SMS Scoop
August 26, 2019
NWEA Testing Starts Tomorrow!
- The test is designed to be challenging. There will be some things you know and some things you don't know. That is NORMAL. Don't panic. Think about it. And give the best answer you can on every question (tests are about 48-55 questions).
- Everyone gets extra time. Just like ILEARN, this test is untimed. We give each student 90 minutes in a morning test session. If a student needs more time, he or she will finish testing after lunch.
- Don't rapid guess! This year your test will automatically stop if you are selecting answers too quickly. Take time to read passages. Students will earn a hero point for every NWEA test session that does NOT trigger the a 'slow down' visit from the teacher!
- Test results matter. Nobody gets a grade for NWEA (whew!) but the results tell us what students can already do and what students need to learn next. Results are more helpful if they are accurate. We'll be starting skill groups in HR soon, based on student needs. So give us your best effort and we'll be in the best position to help you grow!
- We use multiple testing centers. Some students will test in homerooms. Some students will test in other locations. You will be told your location during HR on Monday!
Our schedule is Tuesday Math, Wednesday Reading, and Thursday Language Conventions. Test times for each day are 6th 8:35-10:05, 8th 9:30-11:00, and 7th 9:40-11:10. Thanks for being here, on time, each day. Good luck on your tests! Show what you know!
ILEARN Student Results
Student performances are placed in one of four categories: Below Proficiency, Approaching Proficiency, At Proficiency, and Above Proficiency. It should be noted that the scores are lower than the previous ISTEP+ scores. The IDOE put out this statement last week:
When compared to past ISTEP+ scores, the scores for Indiana’s new assessment, ILEARN, indicated lower achievement levels across the state in both English/language arts and mathematics. The combination of the rigors associated with this newly aligned college and career readiness assessment, national normative data, and the defined established performance cuts all contributed to the lower performance levels. While frustrating, performance dips at some level were expected. ILEARN scores will be made public at the September 4 State Board of Education meeting. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) will advocate for legislative action addressing the negative impact on educators, schools, districts, and communities. In addition, IDOE will continue to advocate for a new, modernized, state-legislated accountability system that is fair, accurate, and transparent.
Club News
SMS has 15 clubs and several of them are starting this week. We hope that all students join a club this year. Do any of these options speak to you? Check with your home adults about scheduling and transportation!!
The Scottsburg Middle School Student Council needs YOU! If you are interested in helping with spirit weeks, planning dances, improving school climate, raising money for worthy causes and being part of the leadership team of the school, you should come to the Student Council Callout Meeting to learn how to join! Our current officers will share with you what Student Council does and you will have the opportunity to take an application packet with you. We will meet Thursday, August 29 at 7:15am in the fishbowl. All meetings will be held before school so that the maximum number of people can attend! We hope to see you Thursday!
The SMS Drama Club will be holding auditions for this fall’s play Around the World in 8 Plays. Auditions will be held in the choir room from 3-4:15 PM next Tuesday (August 27th) and Thursday (August 29th). You only need to attend ONE evening of auditions. Come prepared to do a cold reading, some improv and singing! Sign up to attend ONE day on the Community Canvas page. You must be able to attend the majority of practices which will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 4:15. You must also have a ride home from practice. We will have space for some talented art people to help with background and sets, lighting and props, so even if you don’t want to be in the spotlight, there are other opportunities for you to be part of the action. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Zeigenbein (703) or Ms. Kruth (202).
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th-grader out there who L-O-V-E-S to spell? Mrs. Cox is looking for students to represent SMS in this year’s Junior Academic Spell Bowl! This week during Language Arts students will be asked to take a preliminary 20-question spelling test. Students with the highest scores will receive an invitation with more information on how to join the SMS Spell Bowl team, if interested. Are you ready to S-P-E-L-L and BE INVOLVED, WARRIORS?!
Join the Cross at the flagpole every Wednesday morning @ 7:45 AM! We will meet together for devotion and prayer for our students, staff, school, and community. All students and staff are welcome to join. In the case of inclement weather, Cross will meet in the East Gym. Cross begins on Wednesday, August 28th.
Builders Club is a student-led community service organization that will start Thursday, Sept. 12. Builders Club will meet in room 604 from 3:00-4:00 (have your ride ready to pick up at 4:00 out front). Members learn to work together and develop servant-leader skills as they serve their school and community. Builders Club provides student members with opportunities to perform service for their school and community, build character and develop leadership skills. Examples of community service include helping at the Animal Shelter/Cat Shelter, CASA clean-up, CRADLE, Veterans Day cards for the nursing homes, Christmas parade float, and Kiwanis pancake breakfast and spaghetti suppers. Look for meeting dates on Eventlink. For more information, contact Ms. Zollman in room 604, szollman@scsd2.k12.in.us
Labor Day Next Week
Team of the Week: We love our cooks!
Campus Improvements
- We are transitioning to new landscaping, including the front drive. Our Bradford pear trees were coming down one strong wind at a time so we pulled them up and will embark on a new front drive landscaping plan very soon. The front and back entrance areas also have new plants, trees, and rocks.
- We also doubled the size of our back parking lot! The parking lot should be available this week and will really help us for big sports nights, open house, band concerts, etc!
- Both gyms have new lighting.
- We have a new, secure entrance for SRO James Vires' office!
- We have upgraded our security camera system.
We are thankful for all of the people that make SMS such a beautiful and efficient campus!
This Week...
Mon. Aug. 26: B day, Tennis @ NHarrison, 6/7/8 VB @ Silver Creek,
Tue. Aug. 27: A day, StuCo Officer mtg 7:15am, NWEA Math Test, Drama auditions, Fall sports pics
Wed. Aug. 28: B day, NWEA Reading Test, Football @ NHarrison, 6/7/8 VB @ River Valley
Thu. Aug. 29: A day, Student Council 7:15am, NWEA Language Usage Test, Drama auditions, CC @ North Harrison, Soccer @ North Harrison, 6 VB @ Southwestern, Tennis v. Southwestern,
Fri. Aug. 30: B day,
Mon. Sep. 2: No school - Labor Day
Tue. Sep. 3: A day
Scottsburg Middle School
Email: knass@scsd2.k12.in.us
Website: www.sms.scsd2.k12.in.us
Location: 425 South 3rd Street, Scottsburg, IN, United States
Phone: 812-752-8926
Facebook: facebook.com/ScottsburgMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @ScottsburgMS