Week 31

 

Happy Friday Team,

Our Easter Break and three-day week is complete, and we only have three days left in April!  I know it's tempting to start the count down, but we still have a lot of instructional time left in the school year.  So let's continue to hold strong, making sure that we are completing the curricular scope and sequence and holding tight to the classroom structure and expectations. 

We are entering into one of the challenging times of the year for students and staff alike..  I urge you to remember to "Inspect what you Expect". If the students are not living up to your expectations, don't let things slide...reinforce your procedures and keep your structure tight.  Doing this will make your end of the school year much more enjoyable.

Congratulations to 8^th Grade on their completion of both PSAT and MSTEP!  Well done!

I hope each of you have a wonderful, restful weekend.  You deserve it so much...and I truly appreciate all you do for our students and the school.

MSTEP Continues for 4th and 7th Grade...and Make Ups

MSTEP testing begins this week week for students in grades 4 and grade 7.  The schedule is as follows:

• Monday, 4/28 -  4th Grade ELA
• Tuesday, 4/29 - 7th Grade ELA
• Wednesday, 4/30 - 4th Grade Math
• Thursday, 5/1 - 7th Grade Math
• Monday - Friday, 4/28-5/2 - 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th MSTEP Make Ups

Please refer to the schedule provided during our training.  Also, if you have any questions let me know.  

Also, everyone remember to be mindful of the testing occurring as your students move in the hallways. They should be quiet, with no talking.

Specials and Lunch continue in the classrooms.  

Spring NWEA Testing Begins

NWEA testing will begin this week for 5th and 8th grades.  Please refer to the schedule provided during our training.

This will occur in your specific classrooms; however, 8th grade will test in their Math and ELA classrooms.  Just like in the Fall NWEA testing, you will be proctoring these tests yourself.  If you have questions about creating your test sessions and proctoring the tests, please reach out to your veteran team members or your Dean.

These test scores are VERY IMPORTANT to our Charter Authorizer, Bay Mills (who grants our charter to stay open).  They are looking for significant student growth in Math and ELA, so please emphasize the importance of focus, taking their time and putting forth their best effort to your students.

Week 31 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 31 of instruction. Even though you are reviewing and preparing for MSTEP, it is very important that we maintain our scope and sequence rigorously, and that we are up to date with the weekly Common Assessments.

Common Assessments 

If your grade level is not is Blue for any weekly Common Assessments, I need you to go in and check to see if any of your students are missing that assessment.  If so, it needs to be administered asap.

ELA

Math

Staff Attendance

We are noticing that there is an uptick in Staff Absenteeism and Tardy Arrivals.  We still have 7 weeks of school remaining and it is an expectation that you are at work every day and are arriving by 7:30 am.  If this does not apply to you, please ignore the gentle reminder.

Students Wearing Shorts

Students are not able to wear uniform shorts to school until Thursday, May 1st.  Please let parents know this information.

Attendance Taking and Attendance Grids

Please continue to be up to date with your daily attendance and grid submission. It is your responsibility to make sure that your attendance is submitted for AM/PM each day and that your grids are submitted for every week of the school year..  Please check your folder.

Behaviors

If a student is misbehaving or having issues in the classroom, you need to be the first contact with the parent (Phone Call, Email, SchoolConnect, etc.).  Also, make sure that you are inputting these behaviors in the system.  The ABSS's and Deans cannot move on these continual behaviors if there is no paper trail.

Also,  continue to remind students/parents that if students have been suspended beginning 4/1/2025 they are unable to attend the field trips.  

03's and GLTs 

GLTs will occur this week in the gym due to testing.  03s are on an as needed basis...you will find me in the gym or you can reach out to Mrs. Wheeler or Ms. Rogers.

GLINT Staff Survey

The Glint Survey window for staff opens April 28th-May 2nd. As you know we scored really high on that Fall survey and would like that score again (Highly Satisfied). 

We have the same set-up as we did last Fall. Once you complete your survey, send an EMAIL of the SNIPPED Picture of your COMPLETION (NO VERBAL OR TEXT Messages) 

to Mrs. Rogers email by 5 p.m. Monday, April 28. Those staff members will receive a boxed lunch (of your choice) on Friday the 2nd. The key is to get it done by end of day Monday. Also, those finishing the survey can have a dress down the rest of the week. 

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Upcoming Events:

Monday-Friday, April 28-May 2 - Staff Glint Survey Week

Monday-Friday, May 5 - 9  - Teacher Appreciation Week

Monday, May 5 - Kindergarten and 8th Grade Cap/Gown Pictures

Monday, May 12 - Staff Meeting (End Of Year Information) 3:35 pm

Friday, May 16 - MSTEP Ends

Wednesday, May 21 - Fire Drill AM

Thursday, May 22 - 8th Grade Breakfast; 8th Grade Prom 5:00-7:00 pm; 3rd-7th Grade Step Up Day 11:30-1:30

Friday - Monday, May 23 - May 26 - NO SCHOOL Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

Monday, June 9 - 8th Grade Graduation

Wednesday, June 10 - Kindergarten Step Up Day

Tuesday, June 12 - Gr. 1-7 FIELD DAY

June 13 - HALF DAY - Last Day of School; Report Cards Home

Week 30

 

Happy Easter Break Team... 

I know that you all are excited about this upcoming Easter Break.  I know I am...

Shout out to the 5th grade Team who completed their MSTEP testing and to the 8th Graders who completed their PSAT testing...only make ups for 5th grade remain!  I am so proud of the effort the students made to take their time and do their best on each of the tests they sat for this week.  It took a lot of determination and perseverance...and they brought it!  Thank you to the teachers for the EXCELLANT job Proctoring the tests.  Your presence walking around and giving encouragement really helped the students stay focused and motivated...

Next week will only get busier for all of us testing continuing and instruction/review occurring.  Keep up the good work team...your efforts are coming to fruition.  

I hope each of you have a wonderful, restful weekend.  You deserve it so much...and I truly appreciate all you do for our students and the school.

MSTEP Continues

MSTEP testing continues this week week for students in grade 5 and grade 8.  The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, 4/23 -  8th Grade Science
• Thursday, 4/24 - 8th Grade Social Studies
• Wed-Fri, 4/23-4/25 - 5th/8th MSTEP Make Ups

Please refer to the schedule provided during our training.  Also, if you have any questions let me know.  

Also, everyone remember to be mindful of the testing occurring as your students move in the hallways. They should be quiet, with no talking.

Specials and Lunch continue in the classrooms.  

Week 30 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 30 of instruction. Even though you are reviewing and preparing for MSTEP, it is very important that we maintain our scope and sequence rigorously, and that we are up to date with the weekly Common Assessments.

Student Supervision

Thank you for your increased focus on student supervision and adhering to the routines and expectations.  I noticed a difference this week and am truly thankful.  Keep being vigilant in your supervision and management...don't ignore the "little fires".

Attendance

Please continue to be up to date with your daily attendance and grid submission. It is your responsibility to make sure that your attendance is submitted for AM/PM each day and that your grids are submitted for every week of the school year..  Please check your folder.

Behaviors

If a student is misbehaving or having issues in the classroom, you need to be the first contact with the parent (Phone Call, Email, SchoolConnect, etc.).  Also, make sure that you are inputting these behaviors in the system.  The ABSS's and Deans cannot move on these continual behaviors if there is no paper trail.

Also,  continue to remind students/parents that if students have been suspended beginning 4/1/2025 they are unable to attend the field trips.  

03's and GLTs 

GLTs will occur this week in the gym due to testing.  03s are on an as needed basis...you will find me in the gym or you can reach out to Mrs. Wheeler or Ms. Rogers.

Purses

Please remind your girls that they are not to bring purses to school and wear them.  Purses are not a part of the school uniform.

GLINT Staff Survey

The Glint Survey window for staff opens April 28th-May 2nd. As you know we scored really high on that Fall survey and would like that score again (Highly Satisfied). 

We have the same set-up as we did last Fall. Once you complete your survey, send an EMAIL (NO VERBAL OR TEXT) to Mrs. Rogers email by 5 p.m. Monday, April 28. Those staff members will receive a boxed lunch (of your choice) on Friday the 19th. The key is to get it done by end of day Monday. Also, those finishing the survey can have a dress down the rest of the week. 

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 14 - MSTEP Testing Continues (Please refer to the schedule passed out on Monday)

• Wednesday, April 23 - 8th Grade Science/Make Ups
• Thursday, April 24 - 8th Grade Social Studies/Make Ups
• Friday, April 25 - MSTEP Make Up
• Monday, April 28 - May 2 - 4th & 7th MSTEP Week; 5th & 8th NWEA Week

Friday, April 18-Tuesday, April 22 - Easter Break - NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, April 23 - Administrative Professionals Day - Let's remember to honor Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Garrett and Ms. Hall for all that they do for the school, students, families and us!

Friday, April 25 - $ 2.00 Dress Down; Progress Report Day; Blue Ribbon and NJHS Earth Day Laurus Beautification Service Project; IAT Meeting Day

Monday-Friday, April 28-May 2 - Staff Glint Survey Week

Week 29

 

Good Morning Team,

We made it through another week...the first week of MSTEP is done!...there was strong teaching and learning going on in classrooms!...and another successful session of tutoring has come to an end!  Great job!  

We have a special full moon occurring this weekend.  It is a "pink" moon...so pretty.  I've been watching it get fuller each morning this week.  I hope you get a chance to see it.  Please take some time this weekend to rest and recharge.  Have a blessed one...

MSTEP Continues for 5th Grade 

MSTEP testing continues this week for students in grade 5.  Students will be testing on Monday and Thursday, with make up testing occurring both afternoons and on Wednesday.  Please be mindful of that as your students move in the hallways. They should be quiet, with no talking.

8th Grade PSAT Testing

All 8th grade students will be sitting for the very important PSAT 8/9 test on Tuesday.  This test will cover Reading, Writing, and Math.  Testing will occur in the gym.  Please be mindful of this and keep the halls quiet so that the students can test undisturbed.

Specials and Lunch

Specials and Lunch will be in the classrooms.  Please refer to the Lunch Coverage schedule sent out by Ms. Schofield on Friday.

Week 29 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 28 of instruction. Even though we are in our testing season, it is very important that we maintain our scope and sequence rigorously, and that we are up to date with the weekly Common Assessments.  Our test completion is still being tracked by the Service Center and our DSQ.  Let's keep it in "Blue".

Week 27 Common Assessment - Students Not Tested By Assessment

ELA

MATH

****Please, let's get any tests in Red/Pink get completed.

Student Supervision

With our return to school following our Spring Break, I shared with you the need to focus on routines, procedures, and expectations in order to establish the classroom management for the remainder of the year. Please continue to focus on the following areas. 

• Classrooms -  There are TOO MANY students up and out of their seats.  This creates an environment conducive to student misbehaviors.  Again, my expectation is that all students are to be seated in their own seat and they do not get out of their seat without permission.  Also, only one person is allowed to be up and out of their seat at a time.
• Circulate - We all know that proximity is the most effective way to manage student behaviors.  That means that you cannot stay at your desk or in the front of the room.  You should be circulating as you teach so that you can put out the tiny fires before they become disruptions.
• Bathrooms -  You are still expected to follow the bathroom break schedule.  Students are only allowed to go to the bathroom in an absolute emergency and then it is only ONE student...not one boy and one girl. 
• Hallways - I noticed this week that students are not being supervised when they are being walked in the hallway.  The expectation is that you have eyes on your students at all times.  This means you walk facing your students and that you stand at corners so that they are always supervised. There is to be no talking in the hallways.
• Buddy Rooms - If you have a student who is being disruptive, utilize your grade/wing level Buddy Rooms.  Send them with work.  They should not be there all day.  

If you incorporate these systems and procedures into your daily instruction, you will see improved student behavior.  Remember, classroom management starts and ends with you.

03's and GLTs 

GLTs will occur on Wednesday.  Due to Specials being in your rooms, let's plan to meet in the gym.  03s are on an as needed basis...you will find me in the gym or you can reach out to Mrs. Wheeler or Mrs. Rogers.

AIMSWeb Testing and Progress Monitoring

This is an important and required part of the At Risk program at our school.  The At Risk/Intervention staff are required to weekly test/progress monitoring ALL students K-3 and those students in 4-8 who tested at the At Risk level on NWEA.  Teachers...you must make those students available to be tested/progress monitored each week.  Please do not refuse to send your students out for this piece of intervention.

Attendance Grids

Please make sure these are completed, signed, and turned in to the office each Friday before you leave.

IAT PAPERWORK DUE

The last IAT Meeting of the 24-25 School Year will take place on Friday, April 25.  As such, it’s essential that all paperwork is submitted to Ms. Schofield no later than Thursday, April 17, 2025. This will allow sufficient time for her to contact families and confirm participation before the meeting. The sooner you get your paperwork to her, the better, and early submissions are greatly appreciated!

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 14 - MSTEP Testing Continues (Please refer to the schedule passed out on Monday)

• Monday, April 14 - 5th Grade Science MSTEP
• Tuesday, April 15 - 8th Grade PSAT
• Wednesday, April 16 - MSTEP Make Ups
• Thursday, April 17 - 5th Grade Social Studies MSTEP
• Wednesday, April 23 - 8th Grade Science/Make Ups
• Thursday, April 24 - 8th Grade Social Studies/Make Ups
• Friday, April 25 - MSTEP Make Up
• Monday, April 28 - May 2 - 4th & 7th MSTEP Week; 5th & 8th NWEA Week

Monday, April 14 - Committee Meetings 3:35 pm

Wednesday, April 16 - Otis Spunkmeyer Delivery 1:30 - 4:00 pm;  ALL ITEMS MUST BE PICKED UP AS THE SCHOOL HAS NO AVAILABLE STORAGE

Thursday, April 17 - IAT Paperwork due to Ms. Schofield

Friday, April 18-Tuesday, April 22 - Easter Break - NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, April 23 - Administrative Professionals Day - Let's remember to honor Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Garrett and Ms. Hall for all that they do for the school, students, families and us!

Friday, April 25 - $ 2.00 Dress Down; Progress Report Day; Blue Ribbon and NJHS Earth Day Laurus Beautification Service Project; IAT Meeting Day

Monday-Friday, April 28-May 2 - Staff Glint Survey Week

Week 28

 

Happy Friday Team,

You did it!  You made it through another busy week.  Well Done!

Well, we are on the the cusp of another Spring Testing season.  As such, I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some well deserved R&R this weekend.  

Week 28 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 28 of instruction. Even though we are entering our testing season, it is very important that we maintain our scope and sequence rigorously, and that we are up to date with the weekly Common Assessments. Please make sure that this is done.

Common Assessment - Students Not Tested By Assessment

ELA

MATH

***If your grade is in RED for any missing assessments, please work with your team to get those students tested so that we are not longer in RED.  Thank you!

MSTEP Begins

MSTEP testing begins this week for students in grade 5.  Please be mindful of that as your students move in the hallways. They should be quiet, with no talking. 

If you are in need of Dean support and I am not available, you can reach out to Mrs. Wheeler or Ms. Rogers.

All Specials and Lunches will be in the classrooms.  You will be receiving a lunch coverage schedule by Monday.  

Student Supervision

This week, there has been an uptick in student misbehaviors and issues in our wing. This indicates a need for more rigorous review and implementation of your expectations and procedures.  As such, I am asking for a renewed focus on routines, procedures, and expectations in order to establish the classroom management for the remainder of the year.  The following are areas that need to be addressed.

• Classrooms -  There are TOO MANY students up and out of their seats.  This creates an environment conducive to student misbehaviors.  Again, my expectation is that all students are to be seated in their own seat and they do not get out of their seat without permission.  Also, only one person is allowed to be up and out of their seat at a time.
• Pencil Sharpening - Please make sure that students are not up and sharpening pencils during your instruction.  Having pre-sharpened pencils available will help with this issue.
• Circulate - We all know that proximity is the most effective way to manage student behaviors.  That means that you cannot stay at your desk or in the front of the room.  You should be circulating as you teach so that you can put out the tiny fires before they become disruptions.
• Bathrooms -  You are still expected to follow the bathroom break schedule.  Students are only allowed to go to the bathroom in an absolute emergency and then it is only ONE student...not one boy and one girl. 
• Hallways - I noticed this week that students are not being supervised when they are being walked in the hallway.  The expectation is that you have eyes on your students at all times.  This means you walk facing your students and that you stand at corners so that they are always supervised. There is to be no talking in the hallways.
• Buddy Rooms - If you have a student who is being disruptive, utilize your grade/wing level Buddy Rooms.  Send them with work.  They should not be there all day.  

If you diligently and consistently incorporate these systems and procedures into your daily instruction, you should begin to see improved student behavior.  Remember, classroom management starts and ends with you.

Otis Spunkmeyer Delivery

The delivery of these items will occur during the week of April 14-17.  However, the actual date of delivery is TBD.  Mrs. Rogers will convey this information when it is determined.

03's and GLTs 

GLTs will occur this week in the gym due to testing.  03s will also be in the gym on an as needed basis.

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Also, once student work is graded, please send any work/papers home.  This helps to keep parents informed and updated

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 7 - MSTEP Testing Begins (Please refer to the schedule passed out on Monday)

• Tuesday, April 8 - 5th Grade ELA MSTEP
• Thursday, April 10 - 5th Grade Math MSTEP
• Monday, April 14 - 5th Grade Science MSTEP
• Tuesday, April 15 - 8th Grade PSAT
• Wednesday, April 16 - MSTEP Make Up
• Thursday, April 17 - 5th Grade Social Studies MSTEP

Monday, April 7 - Committee Meetings 3:35 pm

Thursday, April 10 - Tutoring Ends

Monday, April 7 - Friday, May 16

• Lunch In Classrooms
• Art and Music on a cart - in Classrooms; gym in the Classroom

Friday, April 18-Tuesday, April 22 - Easter Break - NO SCHOOL

Friday, April 25 - $ 2.00 Dress Down; Progress Report Day

Monday-Friday, April 28-May 2 - Staff Glint Survey Week