the RAH
March 9-13, 2020
from Mike-
MAP Prep and Celebrations
Every school has their own approach to getting students and teachers ready for a successful MAP testing season. Some buildings take a traditional approach, trying to keep things business as usual for students. This approach downplays the hype around the test as simply another tool we use to measure learning and inform our practice. Others take a different approach, using this time as a way to celebrate our learning together and get kids excited for the chance to take on the challenge and show how hard they have worked all year long. I was always partial to the latter. First of all, our results were better when we went this route -- particularly with our at-risk students. Secondly, it was way more fun for everybody.
Our game plan was orchestrated by a team of staff members that focused on just this issue -- the MAP Rewards team. There is no way one person can tackle this by themselves. Each year we hosted four after-school “MAP Olympics” or “Boot Camp” events spread out over the two weeks prior to MAP testing. This was one hour full of fun stations, hands-on activities, math scavenger hunts, MAP-tailored games, and of course -- SNACKS. Our attendance at these events was great -- increasing each day as kids heard from their friends about it. Teachers from all grade-levels participated in these events as we united to support and cheer on our kiddos and each other.
We also hosted a MAP kick-off assembly with the whole school on the day before testing started. Here we had our Student Council lead a presentation about what the MAP was used for, why it matters, keys to success, and a breakdown of the daily rewards we had in place for giving their best effort. We wrapped it up with a “Quiz Bowl” competition between each class within the tested grade levels -- sometimes using Kahoot as our game platform. Here we pumped up our school pride and let them know they were part of a proud tradition of excellence at our school -- the “best elementary school in the state of Missouri.” They heard that phrase every day of the school year -- until they finally started to believe it.
On testing days we had a MAP Walk (complete with music and lots of high-fives) just prior to the test to get the blood flowing before sitting down for testing. During testing, their teacher was up and moving the entire time monitoring the test -- peppermints for everybody. In order to NOT encourage kids to rush through the test, we did not allow them to do anything entertaining when they finished -- just sit and wait quietly. Students earned a daily reward (freeze pop, ice cream sandwich, etc.) for getting their effort ticket. Effort tickets were given for simply being focused, taking their time, using their scratch paper to work out their answers, and having a great attitude.
At the end of the testing window, those students who earned their effort ticket every day were able to participate in MAP-a-palooza -- a two-hour grade-level event where kids rotated between stations for extra recess, ice cream sundae bar, computer lab games, and a 30-minute “movie” station. It was a great wrap up event to thank our students and teachers for giving their best on the MAP.
If you are looking for ideas about how to celebrate this time with your team, here is a LINK to a few more of the resources we used during this time each year. Send me any additional resources your team uses and I’ll share them here. Your students and teachers work hard all year to keep students moving forward and growing in their learning. You know what your team needs and what motivates your students to have a great attitude and do their best so we get an accurate measure of their learning. Whatever approach you use, the time you spend in planning and being intentional around setting your team up for success is time well spent. Don’t hesitate to get your team involved in the plan and do what you think is best for your kids. They deserve it!
SPLS Planning Day
It is that time again to begin the process of preparing for your SPLS Planning Day. As a reminder, Site Professional Learning Systems (SPLS) provide a framework for healthy adult learning in our district. When you and your team join us, our goal will be to give you the resources, knowledge, and time you need to plan a year’s worth of powerful professional learning that moves the needle for the students you serve.
Selecting the right team to join you is the first step towards a productive year of site professional learning. It is wise to include a diverse mix of teachers in terms of experience, grade levels/subject matter, and perspective on adult learning needs. Also, Including your site-based coach or coaches on your team has also proven to be very helpful to teams in the past. Again this year, Learning Specialists will be available to support your thinking and planning during the day.
Elementary Leaders-Please register up to five team members to accompany the administrator from your site. If you have unique needs beyond these limits, please contact Dr. Nicole Holt.
You may choose from the dates below based on what works best for your selected team. All SPLS Planning days will be held at KAC in Meeting Rooms A and B from 8:30-3:30 p.m.
- May 29
- June 4
- June 5
- June 8
- July 9
Any educators attending the SPLS Work Day outside of a contract day will be compensated at an hourly rate of $17.50. Additionally, if you have teachers that are working Explore during the SPLS Planning Day, they can attend SPLS and will receive their Explore rate of pay.
The SPLS registration email will be sent to leaders on March 13th. In the meantime, please begin the process of selecting your team and determining a date that works best for those team members. More information to come at Job Alike meetings next week.
SLT followed by Ele JA
Wednesday, Mar 11, 2020, 08:30 AM
1359 East Saint Louis Street, Springfield, MO, USA
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Our March session of YMHFA is full, which means only one more opportunity for staff to received Youth Mental Health First Aid training for this school year. We are fortunate to be able to continue to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid training to ANY school employee again this year. The training is free and funding from Community Partnership of the Ozarks will pay for substitutes.
I need your help in getting the word out to your staff. Please forward this email. Below you will find a description of the training and a registration form to sign up for the training. The more information we can provide to staff about the mental health challenges our youth are facing, the earlier we can intervene to help them avoid a crisis.
Please encourage participation from any staff that haven’t previously attended.
Thank you for your support and please let me know if you have questions about any of this information.
*information on how to code absences is located at the end of the registration form
Linda Luke Librarian & Malori McGhee Rookie of the Year nominations
The SPS Rookie of the Year Malori McGhee Memorial Award was created to honor the legacy of Malori McGhee. Malori died in January of 2016 during her first year serving as a fourth-grade teacher at Disney Elementary. She was known as a dynamic teacher who made an indelible mark in a relatively short period of time. This honor is given annually, during the Teacher Appreciation Banquet, to recognize and celebrate outstanding teachers in the early years of their career who exhibit professionalism in providing quality instruction and who strive to meet the needs of all students.
Please submit nomination for Rookie of the Year (click here) by Monday, March 30.
The Linda Luke Librarian of the Year award was established in 1997 by Dr. Robert Luke in memory of his wife. Linda Luke served as librarian and teacher at Hickory Hills and Disney Elementary for nearly ten years.
Librarians are the gatekeepers in libraries across the district! They are responsible for caring and maintaining the library for students to further explore history, books, and more! If you know of an outstanding librarian or librarian duo in SPS who exhibit the following, nominate them for our 2020 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Awards!
- Librarian demonstrates an attitude which emanates caring and concern as well as deep commitment for his/her work
- A librarian who supports the teaching and learning process by providing a library climate that causes students and teachers to maximize available resources
- A librarian who has orchestrated an innovative project
Nominations close on Tuesday, March 24.
If you have any questions, please contact Development Director Tina Pham at 417-523-0144 or ttpham@spsmail.org
Here is the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year link: https://www.supportsps.org/now-open-2020-linda-luke-librarian-of-the-year-awards/