Stone Bank School
Reaching Out ~ February 16, 2018
From Mrs. Davies
Q. What is MAP growth and what does it measure?
A. Unlike paper and pencil tests, with a fixed amount of time of taking the test, MAP is a computer based adaptive test. What this means is that every student gets a unique set of questions based on their responses to previous questions. If a student answers several questions incorrectly, the questions get easier. The purpose of the test is to determine what the student knows and is ready to learn next. For example, if a fifth grader is reading more like a third grader the test will show this. This helps our teachers plan instruction based on the needs and learning levels of their students.
Q. What is a RIT Score:
A. At the end of each test, the student receives a number called a RIT score. The score represents a student's achievement level at any given moment and helps measure their academic growth. This scale is a stable scale, like feet and inches, that accurately measures student performance regardless of age, grades or grade level. Think of it like marking your child's height on a growth chart. You can see where they've been and how much growth has occurred from one measurement to the next.
Q. How often will my child take the MAP assessment?
A. Students in Grades 2-8 will take the test three times each school year. In beginning, middle and end of the school year. First graders will take the test in the middle and end of the school year. Results will be posted to Skyward after each assessment window.
Q. Should I be alarmed if my child's RIT score decreases from one test to another?
A. Not necessarily. When reviewing student results we consider several factors. Did the student rush through the test session? Does their MAP results reflect similar progress within the classroom? Was the student having a bad day, or feeling ill? All of these can impact a student's score. Remember, this is just one data point we utilize to monitor your child's learning. Significant drops are often a result of one of the above items. Please don't hesitate to contact your child's teachers if you have questions about their scores.
Q. How does the school use the MAP growth scores?
A. MAP has many different reports that to help teachers use the data. Teachers can see the progress of an individual child, or their entire class. It also provides typical growth scores for students in the same grade, subject and the same beginning achievement level. The data may be used with students to set goals and understand what they need to learn to achieve their goals. Teachers also utilize the data to determine which students may need intervention support or enrichment extensions.
Hopefully, the above information gave you a little more information about your child's MAP results. Your child's teacher is happy to discuss the results with you if you have further questions.
Mrs. Davies
Source: NWEA.org
Student Vaping
This week, the administrators from the Arrowhead area feeder districts met with Mr. Wieczorek, Principal at AHS, to discuss the growing problem of student use of e-cigarettes or "vaping" while at school. Arrowhead reports that roughly 40% of the male population is vaping. This is includes student athletes. Girls engaging in this practice is much lower, but has recently been increasing. The vaping liquid that is smoked can contain a significantly higher amount of nicotine than a cigarette. Students have also been known to put THC (marijuana) in the e-cigarette. Most high school students report that they began vaping in middle school; some as young as 6th grade.
Please be proactive! Talk to your children about the health concerns related to vaping, as well as the consequences that may be associated with using or bringing it to school. Health concerns can be life threatening due to the nicotine, chemicals, and heavy metals included in the liquid substance. Consequences may include school suspensions, athletic suspensions, and a citation by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department.
Below is a picture of common vaping devices confiscated at Arrowhead. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Davies if you have questions or concerns regarding student use of vaping devices.
Thank you
Honor Roll
Parents Information Night for 4K and New 5K Families
2017-2018 Stone Bank Yearbooks
Project Linus
Camp Whitcomb 7th Grade Informational Meeting
Dear Parents and Seventh Grade Students,
The seventh grade Camp Whitcomb Environmental Education experience will be the week of April 25-27, 2018. We invite you, 7th grade parents and students to an informational meeting in preparation for camp.
The meeting will be held at Stone Bank School in the library on Thursday, March 22nd at 7:00pm.
The purpose of the meeting is to give you and your student a preview of what will take place at Camp Whitcomb and to answer any questions that you might have regarding this unique seventh grade experience which is a part of our Stone Bank curriculum.
We look forward to seeing you on March 22nd.
Sincerely,
Mr. McConville
Mr. Jaeger
Mrs. Hoffman
Mrs. Bolinski
Lets Celebrate Music
Greetings From Room 417,
To celebrate Music In Our Schools Month in March, Mr. Ktorides has designed a Webquest (online scavenger hunt)! This activity is designed to be completed as a family (with adult supervision) and the questions will be posted on Mr. K's page of the school website at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 1st. There will be 10 questions and the answers are to be submitted via google form (the link to which will also be on Mr. K's page). The first seven families to correctly answer all 10 questions will win prizes, so mark your calendars for this fun family activity.
One entry per family.
Good Luck,
Mr. Ktorides
Lake Country Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast
Annual Stone Bank Spelling Bee
February Writers of the Month
Ms. Bolinski's favorite part of Christopher Norcross' essay:
Christopher created a satirical podcast about a fictitious band he created; this informative podcast told the “untold” history of band that was big at the time of greats like The Beatles. By writing his own music, taking on different accents and personas, and using various transitional audio components, Christopher created an outstanding production. Loved it, Christopher!
MS. Bolinski's favorite part of Wade Lindmark's essay:
Wade spent an impressive amount of time researching and getting to the bottom of the issue behind diamonds. In watching Wade research, I could see his genuine passion, care, and concern regarding this issue. By writing impeccably well, presenting a wealth of information, and questioning cultural norms, Wade created an impressive piece. Fantastic work, Wade!
Ms. Bolinski's favorite part of Meghan McKenna's essay:
For the first time in six years, a student went outside of the box to journey deeply into the role of iconic and critical women who lived during the time of Ancient Egypt. Her research skills were excellent; details were presented in a logical manner, and her style was engaging. Way to go, Meghan!
Christopher Norcross
Genre: Podcast
Title: “The Legend of...”
Wade Lindmark
Genre: Persuasive Essay
Title: “The Monetarily Inexpressible Price of Diamonds”
Meghan McKenna
Genre: Informative Essay
Title: “Shegypt: The Famous Women of Ancient Egypt”
Math Counts Competition
8th Grade Career Speakers
Computer Programmer: Mr. James Weber
Mr. Weber came in from IBM Watson Health and shared information about what it's like to be a computer programmer in today’s world. The whole 8th grade class was very interested in this information as all of them will probably have a career that will have something to do with computers in the future. The students especially enjoyed watching how Watson won on Jeopardy. You can watch this here.
Occupational Therapist: Mrs. Michelle Rush
Our very own Mrs. Rush spoke to the 8th graders what it's like to be an Occupational Therapy and a Flight Attendant. A small group of interested students spent their extended study learning about these possible careers. Mrs. Rush brought in materials she uses for OT and discussed what schooling would be needed to be an OT. A separate group of students were interested in the possibilities of being a Flight Attendant. Mrs. Rush was a Flight Attendant prior being an OT. She shared stories of the many places she has traveled and has lived. This information is important to know as 8th graders because students are thinking of what they want to be earlier in their lives now.
Mrs. Rush Talking to the 8th graders
Mr. Weber explaining his powerpoint
Mrs. Rush describing her current and previous job
Cultural Awareness Presentation
Tuesday, Feb.27 3:30-4:30 pm at Lake Country School
Sponsored by LCS PTO
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cultural-awareness-presentation-tickets-42424704433
Pardeep and Arno met in October of 2012 through Against Violent Extremism, a global coalition of Former violent extremists and Survivors of violent extremism. Since then they have become dear friends and brothers, working together via Serve 2 Unite to illustrate the concept of Chardi Kala, the Sikh practice of fearless gratitude in the face of adversity and relentless optimism. The experiences of a former violent extremist intertwined with those of a survivor of violent extremism reveal a very practical guide to cultivate a more peaceful life. Themes of kindness, courage, forgiveness, and personal responsibility are illuminated. Participants of this experience are challenged to explore their own narratives with open honesty, and engage with our common humanity, building a foundation for happiness and success.
Pardeep Kaleka is the eldest son of Satwant Singh Kaleka – the president of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, who was gunned down during the attack of August 5th, 2012 in Oak Creek, WI by a White Supremacist. Currently a trauma therapist and former Police Officer and teacher in the inner city of Milwaukee, Pardeep is no stranger to the never-ending battle against racism, violence, hatred, and ignorance. His firm belief is that the lamp of knowledge and truth will outshine all the darkness in the world, and he does his best to embody this through his work with with the organization he founded: Serve 2 Unite. Pardeep grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Marquette University.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Arno Michaelis was a founding member of a racist skinhead organization , a reverend of a self-declared Racial Holy War, and lead singer of the hate-metal band Centurion, which sold 20,000 CDs by the mid-nineties and is still popular with racists today. Single parenthood, love for his daughter, and the forgiveness shown by people he once hated all helped to turn Arno's life around, bringing him to embrace diversity and practice gratitude for all life. Today Arno is a speaker, author of My Life After Hate, and very fortunate to be able to share his ongoing process of character development working with Serve 2 Unite.
Both will be co-authoring their book, “ The Gifts of Our Wounds” out April 10.
Weekly Planner
Monday, February 19
· No School
Tuesday, February 20
· Team Spirit Wear day
· Pennies for Patients, bring in your pennies
· PTO Cluvers Night 5:00pm-8:00pm, Hartland
Wednesday, February 21
· Special Board Meeting 7:00am
· Mismatch/Wacky Hair Day
· Pennies for Patients, bring in your dimes
· Coding Club 2:30pm
Thursday, February 22
· Curriculum, Technology, Testing Meeting 7:00am
· Time Warp dress up day
· Pennies for Patients, bring in your quarters
· 3rd grade field trip ~ Art Museum, 8:15am-12:30pm
· 6th-8th Choir field trip ~ AHS, 9:00am-1:45pm
· Student Council 2:30pm
Friday, February 23
· Super Hero Day, dress up like your favorite Super Hero
· Pennies for Patients, bring in any cash
Monday, February 26
· 8th grade field trip ~ WCTC, Career Day, 8:30am-11:30am
· Scribbler Club 2:30pm
· Art Club 2:30pm
Tuesday, February 27
Wednesday, February 28
Thursday, March 1
· Budget and Finance Meeting 7;00pm
· PJ Day
· Project Linus, 2:30pm in the Library
Friday, March 2
· PBIS all school assembly 1:40pm
Saturday, March 3
· Lake Country Annual Pancake Breakfast, 6:00am
· Solo Ensemble at Richmond School 8:00am-4:00pm