Warrior Beat
#worldchangingwarriors
Word for the Warrior...
This week is Parent/Teacher Conferences. It is one of the greatest opportunities we have to truly connect and form positive working relationships with our parents.
EVERY one of our parents wants their child to be successsul in school. EVERY parent longs to know that we love their kid...on their good days and bad. Parents have a deep need to know that we accept their child and that we are at school to support them to success.
How we communicate our vision and mission to parents matters! This does not mean that we just share news the "good stuff" and ignore areas of need, but it DOES mean that we need to deeply consider and plan how we will convey that we see the good and that we have clear goals and next steps for their child.
The Warrior Spirit that I see EVERY day is alive and powerful. Our parents need to see that more than anything! MANY of our parents come to parent/teacher conferences with lots of apprehension because either they have themselves struggled with school, because for years they have heard the negative and fear the message or they just want so much for their child to succeed that it makes them nervous to think that anything would not be perfect. This is our opportunity to support FAMILIES and help them feel the Warrior Spirit.
Sometimes the most simple conference suggestions can make the biggest impact. For example, starting with a positive and ending with a positive, sitting beside and not across from a parent, or just taking time to break the ice at the beginning of a conference matter.
Below are some simple examples of ways that we can help plan for productive conferneces. Reserach is clear that parents who are involved in their child's education do better in school.
Let's use this week to intiative positive relationships with our parents that will support our kids!
15 Tips for Leading Productive Parent-Teacher Conferences
As teachers, we have to work hard to prepare for parent-teacher conferences. In a matter of minutes, we have to find a way to genuinely connect with parents, discuss their student’s academic progress, and how they can improve. It’s also important to explain current curriculum goals and our teaching strategies in hopes that they support them. Here are fifteen tips to set you up for success before diving into parent-teacher meetings.
1. Offer a flexible conference schedule
Some parents have more than one student in the school, multiple jobs, or may have difficulty traveling, so they need teachers to be flexible when scheduling conferences. In these cases, teachers may need to meet with parents early in the morning, later in the afternoon, or during recess breaks. Meeting via Skype or FaceTime is an option for parents who simply cannot make it to school.
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Whether you teach every subject to third-graders or geometry to 200 ninth- and tenth-graders, conferences require hours of preparation. Keeping accurate and current records makes this process much easier.
It’s best to prepare:
- Test results
- Work samples
- Anecdotal notes
3. Arrange for a translator if needed, and find a way to connect
Parents who don’t speak English require a translator. Schools may need to arrange a translator — ideally not a student — so that they can effectively and respectfully communicate.
If you’re working with a translator, find a way to connect with the parent or parents despite the language barrier. Just because they can’t speak the same language or can’t speak it fluently, does not mean they aren’t incredibly intelligent and genuinely concerned about their child. Try learning a few phrases in their native language to show you’re trying to connect; even “Hello,” “How are you?” and “Thank you” can go a long way.
4. Be aware of your body language
You and your classroom should be welcoming to students and parents, and your body language is one of the first impressions visitors have when meeting you. Crossed arms, tension, intense glares, rigid posture, frustrated and fidgety movements all convey negativity that will quickly sour the mood of a conference.
It’s also very important to consider their backgrounds and how body language has different meanings in different cultures. If you’re meeting with a parent who doesn’t speak English, psychologist David Matsumoto says, “non-verbal behavior can grease communication when there is a lack of language fluency.” So if you have a parent who is from another country where they aren’t big on direct eye contact, don’t force that. Instead, connect through smiles, open posture, a nice handshake, and a warm, sincere tone.
5. Sit side-by-side
Teachers and parents are on the same team and work together to ensure children succeed in school. That conviction and mindset are advocated by the School Mediator, who advises teachers to sit next to parents rather than across from them behind a desk. By arranging the furniture in a friendly and non-threatening way, teachers express their desire to partner with each parent, which diffuses tension on both sides.
6. Share real stories and student work
Even the best teachers won’t remember all of the details they need to share with every parent. But detailed notes ensure that you’re able to share all of the pertinent information within the confines of your conference schedule.
Anecdotes are a great way to give parents insight into what’s happening in their child’s academic day. Visual examples of student work with feedback can really support your anecdotes. A flat gradebook full of scores doesn’t paint a picture of what it’s like to be a student in your class. It also doesn’t show how a particular student is engaging with the material and how you are supporting that student’s learning and growth through feedback.
You may not be able to prepare more than a couple of examples, but seeing one graded essay or project along with a homework assignment or quiz can really mean a lot to a parent. It also demonstrates how much you care about their child. It can enhance your effort to connect with each parent, getting them on board.
7. Include the positive
Each student has positive traits and potential. Share at least one shining trait with parents at the beginning and another at the end of the conference. That trait could be an academic trait or a character trait, such as helpfulness, persistence, or hard work.
A good way to present this information is through “Glows and Grows.” Share a student’s positive achievements or traits that make them glow as well as two or more areas in which they can grow. End on a high note with another glowing detail or anecdote.
8. Create clear goals
Every student, even the gifted ones, can improve in some way. Write specific goals for each student. Along with those goals, create an action plan with steps for improvement, as well as a timeline with milestones to gauge a student’s progress. Sharing this with parents can increase buy-in since they will be able to see a clear path to success that has achievable benchmarks and goals that are part of a realistic, structured plan.
9. Avoid education jargon
Not everyone is familiar with 504s, diagnostic and summative assessments, PBL, or STEAM. Don’t overwhelm parents with education lingo. Speak in plain terms, explain what you mean, and make sure everyone is clear about the path forward.
10. Give parents responsibility
According to a recent report by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, children do better in school when their parents are involved. Effective teachers involve parents by asking them to monitor homework or sign progress reports.
For students who struggle with completing homework assignments, suggest that they use a planner and that parents check it every night. Students should put their completed work right next to the items listed in their planner. This makes it easy for parents to verify and it can increase trust, accountability, and consistency.
If a student lives with one parent who has more than one job, or if both parents work late, suggest a local study center, library, or tutoring program where that student can go get help and have someone check their assignments so that a routine is created with an involved adult.
11. Encourage questions
Approachable teachers build a lasting connection with parents and promote a positive experience. You want to make sure that your students’ parents feel comfortable asking questions about their child’s academic success, friendships, and other traits. Be sure to ask parents if they have any questions at least twice during your meeting. You want to carve out time and space for them to talk so they don’t feel like they are being talked at and rushed out. Make sure they have your email address so they know they can ask you questions at any point during the school year.
12. Don’t make assumptions about parents or students
We’ve all heard the negative teacher talk about students and parents. “Oh, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with that one!” Ensure that you don’t engage in judgemental talk or make parents feel like they’re being judged while conferencing with you. View all parents as partners because, like it or not, they are. Work to make sure that even the most challenging students and parents feel like welcome teammates. Here are some strategies for difficult conversations with parents.
13. If a parent becomes hostile, don’t engage
No matter how prepared and affirming teachers are, some parents may become hostile. Some of them are used to hearing bad news, don’t trust teachers, feel a need to defend their child, or are upset about something else and take their anger out on you.
Try to remain calm and follow a few tips from the National Education Association:
- Emphasize the positive.
- Let the parents talk first.
- Use active listening. Don’t just stay quiet — really and mindfully listen.
- Discuss how both parties want what’s best for the child.
- Agree on a strategy and get on the same page before including the child in the conversation.
14. Remain professional at all times
Teaching is a challenging job and you may be tempted to stray into unprofessional or overly social territory during conferences. Several conversations or topics should never be discussed with parents or with other teachers in professional spaces, including:
- Speaking negatively about school administrators or other teachers.
- Comparing two or more students to each other.
- Discussing another student’s behavior, family, or performance.
- Blaming parents for a child’s performance or struggle.
- Making fun of students or their families.
- Arguing with parents.
- Complaining about the school or its policies.
15. Stay in contact with parents
Parents should be able to get in touch with their child’s teacher. Often, email is the most convenient way for you to receive messages and respond to parents, but phone calls or future conferences may be necessary, too. Set the guidelines and boundaries for future communications.
Parent-teacher conferences give both parties the chance to determine a child’s academic progress and create a plan for future success. Effective teachers plan ahead, listen to parents, and ensure each conference remains full of workable solutions that have the student’s best interest in mind.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Parent conference are scheduled for September 12 & 13, please secure conference times on Thursday afternoon from 3-6PM and Friday morning from 7:30-11:00 or all day on Friday. Please plan accordingly with your grade level/team to best accommodate parent schedules. Once your schedules are finalized please send information to parents for drop-in options which should be any time you do not have a scheduled appointment with another parent or guardian. Also, please send Erika and LeAnn your conference schedules.
Week of the Warrior
MONDAY: September 9th
- Weekly Planning Collaborative
SEL - Goal Setting
Mental Health Awareness Month - Self Care Goal Setting
Weekly Planning with InDeS
Cheer Practice 3-5
Football Practice 3-5
Cross Country City Meet at Warriors Path State Park NO BUS Girl 4:00/ Boys 4:30
Any student interested in joining the JSMS science Olympiad team need to get the google classroom code from their science teacher & complete the candidate interest form posted on the google classroom by 9/10 (Tuesday). There will be a tryout meeting in Mrs. Musselman’s room (227) on 9/12 from 2:45-3:30 to determine the final team roster.
TUESDAY: September 10th
- SEL - Tuesday - Circles
Football Practice 3-5
Volleyball Game vs. Greeneville at Sevier @ 5:00
Student Council meeting on Tuesday in Mrs. Wagner's room (346-next to orchestra) 3:00-3:30
Cross Country Practice 3-4:15
Any student interested in joining the JSMS science Olympiad team need to get the google classroom code from their science teacher & complete the candidate interest form posted on the google classroom by 9/10 (Tuesday). There will be a tryout meeting in Mrs. Musselman’s room (227) on 9/12 from 2:45-3:30 to determine the final team roster.
WEDNESDAY: September 11th
SEL - Wednesday - Second Step
FCA in the Small Gym at 7:00am
DB Beta Club Math Tutoring 3-4 in Mr. Wyatt’s Classroom
Cross Country practice 3-4:15
Chess Club 2:45 - 4:00
Football Practice 3-5
Cheer Practice 3-5
Cross Country Practice 3-4:15
There will be a robotics meeting for any student interested in joining one of the Sevier Robotics teams this year, on Wednesday, September 11 from 3:00- 3:45 in Mr. Golden's Room (Room 332).
Journalism meeting on Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:30 pm. All staff members are required to attend. Editors will meet until 5:15 pm.
Any student interested in joining the JSMS science Olympiad team need to get the google classroom code from their science teacher & complete the candidate interest form posted on the google classroom by 9/10 (Tuesday). There will be a tryout meeting in Mrs. Musselman’s room (227) on 9/12 from 2:45-3:30 to determine the final team roster.
THURSDAY: September 12th
SEL - Thursday - Naviance
Volleyball Game vs. TA Dugger at Sevier @ 5:00
Cross Country Myers Pumpkin Path CC Meet in Greeneville Boys 5:30/Girls 6:00 Bus leaves at 3:10 Return 8:30 but will send a REMIND text our to parents.
Football game vs. Liberty Bell at DB @ 6:15
Any student interested in joining the JSMS science Olympiad team need to get the google classroom code from their science teacher & complete the candidate interest form posted on the google classroom by 9/10 (Tuesday). There will be a tryout meeting in Mrs. Musselman’s room (227) on 9/12 from 2:45-3:30 to determine the final team roster.
FRIDAY: September 13th
Parent Teacher Conference Day (No School for Students)
Save the Date
JSMS Boys Basketball Tryouts non-fall sports tryouts 6th,7th, and 8th graders September 30th, October 1st,2nd from 3-5 in the big gym, Final Tryouts 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders October 7th and 8th from 3-5 in the Big Gym. Must have a sports physical on file, and must be at every day of tryouts.
Our 8th Grade Students had a group picture made August 21 on picture day. The group picture is available for purchase at $14. These can be ordered on-line or students can pick up order forms in the office. On-line orders: Mylifetouch.com Picture Day ID: AA469001G0
City Championship shirt will go on sale later in the month of September!
Wrestling Conditioning will begin on September 17. A physical must be on file. We will meet in my room #226
JSMS JAM
JSMS Athletic Passes
John Sevier Middle Boys Basketball Tryouts 2019-2020
Non-Fall Sports Tryouts: 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders September 30, October 1, 2 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Final Tryouts: 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders October 7,8 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• LOCATION: SEVIER GYM
• DRESS IN APPROPRIATE BASKETBALL ATTIRE
• YOU MUST HAVE A PHYSICAL ON FILE TO TRYOUT, NO EXCEPTIONS.
• YOU MUST ATTEND EVERY DAY OF THE TRYOUTS
• CUTS WILL BE MADE ON OCT. 2 AND OCT. 8 (FINAL TEAM)
Calling all Math Teachers!
The second middle school math symposium is scheduled on Monday, September 23 (3:15-4:45) in the Watauga Room at ASC. This session will highlight the use of tasks with square tiles. Topics to be explored include square numbers, square roots, fractional relationships, area, perimeter, ratios, proportional reasoning, sampling, predictions, and organizing and interpreting data.
Interested teachers should register for the session by Sept. 17 using the link below in order to receive handouts/materials.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/EGUBGudfpzyz6Hna6
Please contact Pam Stidham or Amanda Cole if you should have any questions.
Looking forward to learning with you!
Pam
Calling all ELA Teachers!
Middle School ELA Symposium- September 23 (3:30-4:45)
Join us for an exploration of the book, 10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know. During ELA Symposiums we will explore the book together and also explore key articles to support best practice. Please register by Monday, September 9 in order to receive a copy of the book.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oLDIAE4vLGoNbl4QTFnoD4apwI2pKhI9dl8Sy79vGgg/edit?usp=sharing
Calling all Science Teachers!
The first Science PL Symposium will be Monday, Sept. 23rd from 3:15-4:45 in the John Sevier Library.
Description: Performance-Based Assessment Tasks - What are they? Let’s Explore and Construct 3D Assessments Together!
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR SCHOOLS!
PART TIME AND FULL TIME OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
MULTIPLE SCHEDULE OPTIONS
BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES
PART TIME POSITIONS FULL TIME POSITIONS
Instructional Assistant Bus Driver (part time or full time)
School Nutrition Services Custodian
SUBSTITUTES: Work a schedule most convenient for you. Substitutes needed for teachers, school nutrition workers, custodian, bus drivers, and school nurses.
To Apply:
Please submit an application through our on-line system at www.k12k.com. Click on the Employment link and follow the instructions on the employment page.
EXTRA! EXTRA! The Sequoyah Scribe/Yearbook Staff Needs Your Help!
The Sevier Yearbook is looking for your summer pictures! Text us your summer photo to 390-8285 and your photo could end up in this year's yearbook!
Coffee Cart-Feel Good Friday
Feel Good Friday just keeps getting better! Stephen Baker had the awesome idea to start up a coffee cart for the Warrior Academy kiddos and the FA-3 kiddos to run together on Friday mornings. The cost will be $1.00 per cup, and we have creamers and sweeteners as well!
The funds will just replenish the cart from week to week, but the personal interaction and functional skills the kids are going to learn from this will be invaluable! I am looking forward to watching them grow throughout the year and build relationships with you all through this venture!
I have included the Google Sheet that we will use each week to fill orders. There is a cell for your name, classroom number for 1st period assignments, type of drink, and if you need a disposable cup, or if you'll have your own mug for us to make it in!
Thank you all in advance for your support of this fun idea, and to Baker for getting it all together. I love our big Warrior Tribe!
Thanks again!
Baker and Megan
Duty Scheudule:
Morning and Afternoon Duty:
Hall and Lunch Duty:
Support our JSMS Orchestra: Amazon SMILE
Amazon Smile: How can you make your JSMS Orchestra Smile through your Amazon account? So glad you asked! Simply sign up for the Amazon Smile Program and designate John Sevier Middle School Orchestra as the benefactor, and we will receive .5% on eligible items! So simple!
Here are the 3 easy steps:
1. Go to: smile.amazon.com
2. If you already have an Amazon account, sign in. If not, you will need to create one. (See "Amazon Smile HOME-SIGN IN" attached below), or create
an Amazon account.
3. Find the link/ tab for "Pick a Charity Amazon Smile" and choose "John Sevier Middle School Orchestra Booster Club."
That's it. Then shop from AmazonSmile and they will donate 0.5% to the Boosters on all eligible purchases (nearly everything). It does not cost you, the consumer, anything! See attached screen shots for examples.
Thanks so much for your support!
Warrior Whoop!
Warrior Whoop!
Warrior ROCKstar!
I want to nominate Rebekah Tipton for the Rock award. Her efforts at strengthening our culture at Sevier are not unnoticed. She is humble, gracious and so well liked by her students and co-workers alike. Rebekah is very dedicated in her role as teacher and role model. She really cares for her fellow teachers and goes out of her way to make us smile when we are around her. She motivates all of her students to reach their highest potential. And, let’s face it, she deserves it for having to put up with Flanary and Carr!:)JJ Jenny Mklveen
Warrior of the Week
Cadyn Alexander, Aubrie Simpson, Madison Pendleton, Cassandra Probst, Shelby Ann Demuth,
Hailie Marie Ramirez-Hernandez
7th
Lucas Parks, Max Vassallo, Cadence Honaker, Griffon DeVinney, Alessandra Bogni
8th
Logan Pickup, Addison Helms,Da'mya Camp, Preston Taylor, Riley Spalding
Yay Math Teachers!
Kingsport City Schools hosted the fall conference of the Upper East Tennessee Council of Teachers of Mathematics on Tuesday, Sept. 3 (4:00-6:00) at Robinson Middle School. Thank you to the following teachers for attending!
Sevier
Julie Tester
Kaelin Toney
Sean Golden