Pirate News
News and Pictures from the Land of the Pirate-QTR One
November 14th Conferences
School Report Card-Significantly exceeding expectations!
The Wisconsin School report card is now public for the 2018-19 school year. Our School scored in the highest category the state has for the report card-Significantly exceeding expectations. This score puts our school in the top 3% (13th out of approx. 450) of all public high schools in the state.
It is a difficult to have any measurement for the true success of a school, students and staff. We have an amazing comprehensive high school that provides opportunities that are not measured on the report card. The good thing about this report card compared to other school rankings is that it looks at 4 areas to earn the ranking. These include achievement (Aspire and ACT testing), Growth for our students from 9th to 11th grade. Closing gaps for special populations and graduation rate.
To celebrate this accomplishment, tomorrow myself and Ms. Duchow will be making the #1 sandwich in the world-The Reuben. We will also be giving out free cookies for all students and staff!
Congratulations to all students and staff…you made this recognition possible!
Veterans Day program at PWHS
The PWHS Band and Choir were amazing and Student Council President Jessica Boccio gave a speech on behalf of the student body. Kudos to our entire student body!
Thank you to all Veterans for your service to our country.
Port Pride 2019-20
Culture of Respect and Kindness
- The Freshman Respect Retreat was a huge hit again this year. This retreat is designed to empower students to respect themselves and others and stand up for the value of respect in our school and community. We were very proud of the Freshman class for their enthusiasm and participation and so grateful to our upper-class student leaders who modeled respect throughout the entire day. Please ask your child about this experience.
- The Community Mentor Program has begun it's 7th year at PWHS. The program consists of several groups that meet each Thursday during resource. The groups are made up of all different age levels and interests. The purpose of the group is to help grow a positive culture of respect and caring for others. Each week the group discusses themes like goal setting, social media, paying it forward, etc and each group comes up with someone to do together for others in our community. The groups are each led by a volunteer from the community. Students are recommended to be a part of the group each year. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please let Mr. Burke know.
- Counseling Groups at PWHS- each year our counseling department runs a variety of groups to support students at PWHS during the resource period. In the past, we have run boys groups, girls groups, anxiety groups and this year we are teaming up with RedGen to provide a mental health support and awareness group. More details will be coming soon on this group.
- Green Bandana Project- Our Music Department has spearheaded the Green Bandana Project. This program has students that are interested in being a lifeline of information for students that are in need of mental health support. To begin the year, our entire school promoted the Kindness pledge which recommended a daily kindness action.
- Reporting concerns of harassment/bullying-Concerns regarding harassment/bullying at school should be reported directly to school staff to help resolve and/or investigate. If concerns continue, on every school web page you can find a link to a form to report an incident to be investigated by school administration. Click on Parents and then click on request an investigation to report an incident that building administrators will check out. Building administrators will use the information on the form to determine next steps.
PWHS Band
With their performance in the homecoming game and parade the PWHS band successfully completed their marching band season. Upcoming performances include the Grafton Christmas Parade November 30th, and at our Concert December 12th.
The Addams Family PWHS Musical
Pirate Treasure 2019-20
College and Career Readiness
Target Based Grading Update
Target Based Grading for Learning
Why?
We are a High School that exceeds expectations according to the Wisconsin State School report card. We continually strive to find ways to be a better school for our students. Finding ways to raise the bar for all of our students to be better prepared for life after high school in college or career is the challenge. No matter where our graduates go after high school, in the military, in the workplace, an apprenticeship or to a two or four year college, the needs are greater now than they ever have been. We believe that Target Based Grading for Learning provides the clear expectations (clarity), opportunity and rigor to achieve that goal.
Academic grades
PWHS will have Letter grades in Power school and on the report card. Academic grades reflect our student’s measure of learning against the identified learning target and standards. Academic grades will reflect the student’s level of proficiency as measured by specific assessments. The opportunity for reassessment for students is a very important component of this system. Academic grades will be calculated from summative assessments at least 90% in all classes. This includes tests, quizzes, projects, papers, etc.
Behavior/Life Skills Grade
The PWSSD believes that Homework/Classroom work, Attendance and Behavior are important for success in school and life. These important behaviors are not a part of the Academic grade. All students will receive a separate grade for current academic scores and behavioral/life skills scores on the report card.
Homework/Classroom Work
PWHS defines Homework and Classroom work as practice in the learning progression toward proficiency on identified learning targets. Homework and Classroom work should be looked at as a “tool” in the learning process and not an instrument to measure and report a student’s understanding of academic learning targets. When viewed as a tool to help with learning, homework is then not an assessment of the student’s understanding of learning targets/content, but rather a step toward learning it. Homework will count for 10% or less of the overall course grade.
Reassessment
The purpose of ensuring ALL students learn at high levels is not predicated upon the notion that all students learn at high levels at the same time. Therefore, we must offer students multiple opportunities to demonstrate they have mastered identified content at various times in a school year. In relationship to our position on Retesting, we commit to the following statements:
● Reassessment is allowed on all summative assessments that are reflected in what is reporting out to parents on our report cards.
● In order for a student to qualify for a reassessment, students must meet the criteria determined by the department. This includes the completion of homework and classroom work.
● If a student scores lower on the reassessment than on the original test, the test that will be reflected for grading and reporting purposes will be the most recent evidence.
● Reassessment can occur in multiple forms, such as another assessment similar to the first, oral discussion with the teacher, or another method that is mutually agreeable between the teacher and student
Frequently Asked Questions
Do colleges/universities accept this grading system?
The high school transcript will still look like it did in previous years in terms of course grades.
Is there a certain amount of targets required in each curriculum area?
No. This is up to the teacher(s).
How does this system raise the rigor for students?
● Clear targets
● Assessments aligned to the targets
● Expectations for learning is higher for all students
● Greater opportunity for personalized learning
How does target based grading make better students/prepare students better for college?
Our number one goal for our students is to ensure they learn. This process gives students opportunities to clearly understand what they know and what their struggles may be.
By ensuring kids learn, we are confident that will lead to less gaps in their learning as they move onto college or career after high school. Removing behaviors from grading also puts a focus on what each student actually knows in their courses.
What made us identify this a needed change?
Five years ago, we started looking at our grading practices. As we learned, it became more and more apparent that students’ grades should be based on how well they comprehend the key learning targets and not a percentage of work completed or an average of scores from one point in time to the next. Target-based proficiency grading empowers students to understand their own learning strengths and areas that need improvement. Students get direct and timely feedback on the areas/skills that they need to focus on. Our focus is on learning and not on chasing a grade.
Why is homework a smaller part of the academic grade?
Homework is practice. Homework is important and important in all of our classrooms. Homework completion will be a part of the overall report card and tied to reassessment opportunities.
Technology and Engineering Department
Fall is an exciting time for the students in Port High School Technology & Engineering classes. In October the high school technology education classes went on a field trip for Wisconsin’s manufacturing month. Students went to Charter Steel, Oldenburg Metal, KMC Stamping, and Construction Forms. These students were able to see what local companies manufacture and how it impacts our world. Along with getting tours of the manufacturing plants students were able to ask question about different careers in manufacturing.
Students from the high school construction classes volunteered this fall to help improve the possibility playground. They were excited to renovate their community’s park system and offer assistance during the expansion. The students were happy to work with local community members and learn from professionals about efforts required for such a large project.
The high school robotics team will be kicking off their off-season practices to prepare for the FRC Robotics reveal on January 4th, students will be working in groups learning the different aspects of our robotics team and will be learning valuable skills required for the regular season. We look forward to our 9th season for the Port Piratech robotics team. If you have any questions about the robotics team or would like to help in any way please contact Ryan Volke @ ryan.volke@pwssd.k12.wi.us, we are always looking for mentors or parent volunteers.
World Studies Project-Discover the World
The freshman World Studies classes are doing a year-long series of projects called Discover the World, that have them follow a country through several aspects: Geography, History, Economics and Culture, Politics, Food and then a culminating project at the end of the year, the Newspaper or Podcast.
The students are asked to research, create and present findings on their countries and those topics.
They give presentations ranging from 3 minutes to 10 minutes throughout the year.
They are encouraged to get as creative as possible and share their findings!
World Language News
TPRS and CI
In World Language education, TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) and CI (Comprehensible Input) mimic the way we learn our first languages naturally. When you learned your first language, you weren’t sitting at a desk taking notes!
The basic idea is that language learning occurs through input that is personal, compelling, and understandable. Comprehensible input is both heard and read, and output (speaking and writing) is allowed to develop at a natural pace. Another key skill for TPRS is “story asking”. This compelling, surprising input not only keeps students interested, the vivid co-created images create stronger neural links in the brain, moving more quickly from short-term learning to long-term memory.
A deskless classroom allows this to happen more smoothly, with much more space, and makes it easier to do rotation and movement activities, grouping, brain breaks, skits, stations, and TPR (total physical response).
Literacy News
Everyone in literacy has been working hard this quarter, and so much growth has already been made! Students in Literacy I are working on comprehension and study strategies like monitoring comprehension and annotating text; determining main ideas and taking Cornell notes. In addition, they have polished their writing skills, learning how to apply transition words and phrases and how to make their ideas flow. Intermediate Literacy students read a series of articles on technology and composed a synthesis paragraph on what they learned, further honing their writing skills. They recently began reading The Rock and the River, and have generated some interesting discussions on the topics presented in the book.
Science Club
The club participated with a number of schools in Riveredge Nature Center's ongoing effort to track water quality of the Milwaukee River, from its source in Fon Du Lac into Lake Michigan.
The student kicked up river sediment in order to capture the micro-sized invertebrates in the soil. This allows for a specific population estimates for this spot of the Milwaukee River.
They also collected water to determine pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels and organic matter.
Business Department News
DECA District Competition -- This year’s DECA membership has topped 150 students and is out biggest group yet! Students are busy gearing up for our competition on Saturday, January 11th. We are still looking for parents or community members to help judge. If interested, contact Mark Bichler or Leeann Wellenstein @ PWHS.
DECA 6th Man Shirts – DECA will be selling 6th Man T-Shirts for the Boys & Girls Basketball season! The Sports & Entertainment Marketing course will be designing the shirts that will be sold in December and early January! Contact your favorite DECA member to purchase shirts or crew necks. This year’s “cause” will be: Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County. Check out their website and see the many great things they do for Ozaukee County! http://www.melscharities.org/
CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS – Do you need items for the upcoming winter or holiday gifts? Check out Captain’s Quarters. We have all of your PWHS apparel needs. Our store is open daily from 7:00 AM – 7:25 AM and 2:00 PM – 3:10 PM. If you need a time outside of that to shop, please contact Mark Bichler of Leeann Wellenstein at the high school.
BUSINESS NEWS
A special Thank You to Port Washington State Bank (https://www.pwsb.com/) for helping to promote Financial Literacy among students. PWSB is a proud sponsor of our Everfi Online Financial Education Program used in our Finance Classes. Recently, representatives from PWSB came in to share stories and give life tips on being Financially Independent and Secure.
German Club
On Tuesday, October 22, 14 German Club students went to Wauwatosa West High School to see a concert by Eddi Hüneke and Tobi Hebbelmann. Eddi, who had been a 25 year member of the well-know German acapella pop group Wise Guys, and Tobi are currently touring the US performing their music to school groups and other audiences. Our group was one of 18 school groups in attendance from all over southeast Wisconsin. We enjoyed a fantastic interactive concert in which the audience got to sing along with Eddi and Tobi. Following the concert we were able to get up on stage with them for a photo and received some autographed posters of the two.
Art and Design
On October 11th the Art & Design Department took 80 7th-12th graders down to Chicago for some culture and art. We started at the Chicago Cultural Center to check out the Architectural Biennial. Students learned about challenges that face many cities and their populations present day. They interacted with many exhibits and learned about community and how architecture effects the people around them.
We continued on to the Iconic Bean (Cloudgate) by the Indian born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor where we took some group shots and were tourists. The kids loved the prime selfie backdrop.
We then walked to the world class Art Institute of Chicago to take a look at work students have been learning about since elementary school. They were impressed with the collection and how many pieces they recognized. Many were taking photos and documenting their experience to share with family and friends. As an educator it was amazing to show these students a museum so close to home.
Tech Ed News-Automotive
Students in Automotive Systems gain real world lab experience by performing live lab work on student, staff, and family member cars. These students are completing an oil change and tire rotation on a family members car.
PWHS Office Reminder
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 7:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am-3:00pm
Port Pride:
· The deadline to submit volunteer hours for Port Pride for Semester 1 is December 18.
· Students must have 15 hours each semester if they attended the Port Pride Assembly.
· Reminder that in order to qualify for the exam exemption for Semester 2, students must volunteer at one of the events listed on the Volunteer Opportunities list. This can be found on the high school website under the Port Pride tab.
Important news for Senior students and parents of Senior students
11/7 – Jostens Senior Meeting during Resource (2pm in PAC)
11/12 – Jostens orders due during lunch
12/11 – Senior Meeting during Resource (2pm in PAC)
2/ 3 – Scholarships due
5/6-Graduation details-Parent Meeting in PAC 6:00
5/11-Graduation details-Parent Meeting in PAC 11:30
5/22-Senior Signing Day-2:00-More details to come soon on this new event
6/5 – Elementary School Visits at 8:30am
6/5 – Scholarship Ceremony at 9:30am in PAC
6/5 – Graduation Rehearsal at 10:30am in gymnasium
North Shore Conference Sportsmanship Summitt
On Thursday October 31st, 13 port Washington High School students traveled to the Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford to take part in the Northshore Conference Sportsmanship Summit. Also present were a number of students representing each of the 10 schools from our conference. The summit was led by Mr. Craig Hillier who has spoken in front of more than 2 million teenagers since the start of his career in 1990. Mr. Hillier is high energy and focuses on student leadership training. Throughout the day, he presented an educational program that was prepared from his book entitled High School Sports Leader. The kids received a great education through his fun and upbeat delivery and as they interacted in one-on-one and group activities throughout the day. We would like to thank the PWHS students that were invited and attended this great opportunity to build upon your leadership skills and we look forward to providing more opportunities for even more students in the future.
Wellness Department
The PWHS Wellness Department hosted the Army National Guard on October 9th and 10th. Students were put through a 10 station fitness circuit and had the opportunity to play archery tag. Students were also able to take a turn at hitting their teacher and the Army Sergeant as they ran through the gauntlet. It was two days of great effort and fun!
AP Physics
AP Physics students had to develop a truck powered only by a rat trap during out Energy unit. Students raced the truck three times with modifications required between each run. Using the time and distance the truck traveled students then calculated the horsepower in their rat trap. I am happy to report that the students had a great time and no one lost a finger.
Alden Phillips (Pictured below) celebrates the forward progress of his Rat Trap Truck.
AP Computer Science
Drew Huber from Brady Corporation came to visit our AP Computer Science Java class today to discuss his career as a software project manager. Students were able to learn about and discuss various fields they could explore as a computer engineer or a software engineer. Mr. Huber brought in some portable printers that his company manufactures for other businesses that need to print labels or signs. He demonstrated a web applet that his team created to allow customers to design their own signage for their specific work environment. Students got a hands-on experience with the printers that can automatically connect with either software on the desktop or with a mobile app to print whatever is needed wherever it is needed. Mr. Huber also discussed the various aspects of computer programming that is needed for each aspect of their company and how significant the growing field of computer science truly is.
German News
In light of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall (November 9, 1989) the students in German 2, 3, and 4 classes learned about the Berlin Wall. They made “paintings” and “graffiti” and decorated our very own Berlin Wall. They also made a section of Birgit Kinder’s painting of an East German car, the Trabi, which is in the East Side Gallery in Berlin.
ACT Prep Resource
· ACT Prep (especially for 11th grade students) with Method Test Prep
All students have access to this free resource provided by our school. Students that took advantage of the resource in 2018-19 saw great results.
https://app.methodtestprep.com/PortWashingtonHighSchoolWI/signup
Click on the gray “Signup” box to create your MTP account. PWHS students will need to use the Referral Code: tkn.12180329 when setting up your account. (Make sure to include the entire code—including tkn).