Back to School Night

AACA Middle SchoolSeptember 14, 2011

Middle School Faculty Katie Key kkey@alphonsuscademy.org - 6th HR,

Math Katie Mott kmott@alphonsusacademy.org - ELA Susan Merten smerten@alphonsusacademy.org -

Science Chris Petersen cpetersen@alphonsusacademy.org

- 7/8th HR, SS Lisa Herold lherold@alphonsusacdemy.org -

Spanish Elizabeth Pridgen

epridgen@alphonsuscademy.org - SST Scott Conklin sconklin@alphonsuscademy.org -

Counselor Cathy Brennan cbrennan@alphonsuscademy.org -

HS Specialist

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

AM Procedure1. Unpack personal belongings at your locker.

2. Gather books and binder for Period 1 and go to homeroom.

3. Get computer case in homeroom and get computer in Room 305.

4. Return to homeroom and complete bellwork or silent reading until bell rings at 8:00 AM.

5. Prayer and attendance 8:00-8:05 AM.

6. Period 1 begins at 8:05 AM.

Reasons Why You Don’t Want To Be Tardy . . .

Loss of computer privileges for the dayMust 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

PM Procedure1. Write down HW in assignment notebook in

your homeroom.

2. Teacher signs assignment notebook. **

3. Put computer back in Room 305 and computer case back in homeroom.

4. Pack up personal belongings at your locker.

5. Bring backpack back to homeroom.

6. Wait quietly for prayer and dismissal.

Middle School Wiki

You and your child’s best friend Alphonsuswiki.wikispaces.com

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.

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)

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

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

MS Social EventsBowling at Diversey Rock & Bowl – Nov 3 4-

6pmHalloween Party – Oct 31, PM (school)Loyola Basketball Game – Dec TBDChristmas Brunch – Dec 21 (in school)Valentine’s Day Party – Feb 14 PM (in school)Dave & Busters Night – Mar 9 @ 5pmThird Annual Deanery Dance – Apr 27 6-9pm