Focus on the Fabulous
Our Student Council has been working hard this year, under the leadership of Ms. Dolan and Mrs. Ramos. Every morning they start the day by announcing the daily activities and keeping us posted on what is going on. This past week they organized a great dance for the middle school students. The students had fun doing the Limbo and competing in several dance competitions. We have all been working hard throughout the year, so it was fun to cut loose a little bit! Thanks to the Student Council for being positive leaders for our school!
Teacher Feature- Ms. Donaldson- Math Teacher
This has been a fast year for MS Math. I have been so pleased with the effort that all of my students have been showing in class. I remember back to September when my new 6th graders walked in and we didn’t even know how to multiply. Today, they multiply like pro’s, and are eager to learn everyday! The 7th graders have matured so much since last year. They know the routine and have grown in their math abilities as well. And the 8th grade…..WOW. I rarely hear “Miss, I can’t do this”. They come to class everyday ready to tackle the next math concept.
We are “neck deep” in TCAP preparation mode. This year I have decided to use Study Island Lessons as my lessons for preparing for TCAP. Study Island has upgraded, and the questions within the program look (and feel) like the type of questions that the students will see on TCAP. The students this year are doing VERY well on Study Island. They don’t always like the types of questions, but they are at least attempting the problems. Yes, some students are struggling, but they are coming to class with awesome questions that I can easily answer and clarify their learning. I am seeing great growth on Study Island, and I know my students will ROCK TCAP this year.
I want to say “Thank You” to all of the parents that are continually helping your child on their math work. I know many of you don’t always understand the math, but that did not stop you from trying to help your student. What a great role model for your students.
As the year begins to come to a close, we still have so much learning to do. After TCAP, we will have a week of a “well needed break” for our brains. When we come back from break, we will continue working on the math curriculum, as well as prepare for the end of year NWEA test. I am eager to see the growth that the students have made since taking the NWEA test in the fall. Let’s all keep up the hard work that we have been doing, and before you know it, SUMMER will be here.
We are “neck deep” in TCAP preparation mode. This year I have decided to use Study Island Lessons as my lessons for preparing for TCAP. Study Island has upgraded, and the questions within the program look (and feel) like the type of questions that the students will see on TCAP. The students this year are doing VERY well on Study Island. They don’t always like the types of questions, but they are at least attempting the problems. Yes, some students are struggling, but they are coming to class with awesome questions that I can easily answer and clarify their learning. I am seeing great growth on Study Island, and I know my students will ROCK TCAP this year.
I want to say “Thank You” to all of the parents that are continually helping your child on their math work. I know many of you don’t always understand the math, but that did not stop you from trying to help your student. What a great role model for your students.
As the year begins to come to a close, we still have so much learning to do. After TCAP, we will have a week of a “well needed break” for our brains. When we come back from break, we will continue working on the math curriculum, as well as prepare for the end of year NWEA test. I am eager to see the growth that the students have made since taking the NWEA test in the fall. Let’s all keep up the hard work that we have been doing, and before you know it, SUMMER will be here.
Rewind
We are gearing up for TCAP and we have all been making preparations. At Wednesday’s PLC, teachers took time to look over data, assessment frameworks and curriculum maps to target instruction for a solid review of essential knowledge over the next two weeks. I also worked on TCAP preparations with Mr. Jones. We scheduled testing times, rooms and proctors. We will be finishing the schedule this coming week. I spent quite a bit of time on several student issues this past week. Friday afternoon our middle school kids enjoyed the dance put on by Student Council. Saturday our wrestlers competed successfully at their first tournament in Centauri. Our middle school wrestlers started the season off strong. They took third place as a team at Centauri’s tournament. Frank Torrez took 1st place in his weight class, Juan Nungaray and Carlos Lopez took 2nd, and Ulysses Aguilar took 3rd. Way to go Vikings!
Fast Forward
This week I plan to get into classrooms as much as possible. I have several IEPs scheduled throughout the week. My mid-year evaluation will take place on Tuesday. I have my monthly AD meeting in Alamosa on Wednesday. Wednesday, during 4th period, our 8th graders will attend an Upward Bound presentation in the auditorium. On Thursday and Friday, sixteen of our middle school students will compete at the Regional Science Fair at Adams State. Ms. Dolan is the Science Fair sponsor this year. Friday our wrestlers will compete at Monte Vista.