From the Principal:
Dear Parents,
Throughout the school year, we assess our students with not only content knowledge, but also organizational skills, group work and note taking ability. Teachers give students feedback that encourages deeper thinking, thus creating and maintaining relationships that lead to interactive and responsive instruction.
To bring the focus toward improved understanding, informal assessments are a critical part of the instructional process. These formative assessments focus on learning to understand and application of knowledge. Gathering information on student understanding, analyzing that information, then using it to guide instruction is an effective teaching practice. The assessment process allows us to greater understand the unique learning abilities of our students and tailor instruction to meet their needs.
Williamson also administers formal summative assessments that are benchmarks for students’ success. These assessments inform us as to how we can vary our instruction and/or provide additional services for our students.
The Middle School also assesses all students through i-Ready diagnostic assessments. These Reading and Math assessments are given to students three times per year, in September, January and May each year (students have shown growth after the winter diagnostic). This technology-based assessment allows us to identify specific academic strengths and concerns for each student.
This year, the NYS ELA assessments are still scheduled for April 19th and 20th for all Middle School students. The NYS Math assessment is scheduled to be administered for all Middle School students May 2nd and 3rd. These assessments will be computer based for grades 3-8 again this year.
We appreciate family’s encouragement and support in preparing their children for doing their best in all academic areas.
Most students do not look forward to quizzes, tests or exams, but assessment tools are part of how we accurately assess student understanding, better preparing them for the challenges ahead.
Thank you for your continued support.
John E. Fulmer, Principal
Williamson Middle School Williamson Middle School
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE:
March is National Nutrition Month, which focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future”.
Some suggestions recommended throughout the month include:
Eat with the environment in mind.
- Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks.
- Purchase foods with minimal packaging.
- Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible.
- Start a container or backyard garden to grow food at home.
See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
- Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
- Learn how nutrient needs may change with age.
- Receive personalized nutrition information to meet your health goals.
Stay nourished and save money.
- Plan your meals and snacks.
- See what food you have at home before purchasing more.
- Use a grocery list and shop sales when purchasing food.
- Learn about community resources such as SNAP, WIC and local food banks.
Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.
- Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions.
- Eat foods in various forms including fresh, frozen, canned and dried.
- Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions.
- Practice gratitude for your body by giving it the fuel it needs.
Make tasty foods at home.
- Learn cooking and meal preparation skills.
- Try new flavors and foods from around the world.
- Find creative ways to use leftovers rather than tossing them.
- Create happy memories by eating with friends and family when possible.
Remember a healthy eating plan is one that:
· Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk products.
· Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
· Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium/salt, and added sugars.
· Stays within your calorie needs.
And also, remember to exercise! When you exercise regularly, you reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease while increasing your chances of sleeping better and living longer.
Plus, physical activity can help you manage your weight. If you start slowly and keep going, you’ll reap health benefits and reduce your risk of injury and burnout.
Find ways to make exercise fun. Meet up with a friend, join a gym class, or find new places to explore. The possibilities are endless! Find what works for you!
Students of the Month for February 2023
Maximus Masker - All PRIDE attributes!
Marley Hadley - All PRIDE attributes!
Keilan Cobbs - Perseverance!
Jadelynn Rodriguez - All PRIDE attributes!
Gabriella Bourne - Demonstrates PRIDE attributes each day in PE!
6th Grade
Aiyanna Grenon - For exhibiting PRIDE behaviors all month!
Landon Hemingway - For exhibiting PRIDE behaviors all month!
JaeCia Bourne - For exhibiting PRIDE behaviors all month!
Marc Saint Fleur - Demonstrates PRIDE attributes each day in PE!
7th Grade
Devin Tuper - All PRIDE attributes!
Austin Kotvis - All PRIDE attributes!
Lizandra Diaz Promotor - All PRIDE attributes!
Reagan Mohanlall - Demonstrates PRIDE attributes each day in PE!
8th Grade
Andrew Robinson - All PRIDE attributes!
Ellie Alexander - All PRIDE attributes!
Honesty Johnson - All PRIDE attributes!
David DeFisher - All PRIDE attributes!
David DeFisher - Demonstrates PRIDE attributes each day in PE!
