The Middle School Falcon Files
Your Weekly Falcon Updates for Staff
February 24, 2020
Words of Inspiration
Technology will never replace great teachers but technology in the hands of a great teacher can be transformational.
~ George Couros
A Special Applause To....
Professional Learning on the Go
This first article really isn't an article at all. It is a resource page designed by Alice Keeler, the author of the two books we reviewed below. This page is all about Google Classroom. It has everything from basics to tutorials to templates she offers for free. There are a lot of links here but very specific on things from Google Classroom. I think it offers something for the teacher that is just getting started to the one who is looking for more. Hope you find it helpful!
https://alicekeeler.com/google-classroom/
The second article is for math but could benefit anyone through the lens of utilizing technology to enhance the learning process; not using technology just because we have it. (Technology for the sake of technology....not a fan!) Anyway, Caitlin Tucker is a math teacher that has worked hard to help others find solutions in the 21st century. I think she wrote the forward in the book I reviewed below. Anyway, this quick article is from her blog but written by another author and math teacher, Sarah Dunn. In this article, Sarah describes how she integrated technology into her discipline through stations. She also emphasizes that technology should not be the focus but a tool to help complete a task.
https://catlintucker.com/2020/02/meaningful-technology-integration-in-math/
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.
I wanted to make you aware of two books that are down in our library. One is more specific to Math and Google Apps. The other is specific to Google Classroom. Now, I won the Google Classroom book a couple of years ago so some things have changed but the ideas are the same. As we have discussions about creating a student-centered environment for our students, these tools will help you meet those goals. They are both very easy reads and both give you templates and additional resources....and lots of pictures!
Review by libib.com:
50 Things to Go Further with Google Classroom: Today's technology empowers educators to move away from the traditional classroom where teachers lead and students work independently-each doing the same thing. In 50 Things to Go Further with Google Classroom: A Student-Centered Approach, authors and educators Alice Keeler and Libbi Miller offer inspiration and resources to help you create a digitally rich, engaging, student-centered environment. They show you how to tap into the power of individualized learning that is possible with Google Classroom.
Teaching MATH with Google Apps - 50 G Suite Activities: “Why do I need to know how to do math when I can find the answer on my phone?”
If you’ve ever heard a variation of that question from your students—or asked it yourself—this book is for you. Bringing technology into the classroom is about so much more than replacing overhead projectors and chalkboards with Smart Boards. Unfortunately, as Stanford Professor Jo Boaler says, “We are in the twenty-first century, but visitors to many math classrooms could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time and walked into the Victorian era.” But that’s all about to change . . .
In Teaching Math with Google Apps, author-educators Alice Keeler and Diana Herrington reveal more than 50 ways teachers can use technology in math classes. The goal isn’t using tech for tech’s sake; rather, it’s to help students develop critical-thinking skills and learn how to apply mathematical concepts to real life.
Memorization and speed tests seem irrelevant to students who can find the solution to almost any math problem with a tap of the finger. But today’s digital tools allow teachers to make math relevant. Specifically, Google Apps give teachers the opportunity to interact with students in more meaningful ways than ever before, and G Suite empowers students to stretch their thinking and their creativity as they collaborate, explore, and learn.
Teaching Math with Google Apps shows you how to:
Create engaging activities that make math relevant to your students
Interact with students throughout the learning process
Spend less time repeating instructions and grading work
Improve your lessons so you can better meet your students’ needs
Packed with lesson ideas, links to downloadable templates, step-by-step instructions, and resources, Teaching Math with Google Apps equips you to bring your math class into the twenty-first century with easy-to-use technology. What are you waiting for?
For the week of February 24th...
Monday, February 24th
- Don't forget to nominate your student for the #fuelthepositive award. This week, Betsy Wellman, Matt Hudson, Jim Wagner, Tammy Mudd, Christin McClain, Sharri Ford, Janie Luck, Ashley Seewer, Becky Carroll, Dann Sternsher, and Dan Walker will be nominating students. Here is a link to the spreadsheet.
- Curriculum Team meeting 2:45 to 3:45
Tuesday, February 25th
- PSAT Today
- 8th grade - Electives meeting during Falcon Time - High School Gym
- NJHS will be called to the office at 2:20
- BLT meeting 2:45 - 3:45
Wednesday, February 26th
- Fundraiser is due
- 7th Grade TBT during 3rd Bell
- Project Trust leaves after school (Lorinda will be with them the whole time this trip - FYI)
Thursday, February 27th
- Project Trust (Lorinda is with them)
- 8th Grade TBT during 1st Bell
- 6th Grade TBT during 5th Bell
- Your #fuelthepositive nomination is due
Friday, February 28th
- FALCON FRIDAY! Feel free to wear your jeans and Clinton-Massie spiritwear.
- 8th Grade Schedule Preview during English Classes
- Project Trust (Lorinda is with them. Will be back in afternoon)
- #fuelthepositive awards will be given during Falcon time
Please Announce to Students
Fundraiser - Fundraiser is over on Wednesday, March 26th. Please make sure you turn in your order forms on this day.
Writing Club UPDATE - Starting in March, Writing Club will meet on Tuesdays after school until 3:35 Mrs. Molitor will meet the students at the middle school and then take them to her classroom at the elementary. This permission slip has been sent to those that are already participating but if you know of anyone that might be interested, please pass it on. The dates will be as follows: March 3rd, 10th, 24th, 31st April 7th, 14th, 21st
Invention Convention - Jill Binau met with a group of students who are interested in being a part of this opportunity. If there are students that missed her organizational meeting, please direct them to cm-inventionleague.weebly.com to get an Invention Convention Program Packet and the Student Journal. Parent permission and intent to invent forms must be submitted to Mrs. Binau on or before March 15th. Our local Invention Convention day is April 28th at the middle school from 2:30 to 3:30.
Lacrosse - The Clinton Massie Lacrosse Club for middle school boys and girls in the 7th and 8th grades will be having sign-ups for a team this year. Flyers are in the office if you are interested in playing lacrosse.
Library Cards - Students and teachers wanting to check out books on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from the Clinton-Massie Branch Library will have to have their card with them. The library is switching over to a new circulation system and can't check out books without the actual library card. So please remember to bring your card with you to school next week!
#fuelthepositive Award Opportunities
*Take a moment to introduce what you will be looking for and what will happen. We start again on Monday and go through Wednesday. We will present awards during Falcon Time on Wednesday. We will announce the Falcon of the Month at the assembly on Friday.
Falcon of the Month
*This student will be chosen randomly from the pool of #fuelthepositive award winners. Next Falcon will be chosen on the 20th.
Library Events for our Students and Families
*Dungeon and Dragons for students and parents on Wednesdays from 2:45 - 3:45.
*Retro Cinema - Fridays from 2:30 - 4:00 pm
*Kanapy - Movie Streaming App - If you have a library card (which also include teacher and classroom cards) you can download the app and stream various movies and educational films for your class and yourself! The service includes not only entertainment films, but also instructional films and lessons for k-12 students, as well as teacher education development videos.
Just login through your computer or download the app to your tv streaming device, create an account with your library card and you're there! Click Here to sign in.
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 a new policy for us all. Please help me spread the word. If you have questions, please ask Rachel or myself.
What is happening? A lot of video!
Physical Education - 6th Grade
8th Grade Science
@cmscibrady on Instagram to see video and champions!
6th Grade game of Knock-Out......sort of
#fuelthepositive Award Winners for THIS Week
Jacob Ryan - Personal Best and School Record Holder
Parents, please nominate a staff member for Staff Member of the Month next month!
Our One Word
Info For The Staff
National Junior Honor Society - The process of notification and the ceremony itself has changed. This week parents and students who were chosen will be notified. A private induction ceremony will be held on March 6th at 6:30 pm in the auditeria. We will not have an assembly on March 6th. We will recognize their achievements in front of our school at the spring pep assembly which will be held at the end of March or the beginning of April.
Washington D.C. Trip next Fall - Just FYI, I presented to the board with Jamie Dean to request permission to go to Washington D.C. next fall. We are having an informational parent meeting on Tuesday for 7th grade parents to gage interest.
Course Planner - I sent an email out the other day about our middle school course planner. This is a tool that parents will use to make decisions about electives and have a better understanding of what is offered in our building. I would like descriptions of all course taught in our building. Even if they do not have an opportunity to choose some of them. This is another opportunity to share all the great things we are doing/offering our students and keep our parents informed on what the curriculum looks like in each grade. What is the focus? What do you expect your students to master by the end of the year? I am finishing my part this weekend and plan on sharing with the BLT this week. I have two responses so far. I would like to close this form on Friday if possible. I know this takes time. Could we do this is TBTs this week? I would like to share this with our parents right after spring break. Scheduling, I am hoping will soon follow. Thank you for your help with this! Course description form
Field Trips - Just a few reminders/procedures to ensure the safety of all of our kids! If any questions let the office or your team leader know.
Bring or have EMF’s accessible
Be aware of student allergies, epi-pen needs, etc
Sign out sheet if parents are leaving with their child before you leave
Remind parents to sign off on final forms permission slip and communicate date and time of field trip
Notify Nurse-the nurse will give you a first aid kit and other safety items needed
Notify Tracy Matthews-Food services
Notify Mr. Ford-transportation
Take attendance before leaving the field trip site
Fill out field trip form .
Writing Club - Jen Molitor kicked off the writing club before break during study halls and will continue for the rest of the semester. As mentioned in the TBTs, this is just an opportunity for students to write, collaborate, peer review, and explore their inner writer. This is extra-curricular that is student-paced and to be done once their school work is complete. We are really excited to see what happens with this and see where it goes!
#fuelthepositive Awards - We begin again on Monday with new nominations. Please use the spreadsheet to let us know who is up for the award each week. You can find the spreadsheet HERE. If you can get the names in here by Tuesday evening this week, it would be helpful. I try to print the certificates if possible the night before.
This week the following will be nominating students: Betsy Wellman, Matt Hudson, Jim Wagner, Tammy Mudd, Christin McClain, Sharri Ford, Janie Luck, Ashley Seewer, Becky Carroll, Dann Sternsher, and Dan Walker.
Schedules - BLT will be finalizing the schedule on Tuesday. The BLT worked hard to create a schedule that met the needs of the students and provided some unique opportunities for our building. We are trying to tie up a few loose strings and will share our findings soon. Rachel and I are planning on using online scheduling for the schedule next year and would like to have student schedules complete by May.
Clinton-Massie Letterhead - If you are sending anything out to parents, please use the Clinton-Massie Letterhead located in our templates.
#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.
A Couple of Dates you should know about:
- February 25th - PSAT (7th and 8th grade list)
- February 25th - 7th Grade Parent Meeting for Washington D.C.
- February 26th - Announcement of NJHS new members
- February 26th - Fundraiser is over
- February 26th - 28th - Project Trust
- February 28th - 8th Grade Scheduling with HS Councilors (during English)
- March 3rd - CMMS Band and Chorus Concert - 7:00 pm
- March 12th - End of third quarter
- March 13 - NO School (for students) Professional Learning Day
- March 16 - 20 - Spring Break
- April 10 - Conference Exchange Day - NO SCHOOL
- April 13 - Flex Day - NO SCHOOL for students and those that this applies too
- April 15th, 16th - AIR English
- April 22nd, 23rd - AIR Math
- April 29th - AIR 8th Grade Science
- May 4-6 - MAP
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.
Digital Citizenship Discussions
Professional Learning Opportunities
BER Opportunities
- Presentor: Brad Fulton - Secondary Math Teacher and National Trainer
- Practical ways to increase the success of your students who struggle.
- Classroom-proven techniques to break the cycle of failure that students who struggle in mathematics often experience.
- Strategies to help students tackle tough math problems with greater confidence.
- Receive an extensive resource handbook
Grant Opportunity for Professional Learning Opportunities
American Wilderness Leadership School
Storytelling through Animation Creation - February 26th - For ELA and History Teachers
Come talk to me about this if you are curious.
Storytelling through Animation Creation -
Storytelling through Animation Creation is intended for Middle and High School Language Arts teachers and Social Studies teachers who are interested in providing students alternatives for demonstrating understanding.
Use code to tell fun and interactive stories.
Program a conversation between two characters to explore the role of dialogue in storytelling.
Provide details about a character and use code to describe the character's actions, thoughts, and words.
Take an existing story and explore it from a first person and third person point of view.
Create a presentation using animation
You will also learn how to access Google's CS First lesson resources and how to access Scratch's lesson resources.
Important Session Information:
In this workshop, you will learn how you can leverage Google's CS First along with a free online program called Scratch to help your students tell stories by creating animations using code. You do NOT need to know how to write code! Scratch is an easy to use "drag-and-drop" program that is very intuitive and allows students to quickly create animations and stories. Furthermore, Google's CS First curriculum has lesson resources, videos, and how-to guides for you and your students to use that are aligned to the ISTE (International Society for Technology Education) standards and to the CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) standards.
Bring your own laptop. Lunch will be on your own.
Rapid Fire Google
Blended and Personalized Learning Tips
2019-20 Student Handbook
Birthdays
Kayla Brown - February 21st
Pam Lewis - March 8th
Carol Rickey - March 16th
Brenda Jones - March 19th
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