Mesa Middle School
Return to Hybrid!!!!
Mesa Families (hopefully you have seen this letter a 100 times already:)
Dear Mesa Families,
We hope all is well. On February 8, 2021, we will be returning to DCSD’s In-Person Hybrid Learning Model. We have learned a lot from running the hybrid model in the fall and there will be some improvements so that we can better meet the needs of our students. For the improved hybrid model:
Teachers and students will actively engage in daily, live, synchronous interaction each day.
The duration and focus of virtual instruction are dependent on the daily instructional model, content being addressed, and the appropriateness/accessibility of the in-person assignment, activity, lab, interaction in the virtual environment.
All three of the experiences (below) are appropriate and interchangeable within the hybrid learning environment and depend on the scope and sequence of the class, the content being covered, accessibility of materials and/or the classroom learning plan.
Experience 1:
Direct Concurrent Instruction: Teacher actively begins class with all students. Instruction continues for the duration of class with students (in-person and virtual) doing the same thing at the same time.
Ex: Math Teacher is actively teaching all in-person and virtual students simultaneously
Engagement: FULL class involvement (lecture, discussion, presentation, debate, etc.)
Experience 2:
Synchronous Instruction and Practice: Teacher actively begins class with all students. Following a period of direct instruction for all students (in-person and virtual), the teacher then continues teaching and providing feedback to students in the in-person and virtual environments. All students continue to progress with content and skill development aligned to the daily objective at home or in the classroom. The Google Meet remains open in this format and students at home are able to reconnect video or log back in (if they logged out) to seek additional support/feedback from the classroom teacher as needed.
Ex: English teacher starts class with announcements, important information, objective of the day, new instruction, and gets everyone started. In-Person students work in class with teacher support, virtual students work at home with teacher support.
Engagement: FULL class involvement. All students present, but not necessarily engaging continuously with the teacher or peers for the duration of class.
Experience 3:
Student/Independent Synchronous: Teacher actively begins class with all students. Following a period of direct instruction for all students (in-person and virtual), instruction in the form of hands-on activity or dependent on specific materials only available in the classroom then continues for in-person students. Virtual students have alternate assignments, or tasks, directly linked to the classroom content standards being addressed for home completion. Students have the option to log out of the virtual environment after the whole class opening. The Google Meet remains open in this format and students at home are able to log back in and seek support/feedback from the classroom teacher as needed.
Ex: Art Teacher checks in with all students (in-person and virtual).
Students in class begin or work on an engagement involving specific paints, clay or materials only accessible in the classroom.
Students at home begin or work on an alternate task focused on similar principles of art and using materials that can be easily found in the home.
Ex: Science Teacher checks in and introduces/advances a specific content based topic with all students (in-person and virtual).
Students in class conduct laboratory investigations.
Students at home focus on the content being addressed through research, lab process writing, or data analysis/conclusion development.
Hybrid Model:
There will be two cohorts, A and B (your student is in the same cohort as the fall, this can be found in IC):
Cohort A: In school learning on Monday and Wednesday, synchronous remote learning on Tuesday, Thursday where students will participate remotely with the live class that is in person.
Cohort B: In school learning on Tuesday and Thursday, synchronous remote learning on Monday, Wednesday where students will participate remotely with the live class that is in person.
For In School Learning and Synchronous Remote Learning: Students will follow their normal 8 period bell schedule and attend all core and elective classes.
Google Classroom will be our learning management system for all classes.
Here is a parent guide for Google Classroom: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-google-classroom
Fridays will be remote learning for all students. Synchronous meetings will take place for every class.
On Fridays teachers may: review, preview, address a class misconception, reteach, check-in with students, teach new material, review homework, etc.
For weeks where a holiday lands on a Monday, Cohort A will attend school in-person on Wednesday and Friday.
Our schedule for each day is below. Please use the Google Meeting Links that you have used all year.
As always please reach out with any questions.
The Castle Rock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest
The Castle Rock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held an essay contest. The topic was the Boston Massacre. As March 5th, 2020 marked the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Massacre, and was considered a pivotal event that paved the way to the American Revolution. Students wrote essays that had them imagining they were living in Boston 250 years ago and had witnessed the event. Students described their family’s discussion about the Boston Massacre and what role it played in organizing the Colonists against the British King and Parliament. Mesa Middle School is proud to recognize the efforts of the following students:
Essay Winner:
Hannah Haselhorst
Runners up:
Tessa Brown
Autumn Byers
Auburn Ferry
Our very own Lisa Maas was Selected as an InnEdCO Ambassador!!!
InnEdCO Ambassador Program 2021!
Working to build community, empower, inspire and create together!
InnEdCO exists to inspire and sustain communities of innovative learners. We strive to tell the story of education innovation, risk-taking, and problem-solving across Colorado.
Lunch Bunch for students coming to Mesa for second semester
The Happiness Project: 6th grade Advisement
This past December, sixth grade students in Advisement did a service project to help spread happiness to those around them. The pandemic has brought challenges to many people and we wanted to do our part to add a little joy to their lives. We asked the students, “What can you do to spread happiness to others during a pandemic?” They brainstormed who may be needing help and what they could do to help them. We are so proud of what they came up with and how many people they were able to help. The students learned a valuable lesson that a small act of kindness can change someone’s whole day and that when we use our gifts, talents, time, and effort we can make a difference in others lives.
Some of their acts of kindness included:
making cards, ornaments, and care packages to deliver to retirement homes.
making ornaments and cards to show appreciation to health care workers.
making care packages with food, water, and winter gear for the less fortunate.
having a winter coat drive to support those in need.
having a canned food drive to donate to the Help and Hope Center.
delivering cards and cookies to teachers.
making blankets to donate to the Dumb Friends League.
making goodie bags, cookies, and cards for neighbors.
making and delivering cards to fire departments.
collecting over 100 toys to donate to the Children’s Hospital!
Here is the link to the video!!!
Counseling Corner
Hey Mesa Families! The school counselors are thrilled to be back with our students! We are continuing to run small groups and will be starting a few new groups this semester - so please reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions.
It is time to begin the registration for the 2021-2022 school year! Be looking for communication from your students about elective choices and class placement.
Mesa Middle School had a parent night with Nick Thompson about How to Support Your Teen During a Pandemic. The event was held on Thursday February 4th from 6:30 -8:00. The link to the video is below. Nick Thompson is a Clinical Social Worker living in Boulder, Colorado who has over 10 years of experience working with family and youth.
Please never hesitate to reach out if you need anything! Don't forget, your student has a "Counselor ON Demand" by using the google chat feature. We are here to support you!
Mesa Middle School Apple Awards Representatives
Mesa MS Certified Apple Award Representative Lindsey Anderson
Mesa MS Classified Apple Award Representative Andy Autobee
Andy has been a member of the Mesa staff since 2016. Responsible for all devices in the building, he ensures that everything is working in top order to promote learning success for the students and teachers. Each spring he is an integral part of our CMAS testing team by managing all the testing platforms, devices, and technical support. He has gained the trust of staff and students alike with his technical knowledge and easy-to-approach attitude. We are privileged to have him here at Mesa.
Andy is a Colorado Native and grew up in Littleton at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. He currently resides in Aurora with his wife and 2 children. He earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. In his free time, he enjoys reading, photography, LEGO, and most of all, motoring in his MINI Cooper with the local club.
Mesa January Students of the Month (RISK-TAKERS)
Atlas – Ava Kubik, Joseph Moronick
Polar – Audrey Crowley, Kade McCracken
Glacier – Hannah Payne, Nathan Osentoski
Kodiak – Megan Thorne, Carter Peterson
Grizzly – Owen Coltman, Aiden Tanner-Zareck
Sun - Preston Jones, Jayk Card
Panda - Auburn Ferry, Chris Smith
Sky- Janely Juarez-Sanchez, Connor Cervantes
Welcome Back to Hybrid Learning Mesa Students
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES: All Events/Dates are Subject to Change Due to COVID-19
2/10/2021- Mesa virtual SAC meeting 5:00- 6:30 pm
2/12/2021- End of First 6 Week Grading Period for 2nd Semester
2/12/2021- NO SCHOOL - Teacher PD Day
2/15/2021- No SCHOOL - Holiday
3/1 - 3/2/2021- Vision and Hearing screening
3/1 - 3/12/2021- Wish Week
3/4 - 3/6/2021- Mesa Virtual Spring Musical- Annie Kids https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/47500
3/10/2021- Mesa Virtual SAC meeting 5:00 - 6:30 pm
3/15-3/19/2021- No School- Spring Break
3/24/2021- NJHS Induction Virtual Ceremony- 6:00-7:00 pm
DCSEAC Shining Star Nominations
Each school year the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) accepts nominations for its Shining Star program. This award celebrates DCSD staff members who provide outstanding service and care for students that receive special education services. Please use this link to submit nominations. Nominations will be accepted through 2/28/21.