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Building a Successful Middle School/The Meaning of Focused Practice

Submitted on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 08:53

Our mantra in middle school, “you can do, and you can re-do, but you can’t not do” is really taking hold. Students are recognizing that teachers require evidence in order to properly assess their students’ achievement. And teachers don’t want to have just work turned in, they want the student’s best work. We believe that the work assigned (formative assessments) is valuable and deserves authentic and timely feedback. The feedback helps the student make adjustments to their focused practice (see high school article in this issue).

Study Hall – Updates

Submitted on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 08:52

Good study habits are skills to be learned. Sixth grade students have a mandatory study skills class to assist them in building their skills for success in middle school. Two teachers from middle school, Jenna Pabalate and Susan Cizek, will now be extending these skills to all of our middle level grades. Once a week, an Executive Skills mini lesson/workshop will be presented after school for those interested. Executive skills are closely related to organizational skills.

Two New Language Clubs Will be Offered in After School Activities (ASA) - Session 2

Submitted on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 08:51

A French Club, facilitated by Goliad Tamareu will now be offered for middle school students on Thursdays. This club would be a great way to experience French culture and language outside the classroom. Betty Chang will also offer a Beginning Chinese course for grades 5-12 this coming session. Stay tuned for more interesting and exciting language ASAs for Session 2.

National Honor Society Students to Offer Tutoring

Submitted on Thu, 12/09/2010 - 08:51

A pool of talented high school students from the National Honor Society (NHS) will be providing tutoring services to our middle school students. The members of the NHS will be present during middle school study halls to offer assistance in specific subjects. Study hall is becoming more of a drop-in center for those interested in focused practice. The NHS tutoring schedule is posted on the middle school bulletin boards, as well as on the next page in this publication.
 

Where Do Grades Come From?

Submitted on Thu, 12/02/2010 - 09:51

Dear ICS Community,

Reflecting on First Quarter Reports

Submitted on Thu, 11/04/2010 - 14:56

Now that the first quarter reports are history, what do we do with the information? The middle and high school is moving towards standards-based reporting and away from letter grades. Therefore, the first quarter report reflects where the student is now, based on the standard for that class at that time. That means that a student who has “Nearly Achieved the Standard” in their course work at the quarter has the potential to “Achieve the Standard” if they act on the appropriate feedback.

First Quarter Grades

Submitted on Thu, 10/28/2010 - 12:19

Dear ICS community,

Next week first quarter grades will be available for students and their parents to review. I recognize that this is a time of excitement, anxiety and—most importantly—a time for self-reflection. We will be excited to see what we have achieved in the first half of the semester, we will be anxious if our outcomes have not met our expectations, and we will have an opportunity to reflect on the process that has brought us to these outcomes whether we have met, exceeded, or fallen short of our expectations.

Developing Healthy Eating Habits in Middle School

Submitted on Wed, 10/13/2010 - 10:07

Eating a healthy diet positively contributes to our body, mind and energy. Our middle school students have the freedom to choose the foods they consume during lunch and break. Lunch duty teachers have discovered quite a few students making unhealthy food choices for lunch and break. For example, a popular choice for lunch, for some middle school students, is simply a plate of French Fries, or to not eat at all in hopes to get in more playtime. We will continue our discussions with the students about eating a healthy diet here at ICS and revisit this concern after the break.
 

Parent/Teacher Conferences for All Middle and High School Students

Submitted on Thu, 10/07/2010 - 12:13

All middle and high school parents are encouraged to attend the parent/teacher conferences. The conferences are an opportunity for parents to meet each of their student’s teachers, and briefly discuss the student’s progress. In addition, quarter 1 report cards will be issued to the parents at the conferences. Students are welcome to attend with their parents. No appointments are necessary; please come to the gym during the times given below and the teachers will be available to meet.

Elementary and Middle School Movie Night: Friday 8 October

Submitted on Thu, 10/07/2010 - 12:12

The High School Student Council will be providing an Elementary and Middle School Movie Night for kids in grades 3-8 during the Elementary School Student as Learner Conferences on Friday 8 October. It is the best place for your child to be while you are having your conferences.

Movie Title: Aliens in the Attic (PG)
Venue: Mini Amphitheater
Time: 6:30  - 8:30 PM
Tickets: 10 Birr each
Free popcorn and other refreshments will be provided. This is an outdoor event, so dress warmly and bring a blanket for your child.