Back to School Night

1. Back to School Night AACA Middle School September 14, 2011

2. Middle School Faculty • Katie Key kkey@alphonsuscademy.org - 6th HR, Math • Katie Mott kmott@alphonsusacademy.org - ELA • Susan Mertensmerten@alphonsusacademy.org - Science • Chris Petersen cpetersen@alphonsusacademy.org - 7/8th HR, SS • Lisa Heroldlherold@alphonsusacdemy.org - Spanish • Elizabeth Pridgenepridgen@alphonsuscademy.org - SST • Scott Conklin sconklin@alphonsuscademy.org - Counselor • Cathy Brennan cbrennan@alphonsuscademy.org - HS Specialist

3. Block Schedule • More time to complete activities and labs from start to finish • Increased time to dive deeper into content for longer periods of time • Core academics in the AM

4. AM Procedure • Unpack personal belongings at your locker. • Gather books and binder for Period 1 and go to homeroom. • Get computer case in homeroom and get computer in Room 305. • Return to homeroom and complete bellwork or silent reading until bell rings at 8:00 AM. • Prayer and attendance 8:00-8:05 AM. • Period 1 begins at 8:05 AM.

5. Reasons Why You Don’t Want To Be Tardy . . . • Loss of computer privileges for the day • Must have computer prior to 8:00 AM bell. • Rushed start to the morning • Student discombobulated! • Missing important instructional time • Disrupting student learning in progress AND impact of block schedule

6. PM Procedure • Write down HW in assignment notebook in your homeroom. • Teacher signs assignment notebook. ** • Put computer back in Room 305 and computer case back in homeroom. • Pack up personal belongings at your locker. • Bring backpack back to homeroom. • Wait quietly for prayer and dismissal.

7. Middle School Wiki • You and your child’s best friend  • Alphonsuswiki.wikispaces.com

8. Homework Expectations • Homework is written down each day and posted DAILY by teachers on the middle school wiki. • Assignments are expected to be completed prior to the beginning of class periods. • Students will not be allowed to go back to their locker to search for homework or books – EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING! • Missing or incomplete assignments will be communicated to parents via FYIs. • If a student receives 3 homework FYIs, a parent conference will be held to develop a plan of action to best support the student’s needs.

9. MSSR Changes • Middle School Skills & Readiness • Problem Based Learning (PBL) • Authentic, life based problems where students create and collaborate to find solutions • Teachers provide structure and support • Projects rotate quarterly • Cross-curricular • Quarter MSSR Missions • 6th grade – Executive Function/Digital Storytelling • 7th grade – Project Gnilletyrots (Backwards storytelling) • 8th grade – Cycle Back (recycling initiative for AACA)

10. Goals Recognition • Helping students set goals and develop a growth mindset • Fostering mentality that mistakes are okay as long as you learn from them and work towards improvement • Identifying individualized areas for improvement • Developing plans for articulating and monitoring goals, including how to track and measure progress • Reflection conferences with teachers • Recognition of progress quarterly

11. Student Led Conferences • First Quarter Conferences – Nov 10-11 • Third Quarter Conferences – Mar 14-15 • Notification via email 3 weeks prior for sign-ups • Student Led Conferences • Student prep during class time • Parent questionnaire sent home and returned • Students lead teachers and parents in discussion of digital portfolios, goals, and their learning thus far

12. MS Social Events • Bowling at Diversey Rock & Bowl – Nov 3 4-6pm • Halloween Party – Oct 31, PM (school) • Loyola Basketball Game – Dec TBD • Christmas Brunch – Dec 21 (in school) • Valentine’s Day Party – Feb 14 PM (in school) • Dave & Busters Night – Mar 9 @ 5pm • Third Annual Deanery Dance – Apr 27 6-9pm