7th Grade
1840859 Coyer 7th Grade
1844761 Dupek 7th Grade
1803289 Ferguson 7th Grade
1851731 Gormley 7th Grade
1851448 Kandah 7th Grade
1848001 Langlois 7th Grade
1848891 Stickney 7th Grade
1847227 Whitaker 7th Grade
1642735 Wood 7th Grade
1837090 Ancel 8th Grade
1850592 Aylor 8th Grade
1850166 Beckman 8th Grade
1849426 Capelle 8th Grade
1848656 Carey 8th Grade
1851074 Finnigan 8th Grade
1849400 Flowers 8th Grade
1848058 Hogsett 8th Grade
1851797 Kangas 8th Grade
1848965 Lane 8th Grade
1845226 McCallister 8th Grade
1851473 Pitt 8th Grade
1836656 Smith 8th Grade
1413113 Springstead 8th Grade
1848896 Stickney 8th Grade
1850657 Williams 8th Grade
1849992 Basquin 9th Grade
1819183 Bolesky 9th Grade
1839669 Brown 9th Grade
1850017 Burby 9th Grade
1851427 Clark 9th Grade
1848526 Droog 9th Grade
1852100 Farnsworth 9th Grade
1839558 Green 9th Grade
1851230 Harris 9th Grade
1845368 Hauser 9th Grade
1830162 Hottois 9th Grade
1851764 Howells 9th Grade
1845408 Kauffman 9th Grade
1842965 Kenworthy 9th Grade
1831726 LaPointe 9th Grade
1845116 McAdoo 9th Grade
1846084 Moya 9th Grade
1202326 Mudge Jr 9th Grade
1849740 Muscat 9th Grade
1650557 Peters 9th Grade
1625121 Silmi 9th Grade
1843409 Sims 9th Grade
1839905 Boehm 10th Grade
1843917 Bryant 10th Grade
1832995 Howland 10th Grade
1848683 Johnson 10th Grade
1827998 Kah 10th Grade
1839104 Mahon-Tirrell 10th Grade
1850054 Montressor 10th Grade
1824843 Silmi 10th Grade
1847950 Sordino 10th Grade
1843217 Taylor 10th Grade
1846620 Ackerman 11th Grade
1829604 Baganz 11th Grade
1843059 Burby 11th Grade
1844336 Crow 11th Grade
1845899 Dykeman 11th Grade
1396905 Hoffman 11th Grade
1783802 Hurd 11th Grade
1848633 Medearis 11th Grade
1844746 Orsini 11th Grade
1682558 Smith 11th Grade
1822201 Swanson 11th Grade
1748561 Woodall 11th Grade
1845114 Leach 12th Grade
This week, the National Charter Schools Institute launched an essay contest for Michigan middle and high school students. This year’s theme is “what my charter school means to me.” The top prize for each division is $500. Winners will be announced during National Charter Schools Week and receive special recognition at that time.
Attached are some flyers with more information. Please feel free to share this information with those who might be interested in it. I know that there are great things happening at the schools that you work with, and we’re excited to hear from your students.
7-12 Team Time on February 5, 2016
Session: Mrs. Snyder
Type: None
Started: Feb 05, 2016 07:52 AM Eastern (EST, North America/Canada)
Ended: Feb 05, 2016 09:38 AM Eastern (EST, North America/Canada)
This session was recorded. To view the recording, please click the link below:
https://sas.elluminate.com/p.jnlp?psid=2016-02-05.0552.M.14BBF5719A516B359750CBFAC36D6D.vcr&sid=559
I have also attached the powerpoint deck in the email.