The Raider Professional
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 22
Allow Students to be the Expert!
As educators, we should utilize the expertise of our students in the classroom. The learning in the classroom should not be constrained to the knowledge of the teacher. We must change our paradigm and understand that everyone has genius. We cannot allow any of our students to hide behind the shadows of perceived incompetence. My favorite teachers were the ones that allowed me to use my expertise to share with others. This built confidence in my abilities and encouraged me to take risks. I felt I could be creative and share my knowledge because it was a safe environment. It was okay for me not to know things. In an environment where the teacher does not have to be the expert and allows others to share their expertise, opens the door to accountability and ownership. When students feel valued, they operate at a higher level of scholarship.
This week, try to focus on being the facilitator and give students the opportunity to present, explain, and demonstrate. If they can show you and answer questions, you know they have truly have a grasp of the content.
We are W.J. Keenan High School. Home of the Champion Raiders!
Raider Reminders
There are a few things that we will need to make sure we are doing to keep the natural order and flow of our school:
- You must not leave your students unsupervised for any reason.
- If you would like to have an end of year class gathering, food must be purchased and packaged to be consumed. Students/teachers may not bring food prepared at home.
- Stand at your door during the change of each class.
- Please do not allow students into the hallway without a pass.
- Please do not allow students that are not on your roster in your classroom. Students need to be in their scheduled classroom to receive credit. You are accountable for every student in your room.
- You may only sign out to leave on your planning period and/or with administrator approval in an emergency circumstance if you do not have a scheduled absence.
- If you are absent from school, it is your professional responsibility to input the appropriate information in Frontline in a timely manner. Substitutes are limited. Please check Munis prior to doing this so you are aware of your available days for an absence.
Raider Dates To Remember
Monday, January 16, 2023
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday / No School
- “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
- Brief Faculty Meeting @ 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual S.I. C. Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
- Varsity Boys /Girls BBall Vs. Grey Collegiate (Away) @ 6:00 p.m.
- “Do what you feel in your heart to be right―for you’ll be criticized anyway.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.” ―Abraham Lincoln
- JV, B Team Boys /Girls BBall Vs. Grey Collegiate (Home) @ 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 19, 2023
- “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” ―Abraham Lincoln
Friday, January 20, 2023
- “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ―Arthur Ashe
- Varsity Boys /Girls BBall Vs. Grey Collegiate (Home) @ 6:00 p.m.
- Hall of Fame Night
Milaysia Fulwiley Named the Hoopaville Player of the Game!
During the MLK Bash, Milaysia Fulwiley scored 40 pts, 13 reb, 5 assists, and 4 steals to secure the wine over Westwood High School. The score was 68 to 56 in favor of the Raiders.
Fulwiley, a University of South Carolina signee, was named the Hoopaville Player of the Game!
Congratulations To Ms. Ausburn, Our 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year!
CHERYL LAWSON-WILSON, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR INSTRUCTION
Hello Raiders,
W.J. Keenan will have a district classroom observation this week. Please see your classroom learning walk tool that was emailed and be prepared each day of school to give your best. Lesson plans should be available near your doors. Be sure to pay attention to teacher actions and student actions on the form.
Student/staff Holiday - January 16
3rd quarter interim reports - February 7
February 17 - School based PD/Early release for students
February 20 - PD/No school for students
SAT - March 1 in the Lecture Hall
ACT - March 7 in the Lecture Hall
End of 3rd quarter - March 10
Instructional Reminders:
- Gradebooks need to be updated weekly. Prior to interims, you need to have at least 7 grades reported in your gradebook. Prior to the end of quarter, you need to have at least 15 grades reported.
- Emergency lesson plans with five days of lessons should be available to your department leader. In your plans, you should have attendance rosters and class procedures accessible.
- Progress Learning (formerly USA Test Prep) is available for use. You should be able to use your login credentials from USA Test Prep. Let me know if you need support.
- If you are placing items outside of your classroom for display, please be advised that the standard addressed MUST accompany student work.
- As we plan, we need to make sure that we are addressing the Depth Of Knowledge levels in our lessons. An easy way to break this down is by having students answer each of these questions.
- What are we learning?
- How are we learning it?
- Why are we learning it?
- How can this learning be extended?
Observation non-negotiables:
- Standards/Learning targets should be addressed prior to the start of the lesson. They should be written AND communicated verbally.
- Gradual Release (I do, We do, You do)
- Questions that move through different levels of thinking
- Activities are aligned to standards and age-appropriate
- Monitoring student progress and class management (moving about the room)
Have an outstanding week!
Proud of our Raiders, Aniyah & Kristen, for speaking at our R1 Board Meeting!
Deltas Celebrate Founder's Day At W.J. Keenan
Shalise Wine, Magnet Lead Teacher
Magnet Meetings are now held on Friday. The next student Magnet meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2022. The next parent magnet meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2022 at 5:00 pm. Magnet students that are in need of assistance with classes can attend the Raider Priority Tutoring. Students can sign up for "RPT" by using the following link:
https://forms.office.com/r/hzBTPzSQMa
Remember in order to remain in the Magnet Program the students must maintain the following:
- 70 or above in all classes
- No behavior problems
- Minimum attendance issues
Our Raider Freshman Academy! - Kimberly Jeter. Assistant Principal
Within the last several weeks, I have had the opportunity to have quite a few meaningful conversations with students. My advice to each of those students was the same; "Choose You" and "Your Name is Your Brand".
It is imperative for our students to realize how important it is for them to make decisions which puts them in the best position to succeed academically, behaviorally, emotionally, mentally, and athletically. Those decisions will also cultivate and fortify their character and reputation.
Here at W. J. Keenan High School, we are molding, guiding, and teaching our students how to navigate their individual paths to achieving their goals. Please feel free to contact us for support and assistance.
The W.J. Keenan Hall of Fame!
W.J. Keenan High School has the distinct honor and pleasure of inducting the inaugural class of W.J. Keenan’s Hall of Fame on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 4:00 pm. This Hall of Fame is composed of graduates and officials that have embodied the characteristics of a Keenan Raider. There’s no better time than the present to honor the lasting impression of our high school in the surrounding communities of the greater Columbia area. We could not be more proud of inductees for this year’s Hall of Fame class, they are:
· Dr. Aaron Bishop
· Bernard Mckie
· Carl Solomon
· Gerald Isreal, Jr.
· Herman Abel
· Ida Renee Thompson
· Ivan Earl
· Maxine Pearson
· Ronald L. Rhames
· Shaun Gortman
· Dr. Steve Wilson
· Todd Rutherford
· Willie Lyles
· Van McCleod
The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place in the theater of W.J. Keenan. This ceremony is closed to the general public; only guest of the inductees will be in attendance. We will recognize the inductees at halftime of the Lady Raiders basketball game against Gray Collegiate.
We hope that this recognition will inspire current Raiders to attain their highest aspirations and continue to contribute to the W.J. Keenan family as active participants in a thriving culture.
Let's Talk Tutoring - Jabar Hankins, Assistant Principal
We strive to ensure that all our Raiders are successful and receive their high school diplomas. To help reach these goals, we offer our students ways to achieve academic success both during and after school.
Students or parents may sign up for after school tutoring to receive support with their studies.
Students can sign up for tutoring by using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/hzBTPzSQMa
Our student athletes are automatically eligible for Athletic Tutoring. This program meets Tuesday-Thursday immediately at the end of the school day. In addition to Athletic Tutoring, we also offer two other means of school support.
Raider Ready Tutoring is offered to students in grades 9 and 10. Tutoring is offered after school and offers help in core subjects (English, math, science and social studies). Raider Ready meets Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30. Students receive an after school meal and bus transportation home (with the exception of Magnet students).
Raider Priority Tutoring is available to all students in grades 9-12. This program offers students some flexibility in study support, as students may choose face to face assistance, or may select the virtual (online) option to receive help from home. Assistance is offered in English, math, social studies and science, Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. Face to face hours are from 3:30-4:30. Transportation is NOT provided. Students/parents must provide transportation home. If students do not have transportation, they may choose the online option, which meets Tuesday-Thursday from 4:30-6:30.
We are committed to offering as many avenues to success as possible. Students may talk with Coach S. Gilley (Athletic Tutoring), Mrs. S. DuBard (Raider Ready Tutoring) or Mrs. S. Wine or Mr. J. Hankins (Raider Priority Tutoring) with questions or for sign up information.
Use The QR Code Below to Sign Up For Tutoring!
Professional Development at W.J. Keenan!
Notes for Raider Teachers!
Feedback From Observations: Focus on engaging students and having them do the work. Rather than standing up and writing on the smartboard as you are explaining, have students come up to the board and share what they know. Put students in groups and give meaningful activities. Use balls and other manipulatives to identify students for a response. Make these engaging strategies apart of your daily routine.
Handling Conflict: Please talk with our students about how to properly handle conflict. Encourage them to reach out to adults in the building to get help with situations that can potentially get them in trouble. Please convey the importance of working together resolve problems before they become bigger issues. It takes a village!
Student Work: Please start posting your best student work inside and outside your classroom in the hallways. You may also share by tagging WJK on social media.
Ask Yourself: What is the hook for today’s lesson that will keep them engaged? Is there an opportunity for my students to get up and move around with my lesson? How am I going to check for understanding? Am I giving students the opportunity to show me they have a grasp of the content? Am I using the DLE to enhance the lesson or am I simply giving electronic skill sheets?
Signing In and Out: If you need to leave campus for an emergency, please get approval from an administrator, and sign out in the main office. We are professionals.
PTSO: Please consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association. It is a big part of communicating to our parents that we want to build a stronger partnership this year. The application is in the main office with Ms. Golston.
W.J. Keenan High School
Our Mission
The mission of W. J. Keenan High School is to provide engaging educational opportunities through a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to extend to our diverse community and produce first class citizens who will contribute to the present and excel in the future. WE ARE KEENAN!
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a nationally known high school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, leadership in cutting edge technology, science, environmental, and career based programs. A high school that builds strong relationships with all stakeholders and continues a culture where the expectation is to lead, set the example, and raise standards for all to follow.
Email: vondre.whaley@richlandone.org
Website: http://keenan.richlandone.org/
Location: 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-714-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenanraiders/
Twitter: @wjkeenan