Spartan Blog, Week of October 15-19, 2012

Spartan PRIDE

Supporting our school community core values.

I am looking forward to the Parent Advisory Group Meeting scheduled for this week.
The key topics are:
Spartan Pride
Ideal School Community
How Do We Shape Parent Involvement at SMS?
A Plan for Action

Featured Activities:
Mr. Baier, Principal and Student Council Leaders will share the school core values outline in Spartan PRIDE and application to the learning environment at SMS. Additionally, we will brainstorm and begin developing our goals for parent engagement and participation at our school.    Cookies and refreshments will be served.

Parents Advisory Group Meeting
Monday, October 15, 2012
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Spearfish Middle School Library
If you have questions, please contact the middle school office at 717-1215.

South Dakota, among many other states across the nation have adopted a plan to transition to Common Core State Standards.  The mission of The Common Core State Standards is to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.  With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.  Currently, South Dakota has adopted common core standards for English Language Arts and Math.  Additionally, literacy standards are to be embedded in social studies, science and the technical arts. 

There are many changes to come as the Spearfish School District continues the work necessary to meet the full implementation timeline set by the Department of Education.  The early release and full day professional development days on the calendar will be extremely useful as teachers engage in the important work ahead.  I will provide frequent updates common core implementation.  I have included a link to the Department of Education website.  Here you will find useful information about the common core standards.   http://www.doe.sd.gov/octe/commoncorestandards.aspx

I hope to see you on Monday at 6:00 p.m. for the, Parents as Partners in Learning, meeting.

Upcoming Activities: Oct. 22-26                   Red Ribbon Week Oct. 24                        Building Leadership Team Meeting, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in the library                                         computer lab Oct. 25                        Team Leader Meeting, 7:30 a.m. in the conference room Oct. 26                        NO SCHOOL – P/T Conf. by appt. Nov. 7                         2 pm – EARLY RELEASE Nov. 12                       NO SCHOOL Veterans Day Nov. 21                       End of First Trimester Nov. 21                       12:50 pm – EARLY RELEASE Nov. 22-23                  Thanksgiving Vacation Every beginning is a consequence.   Every beginning ends something.                                                                             -Paul Valery, French Poet