The Falcon Files
Your Weekly Falcon Updates for Staff
September 30, 2019
Words of Inspiration
“Not all superheroes have capes, some have Teaching Degrees.”
-Author Unknown
A Special Applause To....
Jill Wilkinson has also put forth an amazing effort to get students to sign their final forms. She has been calling up students individually to help them sign their forms. Thank you so much for your help Jill!
Professional Learning On The Go
This week is a double dose of PD on the Fly (you can thank me later)
The first article is a resource when considering how to group students in a station rotation model. This is one of the most specific articles I have read on this topic in terms of strategies you can take and use in your classroom, a true PD on the Fly. The author, Catlin Tucker, addresses the ideas of restraints due to the amount of time in a class period, large class sizes, and how to conference with students in this model. The article is short and to the point. Enjoy!
Station Rotation Model: Alternative Group Formations
The second article explores a couple topics we have discussed during PBL implementation. The author, John Spencer, begins by talking about the struggles of creating an authentic experience for students in a math classroom. As you often do, he reflected on the failure. He shares, "At first, I blamed my students. I viewed their disengagement as laziness rather than confusion. However, after four days of a failing project, I realized it was a design problem. On a fundamental level, those standards didn’t fit in with a project-based approach." He goes on to state, "PBL is not a license to ditch the standards or take a break from real learning. It’s not the same thing as a pizza party or Field Day. As educators, we need to make sure our projects lead students to a place where they can master the standards." Spencer then goes on to share how he made it work! PBL empowers students in a way I have never seen before. I know you are spending so much time collaborating with each other to make this work for kids. I hope this article makes you think, makes you reflect, and makes you better. Enjoy!
How Do You Teach to the Standards When Doing Project-Based Learning?
Professional Library for You!
I have created a professional library in the teachers lounge. It is located in the cupboard by the TV for now. If you would like to check a book out, go to this link.
Creative Confidence was one of the first books I read as I started exploring some instructional strategies that required me to think differently. As we talk about the 4 Cs, creativity is sometimes challenged because many associate creativity with art. This book helps the reader understand that we all can contribute creatively. This book will provide you with strategies that will help you tap into your creative potential.
libib.com review:
IDEO founder and Stanford d.school creator David Kelley and his brother Tom Kelley, IDEO partner and the author of the bestselling The Art of Innovation, have written a powerful and compelling book on unleashing the creativity that lies within each and every one of us.Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the "creative types." But two of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet show us that each and every one of us is creative. In an incredibly entertaining and inspiring narrative that draws on countless stories from their work at IDEO, the Stanford d.school, and with many of the world's top companies, David and Tom Kelley identify the principles and strategies that will allow us to tap into our creative potential in our work lives, and in our personal lives, and allow us to innovate in terms of how we approach and solve problems. It is a book that will help each of us be more productive and successful in our lives and in our careers.
For the week of September 30th....
Monday September 30th
- Science Data Dig (7:30 to 10:30) Meet in 533
- Social Studies Data Dig (10:45 to 2:15, lunch from 11:45 to 12:15) Meet in 533
- PGPs need to be pinned and complete
Wednesday, October 2nd
- 7th Grade TBT
- MS Band and Chorus night between 7th and 8th Grade Middle School Football Game
- Ignite 3.0 - Danny Mefford will be speaking (a week jeans pass and coffee cart for those that go)
Thursday, October 3rd
- 8th grade TBT
- 6th grade TBT
Friday, October 4th
- Falcon Friday - Jeans appropriate
- Free Flu Shot Friday - Contact Cindy Stenger if you haven't done so yet.
Please Announce to Students
*Field Trips - Student who have not completed their Final Forms will NOT be allowed to go because they do not have their medical release and field trip form complete.
*Fund Raiser - Fund Raiser is over on October 2nd. All money and forms should be returned to Jill in the middle school office on that day.
All Grades
*Snap-On Cases MUST be on computers at all times. If they do not have them on, warning first, then an after school detention, then up the discipline matrix. Why? The cases protect our warranty which is void if they are not on. This is new policy for us all. Please help me spread the word. If you have questions, please ask Rachel or myself.
Mrs. Davis' Math Class
Mrs. Marsh's Science Classes
This week, Mrs. Marsh's science classes researched metals, metaloids, and non-metals using the internet and other resources. Through their findings, they identified each type in their interactive notebook.
Mr. Sternsher's Digital Media Class
Ignite 3.0 and Danny Mefford
I am pleased to announce that our very own 6th grader Danny Mefford was selected to speak at Ignite 3.0 (this is an example of an Ignite talk) at the Wade E. Miller Arena at Middletown High School (601 N. Breiel Blvd) this Wednesday, October 2nd at 6 pm! 7 students and 5 educators were selected from the region to give a 5 minute, 20 slide speech about revolutionizing education! Danny is the youngest presenter and we are hoping to have staff members there to support him at this free event!
Come sit in the stands, wear some Massie gear and cheer for Danny! In terms of incentives, I can offer a week-long "jeans pass" and a visit from the Coffee Cart! If you've never been to an Ignite talk, this would be an amazing first visit! I've attached the graphic that is being used to promote the event below:
Info For The Staff
#fuelthepositive Website - Don't forget! Our day to post things is Tuesdays! 1st Tuesday is Admin, 2nd Tuesday is 6th Grade (Kate is with them), 3rd Tuesday is 7th Grade (Nicolin is with them), and 4th Tuesday is 8th Grade (Tammy and Robyn are with them). You all can decide if one person is responsible for the media that day....maybe do it once a month? Tell our story! It helps our culture! Please send to Lorinda and David.
Flu Shot Friday - On Friday, Oct. 4th, the Clinton County Health Department will be here to provide flu shots to our staff in the HS teacher's lounge across from the nurse's clinic from 7-8: 30 am and in the Elementary Teachers Lounge/Mailroom from 8:30-10a.m. EPC will cover the cost for ALL employees whether you are enrolled in our insurance or not!
*Please bring your insurance card with you! The cost for the shot is $25 if you are paying for other family members. Please let me know if you plan to get a shot and are over the age of 65-the price is higher.
Couple of Date you should know about:
- October 10 - Last day of the Quarter
- October 11 - Personal Learning Day Off Campus (more info to come)
- October 30 - November 1 - Project Trust
Data Digs
- September 30th - Science in the morning, Social Studies in the afternoon
Middle School Tech Team - Looking for a few more possiblities Please use this FORM to nominate students to be on a middle school tech team. I only received a 10 nominations from 2 grades. I need 8 nominations from all three grades. Thanks for your help.
Helpdesk - A reminder to please send your technology requests to helpdesk@cmfalcons.org. There is no need to send an email to helpdesk, Michael, and David. In fact, it makes it more confusing on their end as to who needs to provide support. They are making a concerted effort this year to be more timely and responsive to helpdesk tickets. The start of the year is always tough but as they fill out their Tech Team and the Oaks Interns, they need their process to be clear. Thank you for your attention to this.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Alternatives to the Chalkboard - October 12th
Many of you have said that you hate missing class. I get it but we need to find ways to stay fresh and expose ourselves to new and innovative best practices. Here is something that is on a Saturday if you are interested.
Alternatives to the Chalkboard at Camp Kern PD for teachers-Check it out and if you are interested Central Office will support.Rapid Fire Google
Learn21 Conference - October 29th
Teach Better Conference - November 8th and 9th
The Teach Better Conference brings together passionate educators from around the country who are driven to be Better for their students. Join us for 2 days filled with of a variety of session styles, and packed with actionable ideas you can take to your classroom, school, or district, and implement immediately.
I may be going up to Thursday night, conference on Friday and then come home if anyone is interested in going with me.
2019-20 Student Handbook
Birthdays
Sandra Archor - October 1st
Donna Hubbell - October 14th
Jill Binau - October 16th
Rachel Cornett - October 28th
Our Gold Standards
Our Gold Standards
Email: lorinda.ottaway@cmfalcons.org
Website: cmfalcons.org
Location: 2556 Lebanon Rd, Clarksville, OH 45113
Phone: (937) 289-2932
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clinton-Massie-Middle-School-169983643627883/
Twitter: @CMFalconsMiddle