Sunday, December 2, 2012

Weekly Spartan Blog, December 3-7 2012


Spartan Pledge
Supporting our school community core values.

Spearfish Middle School is committed to partnering with parents to link families to the their school and their child's learning.  The research is really clear and the correlation between in involvement and achievement is strong.  So how do we get families connected in meaningful ways?  I believe it begins with open communication and platform for continued dialog.  The Parents and Partners monthly meeting is way to open up dialog.  It is not however, the only answer to engaging parents.  I am hopeful that we are able to develop healthy opportunities for parents as a result of increased dialog through Parents as Partners.   There are many ways parents are already contributing and partnering in our school.  One very important role parents have played is serving as chaperones and parent drivers for field trips.  This is an incredible service that allows teachers to engage students in learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.  I am hopeful that we can find ways for parents and teachers to partner in the classroom as well.  Examples might include:  guest speaker, tutoring in our Learning Center, assisting in the classroom, and helping with special projects like science fair.   We will continue to be guided by the work of the Parents and Partners group.   The meeting on Monday night includes the following activities:
  • What do I want to be when I grow up?  A 20-30 minute presentation by middle school and high school counselors.  They will discuss and share some activities and tools we are using with students to get them thinking and planning for high school and post-secondary options. 
  • "Spartan Table Talk" 20 minutes of topical discussion related to adolescents, middle school years and parenting in the middle years.  ( We are prepared to discuss technology, school safety & discipline, SMS as a professional learning community or other topics parents would like to discuss. 
I have included the 16 characteristics of effective middle schools.  The Association for Middle Level Education is an excellent research-based organization that supports middle level educators and parents.  I hope to see you on Monday night!

Spearfish Middle School
Weekly Bulletin
December 3-7, 2012
“Empowering all students to succeed in a changing world.”

• Preparedness  • Respect  • Integrity  • Determination  • Excellence     

1)      SMART Board Training:  Monday, December 3rd, AM & PM sessions for pre-registered staff.  Be sure to verify sub arrangements with Mariah.  The training will take place in the Library.

2)      Parents and Partners Meeting, Monday December 3rd, 6-7 p.m. in the SMS Library
-Please send grade level rep.  (The meeting end a few minute early for the Choir concert)

3)      Choir Concert, Monday, December 3rd, 7-8 p.m. in HS Auditorium

4)      NWEA mtg w/ Consultant:  Tuesday, Dec. 4th in the office conference room at 8 a.m. (Designated staff will attend).

5)      Professional Development 2 p.m. Early Release:  Wednesday, December 5th in the HS Auditorium.  Presentation begins at 2:10 p.m.  Topic:   Danielson Evaluation Framework

6)      December Faculty Meeting:  Thursday, December 6th, 7:30-8:00 a.m. in the SMS Library

Upcoming Activities:
Dec. 10                       7th and 8th gr. Band Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m. in
                                    SHS Auditorium
Dec. 11                       District Technology Mtg., 3:45 p.m.in HS DDN   
                                     rm.
Dec. 12                       Building Leadership Team Mtg. 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 14                       7th Grade Dance, SMS Commons, 4-6 p.m.
Dec. 20                       Team Leader Meeting, 7:30 a.m. in conf. rm.
Dec. 21                       1 p.m. Early Release, Christmas/Holiday Break
Dec. 24-Jan. 1             Christmas/Holiday Break
Jan. 2                           School resumes

 Faith and doubt are both needed, not as antagonists but working side by side
 to take us around the unknown curve.
                                                                                                                                      -Lillian Smith
Make it a great week,
Shane Baier




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