Mon Nov 10 2008, 6:45pm
District Meeting Room
Regular Meeting

REPORTS TO THE BOARD

WIS Report

Woodland Intermediate School
Monthly Update
October, 2008

 

Throughout the month of October our professional development has focused on Imagine It (reading) training, opportunities for grade level collaboration in reading and math, and training focused on developing web pages.

Being that we are in the first full year of a new reading adoption we are working very hard to support teachers throughout the implementation process. In order to support teachers, learn more about best practices regarding reading instruction, and maintain alignment with our professional focus (reading) the majority of our professional development opportunities will have a reading focus this year.

On October 17th WIS hosted Muffins with Mom and Dad. Parent, student, and staff support was very positive. This provided an opportunity for parents to socialize with students and staff. Most importantly this social activity is one of many that will help to develop positive relationships between the school and families.

Student involved conferences took place on October 21st through the 24th. Conferences were very well attended. As we continue to implement consistency throughout the building grade level teams adopted conference rubrics. The conference rubrics standardized the information presented during the conference and the amount of student participation throughout each grade level. Student Learning Plans (SLP's) were introduced and distributed during conferences.

On October 31st WIS welcomed Mr. Steffan Soule into the building for the third consecutive year. Mr. Soule is a magician that specializes in performances for young audiences. This assembly is highly regarded as "the best assembly of the year" by our students. This assembly has been a well received alternative by staff, students, and parents to the Halloween pageantry that has gone on in past years. It also allows us to have an extended focus on teaching and learning, and limit the distractions that accompany these holidays and traditional celebrations.

Our new drop in computer lab is nearly available for classroom use. Mr. Flanagan has been teaching several of his technology classes from the new lab. This is in an effort to introduce and familiarize students with the new technology. A few kinks are still being worked out, but we are very excited about the availability of new lab, and the opportunity for teachers to incorporate technology into teaching and learning on a more consistent basis.

Promoting student achievement and acknowledging student success are both important facets of serving students well at Woodland Intermediate School.

In addition to recognizing students as Students of the Month, WIS will be recognizing students who excel in four additional areas. The four areas in which students will be recognized include Accelerated Reader, attendance, behavior management, and academic achievement. Students will be recognized in each of these areas at the conclusion of each quarter. Students who are recognized in one or more areas will be acknowledged publicly, in the Friday Newsletter, on a bulletin board in the entryway, on the WIS website, and receive a certificate of achievement.

The criteria for being recognized are specific for each of the four areas:

Accelerated Reader-

Students who earn 25 points during the quarter will be recognized for their achievement. Students will continue to be recognized in 25 point increments.

Attendance-

Students who complete the quarter without any (excused or unexcused) absences or tardies will be recognized for their achievement.

Behavior Management-

Students who complete the quarter without having received a school or bus referral will be recognized for their achievement.

Academic Achievement-

Students who complete the quarter with a grade point average of 3.0 (B average) or higher will be recognized for their achievement.

Woodland Intermediate School students work hard and deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments. We look forward to recognizing many students at the conclusion of the first quarter (Nov. 4th) and throughout the remainder of the year.

The month of October came and went very quickly. Al in all it was a very positive and productive month in the areas of teaching and learning.