Ram Nation News
Week of December 11, 2017
Vision
#AlltheWayUp
Every year our students and teachers go through a rather stressful time of testing at the end of each semester. Whether we talk about ACPs or state assessments, this can be a stressful time. At this time of the year, students should have mastered the skills they need to show significant progress from the time of entry.
Our teachers have not just taught straight from the book. Throughout this semester, our teachers have engaged in backwards planning, creating and using exemplars, aggressively monitoring, and Data Driven Instruction meetings among others. We no longer use the “Teach, Test, and Hope for the Best” approach. We have been analyzing data, identifying weaknesses and specific groups of students, to redesign instruction. Teachers have been using best instructional practices. We started student interventions early in the semester and our students continue to participate in tutoring sessions. Students have been encouraged by teachers and administrators to work hard and aim high. Let's continue to MOTIVATE our students to do their very best so that they would not miss the opportunity to be and feel successful.
With only one 4 days of instruction left before ACPs, I am sure you agree with me that there is not a single minute to waste. Let's be very intentional in the type of work and tasks that we are putting in front of our students. As you know, there are things that students must know and other things that are nice to know; therefore, have a laser-focus on the learning that is critical for each grade level and focus on the must know.
Let’s continue to give our students that last push for excellence and relevant learning. Let’s incorporate engagement strategies to motivate students. Games such as, Jeopardy, use and reference to study guides, stations, and Quizlet are a few examples of engaging activities while reviewing. As we review for ACPs, continue to make sure that you are addressing, What students are learning, Why it is important, What mastery looks like, and How to connect it to prior knowledge and their own lives.
ACPs results will not only measure our school’s progress from last year’s fall ACP, which should be tremendous; it will also provide feedback as to whether all that we have implemented has been effective. I want to thank all of you for not slowing down in our efforts to make our vision come true, I know that we are going #AlltheWayUp
THANK YOU
Ms. Stripling
Ms. Carroll
Discover Dallas ISD
Winter Dance
Mayor's Race
What a great community event!!! The morning was very cold; however, as the day went on, Mr. Sun warmed us up. Our staff and students had a lot of fun!!! Shout out to Ms. Addison, Ms. Woods, Ms. Martin, and Ms. Trent for their leadership and support during this event.
University Interscholastic League - UIL
District 3 Champions!!!
DAILY EVENTS
- Have you completed your technology inventory? Anybody with technology assigned in office, classroom, laptop, or any other device must complete. Please, see more details below
- Planning Meeting with CIC/AP - 6th Grade (Math, SS, Science), and 7th / 8th Grade RLA
- 4:40 Planning time with team. Continue working on your 4th six weeks instructional planning calendars. Refer to the Planning Expectations to ensure your IPC has the components to reach proficiency.
Tuesday, December 12-
- Last day to RSVP for Christmas Party; see Ms. Miranda.
- Weekly PLC - Testing Meeting room 103.
- 4:25 p.m - After School Continues. Last day for tutoring for the semester
Wednesday, December 13-
- Planning Meeting with CIC/AP - 7th Grade (Math, SS, Science), and 6th Grade RLA
- 6:00 - 7:00 Winter Program - Band and Cheerleaders
Thursday, December 14 -
- Planning Meeting with CIC/AP - 8th Grade (Math, SS, Science), and 7th / 8th Grade RLA
- While Lesson Plans for the 1st week of the 4th six weeks is not due until December 21st, it is imperative that we continue to work on them now so that you may stay ahead.
- 6:00 p.m. Basketball Game
- 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Christmas Party at Big Al's BBQ. See invitation sent by Ms. Miranda.
Friday, December 15 -
- ACP Begins - Follow the plan and expectations shared by Ms. Woods. Testing 1st and 6th Period
Upcoming Events
ACP Testing Dates
- December 18th is a full day. 2nd and 7th period
- December 19th – 21st - half days. Students will be released at 12:35.
- December 19 - 3rd and 8th period
- December 20- 4th and 9th period
- December 21- 5th and 10th period
- IPCs
- Create common DOLs for first 2-3 weeks of 4th six weeks
- Create exemplars for common DOLs
- Complete exemplar for 4th six weeks Common Assessment - Subjects that are available.
- Lesson Plans
Cold Weather Guidelines
WE WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
December 15 - Mr. Campbell
December 24 - Ms. Davis
December 28 - Mr. Harris
December 29 - Mr. Jonhson
Rusk Middle School
Email: jcordoba@dallasisd.org
Website: www.dallasisd.org/rusk
Location: 2929 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, United States
Phone: 972-925-2000
Twitter: @RuskAllTheWayUp