Spartan PRIDE
Supporting our school community core values.
Authentic Learning
The week of January 28 through February 1, 2013 was an exciting week at Spearfish Middle School. Our 6th grade students participated in the annual Paper Bowl. After more than 14 years of tradition, the event reached newsworthy status. Fox News, and the local newspaper did an outstanding job of covering the event. This was my first experience with Paper Bowl and I enjoyed every minute of it. The event is a wonderful showcase of learning. Yes, there are curriculum standards to meet, but it is about so much more; learning is about so much more. With the shift to common core standards, our mindset must shift as well. While it is certainly about the content, it is equally important that students develop skills through the use of content. The capacity to problem solve, apply information in a new and authentic setting, and the ability to effectively communicate through listening speaking and writing are essential skills for all students. The Paper Bowl is a fantastic representation of the "skills" focus. I want to thank our teachers, parents and students for a super day! Authentic learning activities done in community have great value.
Science Fair culminated on Friday with a trip up the hill Black Hills State University. If you have never been taken the time too really study the projects developed by our students, you will want to mark your calendar and carve our two hours of your time next year! Science Fair is another excellent example of using content to develop skills. It is an authentic activity with student choice and specific outcomes to achieve. The most notable for me is family involvement. In our fast pace world, our children often times go about their school business without much engagement from us as parents. Thank you science teachers for expecting the very best from our students. Thank you parents for your part in making this a successful experience for your child. And finally, congratulations to our students. You have accomplish much more than putting data on a board. You have gain a solid understanding of the thinking process needed to successfully navigate this world. The challenges, problems and obstacles of life will come. How you organize the experiment of life and work through the problem is what make it interesting.
Pushing Kids Too Early?
I have included a link from South Dakota Public Television in the Parents Links section in this blog. It is an interesting look at a very complex problem in our society. How hard should we push our kids? The panel discussion centers on the topic of activities and athletics. As a Dad of three, I wrestle with this question daily.
Together, United: Student Assembly on Wednesday, February 13th in the HS Auditorium
You will not want to miss the Together, United Student Assembly. The purpose of the assembly is to continue to build community in our school. Spartan PRIDE (preparedness, respect, integrity, determination, excellence) are just words on a page unless we teach and model the characteristics embodied in the words. The assembly focuses on the importance of respect for diversity. We want young people to see uniqueness and differences as strengths. The song, "It Gets Better" will be performed by the 8th grade choir. Additionally, twenty five other students and staff will be involved in the activity. You won't want to miss it.
Parents as Partners, Monday, February 4th, 6-7 p.m. in the SMS Library
We will continue our discussion on College and Career Readiness. What does it mean? What is our role in making this happen? Additionally, we will review the new SD Accountability Model for schools and school districts.
|
Upcoming Activities:
Feb. 12 Scheduling
Meeting, 3:20 p.m.in the SMS Conf. rm.
Feb. 13 Building
Leadership Team Meeting, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in SMS Library
Feb. 13 Together,
United Student Assembly, 8:55 a.m. in HS Auditorium
Feb. 15 1
p.m. Early Release for Professional Development
Feb. 18 We
will have school. Make up day for Snow
Day
Feb. 20 6-8
gr. CC math meeting, 3:20-4:00 p.m. in the SMS Library
Feb. 22 End
of 2nd Trimester
Feb. 25 6-8
CC ELA meeting, 3:20-4:00 p.m. in the SMS Library
Feb. 27 Building
Leadership Team Meeting, 3:15-4:30 p.m. in SMS Library
Feb. 28 Team Leader Meeting, 7:30 a.m.
in Conf. rm.
March 1 8th Grade Dance, 5-7 p.m. |
A
school community must be personally built on a daily basis by both
you
and your students.
-Clifton Taulbert
No comments:
Post a Comment