The Raider Professional
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 35
The Best Teachers, Teach From The Heart!
Teaching is more than just delivering information to students. It involves building meaningful relationships with them, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and supporting them in achieving their full potential. Great teachers know that teaching from the heart is the key to unlocking a student's full potential.
At W.J. Keenan High School, we believe in intentional bonding as a way to connect with our students on a personal level. Intentional bonding means making a conscious effort to build strong relationships with our students. This includes taking the time to have sidebar conversations with kids, attending their extracurricular events, contacting parents with positive news, and giving them the opportunity to ask questions and showcase what they have learned.
When teachers take the time to intentionally bond with their students, they create a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued and respected. Students are more likely to engage in the learning process and take risks when they feel that their teacher is invested in their success. This type of environment fosters a love of learning that lasts long after the student leaves the classroom.
Sidebar conversations are an excellent way for teachers to connect with their students on a personal level. These conversations allow teachers to learn more about their students' interests, goals, and struggles. By actively listening to what their students have to say, teachers can better understand their needs and tailor their teaching methods to meet them.
Attending students' extracurricular events is another great way for teachers to show support for their students outside of the classroom. This demonstrates that teachers are interested in their students' lives beyond academics and helps to build a stronger bond between them.
Contacting parents with positive news is a powerful way to build trust between teachers, students, and parents. When parents receive positive feedback about their child's progress, they are more likely to be invested in their child's education and support them in achieving their goals.
Allowing students to ask questions and showcase what they have learned is essential for building a culture of trust and respect in the classroom. When students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their knowledge with their peers, they are more likely to engage in the learning process and take risks.
In conclusion, intentional bonding is critical to creating a positive learning environment. When teachers take the time to connect with their students on a personal level, they build trust and respect, which leads to better academic outcomes. At W.J. Keenan High School, we believe that intentional bonding is the heart of teaching, and we encourage all educators to make a conscious effort to build stronger relationships with their students.
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:
- School starts at 8:00 a.m. Remind students they need to report to class before then to avoid a tardy.
- Stand at your door during the change of each class.
- 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.
- 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, April 24, 2023
- “Anyone who has ever made anything of importance was disciplined.” — Andrew Hendrixson
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
- Faculty Meeting in the lecture hall @ 3:30 p.m.
- JV/V Soccer Vs. Fairfield (At Fairfield Central H.S.) @ 5:30 p.m. / 7:00 p.m.
- “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.” — Brian Tracy
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
- W.J. Keenan Track at Richland County Meet (at Home) @ 5:00 p.m.
- W.J. Keenan Baseball Vs. Crestwood (At Crestwood H.S.) @6:00 p.m.
- “Champions keep playing until they get it right.” — Billie Jean King
Thursday, April 27, 2023
- Magnet Night at W.J. Keenan High School @ 6:00 p.m.
- “Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.” — Thomas Edison
Friday, April 28, 2023
Early Release/Professional Development (Check Email for Details)
W.J. Keenan High School's Prom (Check Email for Details)
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Ulaina Floyd Is Headed to the Governor's School!
Congratulations to sophomore Ulaina Floyd, who has been accepted into the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities for their residential high school program for Music/Voice. Ulaina starts school in Greenville August 6.
W.J. Keenan Starts A Chapter of The National Science Honor Society!
Congratulations to Our National Beta Club Members
CHERYL LAWSON-WILSON, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR INSTRUCTION
Welcome to another week in Raider Nation!
We have 25 more days of school remaining. Please be diligent in monitoring students and providing quality instruction. You should also be mindful that leaving your classroom for any reason without calling Ms. Erving or another staff member for coverage is an unsafe practice.
If you need Read to Succeed classes, the deadline to apply is April 28. It's usually first come first served, so please apply now and do not wait. A message was sent through R1 Announcements. For more information contact Kendra Lynn.
End of Course Testing Schedule:
May 1-2 English Writing Test
May 8-9 English Reading Test
May 10-11 Biology Test
May 12, 15, 16 Algebra Test
May 17-18- USH Test
If you have student recommendations for scheduling next year, please send those recommendations to your department chair. Department leaders should compile a student list and forward that information to Ms. Humphrey. We can no longer make recommendations in Power School. If you have questions about this process, please email me or call for clarification.
End of Course testing will be occurring through the month of May. End of Course exams count for 20% of a students final grade. If you are teaching an EOC course, by now your students should have accessed the Online Tools Training. Please be sure to follow the links that will help you prepare for testing.
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/algebra1-test-blueprint-2022-23
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/biology-test-blueprint-2022-23
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/biology1-teachers-guide-and-sample-items/
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/english2-test-blueprint-2022-23
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/2019-eocep-sample-release-items-for-english-2
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/eocep-english-1-writer-s-checklist/
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/eocep-text-dependent-analysis-scoring-rubric/
https://ed.sc.gov/tests/tests-files/eocep-files/ushc-test-blueprint-2022-23
Dates to Remember:
Early Release/Professional Development - April 28
Prom - April 28
End of Course Testing - May 1 - May 19 in the small gym
AP Calculus Test - May 8
Spring STAR testing - May 10-24
Graduation - May 25
Grade verification due - May 24
Last day of school for students - May 26
Teacher workday - May 27
Instructional Reminders:
· 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.
1. What are we learning?
2. How are we learning it?
3. Why are we learning it?
4. How can this learning be extended?
Observation non-negotiables:
1. Standards & Learning intentions should be addressed prior to the start of the lesson. They should be written AND communicated verbally as well as explicitly.
2. Gradual Release (I do, We do, You do)
3. Questions that move through different levels of thinking
4. Activities are aligned to standards and age-appropriate
5. Monitoring student progress and class management (moving about the room)
Have an outstanding week!
Faith Stenson Named Teaching Fellows Scholar!
Faith Stinson has been awarded the coveted Teaching Fellows scholarship worth $24,000 over 4 years. She is a Teacher Cadet who plans to be a middle school ELA/Social Studies teacher. W.J. Keenan is proud of you Faith!
We Celebrate Chief Robinson-Byrd!
Chief Robinson-Byrd who currently leads our JROTC department will be saying farewell to our Keenan family this year. She will be leaving behind a great group of student leaders who are well prepared to carry on to what she has instilled in them. We are excited to see her bloom in her next chapter. Thank you Chief for your contributions to W.J. Keenan!
Do Your Habits Match Your Goals? - Kimberly Jeter. Assistant Principal
As we are quickly making our way through the 22-23 school year; conversations with our 9th grade students have centered on this simple, but complex question, "Do your habits match your goals?"
The Raider Freshman Academy, emphasizes the importance of positive habits and character traits such as a strong work ethic, resilience, perseverance, self-determination, and self-regulation. High school presents all students, especially 9th graders with opportunities to grow in each of these areas. High school studies as well as life will present both successes and failures. As we approach the 4th quarter it is my continued task and mission to work together with Raider Academy teachers to teach, cultivate, and foster the growth of these skills to ensure our students have the best shot at academic, emotional, and behavioral success.
The Raider Academy News!
Shalise Wine, Magnet Lead Teacher
"Fueling experiential learning and academic rigor - Forge your path to success in the Raider Academy, at W.J. Keenan High School."
Magnet News and Important Information:
Magnet Night (Also parent night) will be April 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM
Student Magnet Meetings Guest Speaker Kye Greene:
April 28, 2023
May 4, 2023
May 16, 2023
Virtual Parent Meeting May 15, 2023
Shalise wine is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: W. J. Keenan Career Magnet Parent Information Session Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/97870140697?pwd=amlyTkdDL0pCSWlGQTVYQm1jK2lzZz09 Meeting ID: 978 7014 0697 Passcode: d0tWyR
Reminder Students that they must have a 70 or above for the year in all of their classes. We are still offering tutoring for students that may need assistance.
The Raider Academy is Coming
Changes are coming in 2023-2024 school year. We are now a school within a school. We are called The Raider Academy. You will be receiving a letter discussing all of the changes that are coming up by the end of this week.
We have been invited to attend camp at the University of South Carolina's Hospitality program over the summer for two days. If you are interested in this amazing opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Wine.
Please view the attachment below for more details!
Absence Reporting/Morning Routine
Teachers and staff, please help us keep our students and school safe by reporting to work by 7:30 (morning duty) or 7:45 am. Please be at your doors ready to receive students by 7:50 am.
Please be reminded if you are going to be absent, report your absence by:
1. Submitting your absence in Frontline (Aesop).
2. Sending an email that you will be out.
a. To: Mr. Hankins
b. CC: Ms. Erving and Mrs. McIntee
c. Subject: Your Name Absent Date of Absence (Ex: Jabar Hankins Absent 1/16/23)
3. Calling the school (if an emergency happens on your way to work).
Substitutes and staff members covering classes should arrive by 7:45 am.
Thanks for your cooperation and for all you do for our students.
Attendance Recovery (Seat Time)
Please be reminded that the deadline to make up attendance recovery (seat time) hours is Saturday, February 4. After this date, FAs (Failure due to Absence) will become a grade of F in students’ historical grades, if they have not completed seat time for their courses. This will mean students will have to re-take some courses to satisfy graduation/promotion requirements. This may also mean that some students may not graduate on time or may not be promoted to the next grade level.
Students who have seat time hours to make up may see Mrs. Wine, Mrs. DuBard or Mr. Hankins to get information for sign up and completion. Attendance recovery hours are offered Monday-Friday from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm and Saturdays (January 28 and February 4) from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.
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