Monday Memo - 5/1/17

As you know, we will be down an administrator for the remainder of the year. Please remember to monitor the halls in between classes and supervise areas before, during, and after school. The district is also providing support with supervision next week with an extra sub. On Monday through Thursday, you will see Sarah Cetro in the cafeteria and halls; Stacy Pohlman will be here on Friday.

 

We appreciate all of your support and efforts to move forward. We are confident that we will finish the year strong! Please let us know if we can be of any help.

 

Teacher Appreciation Week

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We know that this year has been a difficult one and we very much appreciate all that you do for our students. Please enjoy the tokens of appreciation throughout the week!

 

A reminder that PTO will be providing lunch as a belated teacher appreciation gift on Track Day, May 12. We will also have a massage therapist here, thanks to the district’s wellness program. Unfortunately, we were not successful in getting two therapists to come, but we did get a few additional time slots. If you have not signed up for a chair massage, you may do so here.

 

New Hires

Our science candidates did not go to the Board on Monday as planned because the district was still in the process of checking references. We will announce our new staff members after they have been Board approved.

 

Drs. Lee and Vogt will begin the screening process this weekend for the Social Studies position and will then begin working on the Orchestra position.

 

8th Grade Party - May 12

Students who are interested in helping with the party should meet after school in room 106 on May 3rd and 10th. There is no cost to attend the party, however, we are asking 8th graders to register at lunches May 1-4 so that we have an accurate count for pizza.

 

 

This week at Hixson:

 

Monday, May 1

Mr. Bruce Ellerman, district CFO, will be here handing out donuts to staff. Please visit the main office to get a donut from him!

·         Department Chair meeting is cancelled

·         PBT meeting, 3:30

 

Tuesday, May 2

Happy Birthday, Eric Hayes!!

·         Fire Drill cancelled

 

Thursday, May 4

Kolaches for our KOOL teachers! Stop by the office in the morning for this breakfast treat.

·         Book Battle Field Trip, 8:00-12:00

·         Model UN Field Trip, 8:30-2:30

 

Friday, May 5

Happy Birthday, Carin Gado!!

 

 

This month at Hixson: (If we’ve missed anything, please let us know.)

 

May 8	Meet and Greet with Dr. Lee 3:30pm, Hixson cafeteria
May 10	Monoceros Field Trip to Springfield, IL 8:00am - 7:00pm
May 11	Last Day for After-School Activities 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra Concert 6:30pm
May 12	Track Day 8:30 - 12:00 Lunch provided by PTO; the afternoon is yours to work individually, with your department, or with your team (or help get ready for the 8th grade party!)
May 12	8th Grade Party 7:00pm - 9:00pm
May 15	Six Flags Money and Permission Slips Due
May 17	Phoenix Field Trip to Springfield, IL 8:00am - 6:00pm Hixson Fine Arts Festival 6pm
May 18	Andromeda Field Trip to Springfield, IL 8:15am - 8:00pm
May 22	Orion Field Trip to Springfield, IL 7:00am - 7:30pm
May 23	7th and 8th Grade Pops Concert 6:00, Moss Field
May 24	All School Field Trip to Six Flags
May 25	Last Day of Student Attendance Noon Dismissal While we are contracted for a full day, the afternoon is not a PD day.

 

 

Monday Memo Week of April 24th

Monday Memo Week of April 24th, 2017

Morning Announcement and Pledge Schedule this week:

Week of 4-24: Ms. Majino

INTERVIEWS- SCIENCE POSITIONS

Dr. Lee, Dr. Vogt, some staff, students, and a parent rep have been working hard to interview for our three science positions. Today, teacher candidates whom they have moved on have been teaching a lesson in our discovery classes. Our goal is to take names to recommend for the positions to the school board on Monday night the 24th. The committee is doing their due diligence and will move candidates to the board whom they feel will be the best fit for our students' learning and Hixson team. If you have any questions, please let us know.

The social studies posting does not close until next week, please look for updates from that position as we move forward.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE

Friday, April 21^st: Candidates moving forward from Thursday will teach a mini lesson to a group of students, which we will videotape for analysis and review.

Candidate name recommendations for our science position to Dr. Wiley

Beginning the week of the 24^th we will shift focus to our Social Studies and part time orchestra positions in time for the next Board meeting.  Dr. Lee will be participating in all panel interviews, lesson reviews, and selection process

INNOVATION HOUR UPDATE:

The collaborative discussed that to best support the work of our kids and facilitators we will use half of the day on the last day of school to share their learning experiences within their umbrella group and the later half will be spent with team.

The rationale for the change: Several teams had requested time with their kids on the last day of school as well as the kids have not had enough time/structure this year to design a comprehensive reflection of their learning. Much of the remainder of the time from this year would have to be focused on creating a “product” instead of allowing them to continue to learn within their interest. Keeping the kids within their Umbrella topic would allow the kids to learn more about the different facets of their overall interest and allow groups to design an experience unique to their content area on a smaller more manageable scale. 

The team time will entirely autonomous, just share with the administration your plans before that day.

The collaborative will also be seeking both student and staff feedback regarding our IH semester in order to monitor progress and identify what is working and what may need tweaking.

HALL SUPERVISION:

Please remember that students must be supervised at all times! We have seen many students working in the hallways with classroom doors closed and no adult supervision. Please remember, if you need space for students to work, your doors must be open and there must be staff supervision of all students. Thank you for your cooperation with this.

Please be diligent about hallway supervision and student passing, especially during MAP so our halls stay quiet. Remember to reiterate to students that groups are always testing at some point this month and we need to respect their space.

HIXSON TESTING SCHEDULE:

 Algebra will be taking the EOC on April 25/ 26. Thank you to LP and Sarah for the AWESOME WORK they have done with MAP testing this year.  Thank you all for your patience and collaboration as MAP comes to a close!

Staff: If you did not receive an orange “Bullying sign” to post in your classroom, please pick one up from Mrs. Edwards’ desk!  Thanks!  These are to be posted in all classrooms.

Monday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. JONES

Hixson Admin Meeting

NO faculty meeting today!!

Tuesday: Library closed for EOC

8am student meeting in Dr. Roddy's classroom

Dr. Smith sub for Mr. Martin 7th hour

630 CHOIR CONCERT

Wednesday: Dr. Smith out of building

Library closed for EOC

Thursday: Dr. Smith supervising band field trip to Busch stadium 11 am

Friday:  Innovation Hour

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DACIA STEWART AND MACKENZIE HENNEKES this weekend!!!

INNOVATION HOUR GRANT APPLICATION:Please have completed

https://goo.gl/forms/8sova4Xb9OmLE7P92

Thanks to the Hixson PTO and the WGSD Foundation, we have some funding to go to IH learning.  If some money could assist your IH students in their exploration, please fill out the form (by using the link above) in order for us to evaluate needs and allocations.  Please have this application completed by  Monday, April 10th for consideration.  Thank you!*As an alternative, your students may also request funding from this money using the application you already have had for innovation hour.  Please see Mr. Heisel with questions.  I need to know what are needs are for the remainder of the year.  Thanks!

PLEASE MAKE TECH AWARE OF COPIER ISSUES:

Please contact the tech center for any problems or paper needs for the copier.  Jason Heisel is available through Google Hangouts anytime as well.  

LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL:

• Wednesday, May 24th both 7th and 8th grade students will go to Six Flags for the end of year trip
• Thursday, May 25th is a half-day.  This day will be utilized for students to present on their innovation hour explorations and activities.

Monday Memo- Week of April 17th, 2017

Monday Memo Week of April 17th, 2017

Morning Announcement and Pledge Schedule this week:

Week of 4-17: Dr. Roddy

A warm Hixson welcome to our new principal, Dr. Grace Lee!! Dr. Lee and I have already started transition work this week. Grace and I will be coming to your classrooms on Monday afternoon. Dr. Lee is fantastic, warm, and excited to be at Hixson! I am confident you will easily be able to make her part of the Hixson Family!!

INNOVATION HOUR UPDATE:

The collaborative discussed that to best support the work of our kids and facilitators we will use half of the day on the last day of school to share their learning experiences within their umbrella group and the later half will be spent with team.

The rationale for the change: Several teams had requested time with their kids on the last day of school as well as the kids have not had enough time/structure this year to design a comprehensive reflection of their learning. Much of the remainder of the time from this year would have to be focused on creating a “product” instead of allowing them to continue to learn within their interest. Keeping the kids within their Umbrella topic would allow the kids to learn more about the different facets of their overall interest and allow groups to design an experience unique to their content area on a smaller more manageable scale. 

The team time will entirely autonomous, just share with the administration your plans before that day.

 SUPERVISION:

Please be diligent about hallway supervision and student passing, especially during MAP so our halls stay quiet. Remember to reiterate to students that groups are always testing at some point this month and we need to respect their space.

Chromebooks will be collected in May, the first week. Please refer to Mr. Heisel's email for more information.

TEACHER INTERVIEW INFORMATION:

Saturday, April 15^th: screenings conducted- Dr. Smith and Dr. Vogt

Tuesday, April 18^th: screenings conducted- Dr. Smith and Dr. Vogt continue for science and begin for Social Studies

Thursday, April 20^th: (starting at 12:30ish) Panel interview at Hixson.  Panel will include students, parent rep, Dr. Smith, Dr. Vogt, Dr. Lee (new principal), department representation, and team representation

Friday, April 21^st: Candidates moving forward from Thursday will teach a mini lesson to a group of students, which we will videotape for analysis and review.

Candidate name recommendations for our science position to Dr. Wiley

Monday, April 24^th: Board Meeting for hiring of our science positions

Beginning the week of the 24^th we will shift focus to our Social Studies and part time orchestra positions in time for the next Board meeting.  Dr. Lee will be participating in all panel interviews, lesson reviews, and selection process

If you would like to submit a question for the panel interview, please email it to me with the subject line INTERVIEW QUESTION.  Thank you, we look forward to collaborating with you throughout this process.

HIXSON MAP TESTING SCHEDULE:

Monoceros-April 17-21 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Afternoon)

Sequoia & Willow-April 17 & 18 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Morning)

Oak & Hickory-April 19 & 20 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Morning)

***In addition those students in Algebra will be taking the EOC on April 25 or 26. Thanks.

Staff: If you did not receive an orange “Bullying sign” to post in your classroom, please pick one up from Mrs. Edwards’ desk!  Thanks!  These are to be posted in all classrooms.

Monday:

Hixson Admin Meeting

Dr. Smith in classrooms

Afternoon: Dr. Smith off campus

Tuesday:

9:15 Intruder drill

Dr. Smith and Dr. Vogt- screening interviews- part science and start of SS
6:30- 7th grade band concert

Wednesday: Dr. Smith out of building

*Teacher-principal advisory meeting cancelled in person. Advisory team: please email me the concerns and I will address in writing to staff after looking into them. Thank you!
6:30- 8th grade band concert

Thursday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. TAYLOR woot! woot! Happy Birthday to our pal Katherine Alexander too

library (PM) ** Panel interviews for science**

Friday:  Innovation Hour
Teacher candidates (finalists from panel) teach a lesson (videotaped)

INNOVATION HOUR GRANT APPLICATION:

https://goo.gl/forms/8sova4Xb9OmLE7P92

Thanks to the Hixson PTO and the WGSD Foundation, we have some funding to go to IH learning.  If some money could assist your IH students in their exploration, please fill out the form (by using the link above) in order for us to evaluate needs and allocations.  Please have this application completed by  Monday, April 10th for consideration.  Thank you!*As an alternative, your students may also request funding from this money using the application you already have had for innovation hour.  Please see Mr. Heisel with questions.  I need to know what are needs are for the remainder of the year.  Thanks!

PTO Spring Grant Applications: Please submit by Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 :)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhy4DUFnQB-eChBo4PNo8xoWw-w4irFjQs4Lx96FIVfUduNg/viewform?c=0&w=1 

PLEASE MAKE TECH AWARE OF COPIER ISSUES:

Please contact the tech center for any problems or paper needs for the copier.  Jason Heisel is available through Google Hangouts anytime as well.  

LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL:

• Wednesday, May 24th both 7th and 8th grade students will go to Six Flags for the end of year trip
• Thursday, May 25th is a half-day.  This day will be utilized for students to present on their innovation hour explorations and activities.

PTAC (Principal-teacher advisory council):

Our last meeting was Wednesday, March 29th. Here are concerns which were addressed at our last meeting and responses: The group will email issues to me this month, please have your concerns to them by April 19th.

March concerns and responses

Issue brought:	Response:
8th grade celebration ???  What is happening	Meeting and decisions made tonight the planning committee for the 8th Grade Send-Off (formally known as 8th Grade Recognition) decided that instead of a ceremony, we will celebrate with a party for the 8th graders. This party will be on May 12th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Please check your calendars and consider helping with chaperoning, if your schedule allows.
IH- not during MAP Innovation Hour- parent concerns on Facebook Some say waste of time, some its great.  Community invitation to IH this Friday.	Will not affect MAP Continue to have each student or group complete the Google slides reflection that was sent out to you all last week.  Even if this is the only thing students have, it is enough to share with others on the day in May- they will have their talking points and examples to share. UPDATE from collaborative will be shared The IH collaborative is meeting to discuss and finalize the plans for the IH sharing day in May The collaborative will discuss in the meeting.  I want every student to be prepared to be able to share, at minimum, the information we are asking them for in the Google slides reflection We recognize the critical nature of this day in May.  Students will all have information about their journey and examples in place to share at the end.  I believe as we communicate to our kids, they will understand this semester helped us to work out kinks and identify areas for reinforcement.  In fact, I think being true to our IH vision, our students can contribute to making 17-18 IH as effective and meaningful as possible!! Understood.  We will ensure a structured plan is in place
Is IH meaning one thing to teachers and one thing to students???  Explaining to both sides.	Collaborative can address for the future of IH moving forward
Christy’s schedule will work with a gallery walk style	YAY!  Many thanks to Christy for the time and effort you have put into this!
Presentation for IH optional this year?  Value of IH for the students who don’t present?	The collaborative will discuss in the meeting.  I want every student to be prepared to be able to share, at minimum, the information we are asking them for in the Google slides reflection.  I do not like the message an “option to reflect and share” presents.
We didn't launch in August IH because we aren't ready- it is okay to not be ready for culminating projects… Here is one more HUGE thing for teacher’s plates.  More should be about informal and optional	Jason and I worked on the Google reflection template and video to take planning and stress of teachers’ plates regarding the share-out activity.  If each student (or group) has completed the info and examples in the slide, they will ALL have ample material to present their journey and share with others

ASA

Teachers, please remember to continue to walk your after school activity students out to the main entrance after ASA has ended.  Thank you for keeping up with this, it is having a huge impact on student supervision.

Monday Memo Week of April 10th

Monday Memo Week of April10th, 2017

MONDAY MEMO WEEK OF 4/3/2017

Morning Announcement and Pledge Schedule this week: Announcements will come from one classroom for the whole week for the remainder of the year, as Dr. Retzlaf did first semester. I wanted an opportunity to see more faces coming back from leave. Thanks!

Week of 4-10: Ms. Hudson!

FACULTY meeting @ 330 Monday- Skype with the Author of Carrots and Sticks.

MAP IS HERE!!  FLIPPED SCHEDULE!

HIXSON MAP TESTING SCHEDULE:

Andromeda, Orion, Phoenix-April 10-14 (Schedule Flipped, Testing in the Morning)

Monoceros-April 17-21 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Afternoon)

Sequoia & Willow-April 17 & 18 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Morning)

Oak & Hickory-April 19 & 20 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Morning)

 

***In addition those students in Algebra will be taking the EOC on April 25 or 26. Thanks.

Staff: If you did not receive an orange “Bullying sign” to post in your classroom, please pick one up from Mrs. Edwards’ desk!  Thanks!  These are to be posted in all classrooms.

Monday:

Hixson Admin Meeting

Dr. Smith in classrooms

Afternoon: Dr. Smith off campus

Tuesday:

12:15 Orchestra scheduling meeting w admin

12:45 Mrs. Edwards

1:00 Mr. Heisel

Wednesday: Ms. Linda's Birthday!

Thursday:

Classes

Friday:  Innovation Hour

INNOVATION HOUR GRANT APPLICATION:

https://goo.gl/forms/8sova4Xb9OmLE7P92

Thanks to the Hixson PTO and the WGSD Foundation, we have some funding to go to IH learning.  If some money could assist your IH students in their exploration, please fill out the form (by using the link above) in order for us to evaluate needs and allocations.  Please have this application completed by  Monday, April 10th for consideration.  Thank you!*As an alternative, your students may also request funding from this money using the application you already have had for innovation hour.  Please see Mr. Heisel with questions.  I need to know what are needs are for the remainder of the year.  Thanks!

PTO Spring Grant Applications: Please submit by Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 :)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhy4DUFnQB-eChBo4PNo8xoWw-w4irFjQs4Lx96FIVfUduNg/viewform?c=0&w=1 

PLEASE MAKE TECH AWARE OF COPIER ISSUES:

Please contact the tech center for any problems or paper needs for the copier.  Jason Heisel is available through Google Hangouts anytime as well.  

LAST DAYS OF SCHOOL:

• Wednesday, May 24th both 7th and 8th grade students will go to Six Flags for the end of year trip
• Thursday, May 25th is a half-day.  This day will be utilized for students to present on their innovation hour explorations and activities.

PTAC (Principal-teacher advisory council):

Our last meeting was Wednesday, March 29th. Here are concerns which were addressed at our last meeting and responses:

Issue brought:	Response:
8th grade celebration ???  What is happening	Meeting and decisions made tonight the planning committee for the 8th Grade Send-Off (formally known as 8th Grade Recognition) decided that instead of a ceremony, we will celebrate with a party for the 8th graders. This party will be on May 12th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Please check your calendars and consider helping with chaperoning, if your schedule allows.
IH- not during MAP Innovation Hour- parent concerns on Facebook Some say waste of time, some its great.  Community invitation to IH this Friday.	Will not affect MAP Continue to have each student or group complete the Google slides reflection that was sent out to you all last week.  Even if this is the only thing students have, it is enough to share with others on the day in May- they will have their talking points and examples to share. UPDATE from collaborative will be shared The IH collaborative is meeting to discuss and finalize the plans for the IH sharing day in May The collaborative will discuss in the meeting.  I want every student to be prepared to be able to share, at minimum, the information we are asking them for in the Google slides reflection We recognize the critical nature of this day in May.  Students will all have information about their journey and examples in place to share at the end.  I believe as we communicate to our kids, they will understand this semester helped us to work out kinks and identify areas for reinforcement.  In fact, I think being true to our IH vision, our students can contribute to making 17-18 IH as effective and meaningful as possible!! Understood.  We will ensure a structured plan is in place
Is IH meaning one thing to teachers and one thing to students???  Explaining to both sides.	Collaborative can address for the future of IH moving forward
Christy’s schedule will work with a gallery walk style	YAY!  Many thanks to Christy for the time and effort you have put into this!
Presentation for IH optional this year?  Value of IH for the students who don’t present?	The collaborative will discuss in the meeting.  I want every student to be prepared to be able to share, at minimum, the information we are asking them for in the Google slides reflection.  I do not like the message an “option to reflect and share” presents.
We didn't launch in August IH because we aren't ready- it is okay to not be ready for culminating projects… Here is one more HUGE thing for teacher’s plates.  More should be about informal and optional	Jason and I worked on the Google reflection template and video to take planning and stress of teachers’ plates regarding the share-out activity.  If each student (or group) has completed the info and examples in the slide, they will ALL have ample material to present their journey and share with others

ASA

Teachers, please remember to continue to walk your after school activity students out to the main entrance after ASA has ended.  Thank you for keeping up with this, it is having a huge impact on student supervision.

This Week's Parent Information:

Good Evening,

This is Dr. Smith with a few messages for the week of April 10th, 2017

 

STUDENT GRADES:

Term 5 grades have been updated on the parent portal. To view your child's progress grades, click on the "Grades" tab of the parent portal. https://sis.webster.k12.mo.us/wg/Default.aspx?Action=parent

 

The 2017-2018 school supply list may be found athttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwOZVy6j-6e3aHdFSzY1MmtvTmM/view   Hixson is also partnering once again with 1st Day School Supplies to provide a stress-free option to buying school supplies. 1st Day will deliver your child's supplies to Hixson before the first day of school. To order Hixson's school supply kit, please visit: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/list.php?school_zip=63119

 

THIS WEEK:

MAP Testing begins this week!  Please ensure your child is getting a good night’s rest each evening and eating a healthy breakfast before school.

 

MAP TESTING IS HERE:

Parents, please make sure students have earbuds with them for testing.  They will need the earbuds for portions of the assessment.  If you need assistance with earbuds, please contact your grade level counselors.

 

HIXSON MAP TESTING SCHEDULE:

Andromeda, Orion, Phoenix-April 10-14 (Schedule Flipped, Testing in the Morning)

Monoceros-April 17-21 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Afternoon)

Sequoia & Willow-April 17 & 18 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Morning)

Oak & Hickory-April 19 & 20 (Regular Schedule, Testing in the Morning)

 

***In addition those students in Algebra will be taking the EOC on April 25 or 26. Thanks.

 

PE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

If you have been spring cleaning, our PE department is looking for donations of 3lb and 5lb hand weights for stations.  Mrs. Bennett is willing to pick them up.  Please contact Mrs. Bennett for more information bennett.leslie@wgmail.org

 

For 8th Grade Parents:

Dear 8th Grade Parents,

Last fall, we began examining how we currently recognize the end of a student's time at Hixson and how we might improve upon these efforts.

In November, we surveyed parents and asked for recommendations. In December, we asked the 8th grade students and Hixson's staff to share their recommendations as well.

In January, we formed a planning committee comprised of parents and Hixson teachers and administrators. Our first step was to analyze the data provided to us by students, parents, and staff. Using this feedback, the committee created the 8th Grade Send-Off, a party for Hixson 8th graders only.

This week, 8th grade students voted on a theme for this party.  Additional details about this event may be found below.

We would like to thank Hixson's PTO for providing funds for this event! If you are also able to help through donations of items or time, please complete the signup form found at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094eaaae23a3fc1-8thgrade

2017 8th Grade Send-Off - "Reach for the Stars!"

Date: Friday, May 12

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

What: DJ, photo booth, pizza, movie, and more!

Dress is casual; students are encouraged to incorporate the theme in their dress.

 

From the HS Nurse for 8th Grade Parents:

“Hello families of all 2017/2018 incoming Webster Groves High School freshman!  This is Rachel Huertas, the school nurse.  I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and give you some information regarding immunizations.  In compliance with our school board policy and state law, all students will need to show proper documentation of immunization compliance to attend the 1st day of school next year, August 15th.  This can also include documentation from St. Louis County Department of Health and Senior Services stating that your child has a medical exemption, is in progress of attaining the required immunizations, or has a religious exemption.  Additionally, please remember the recent changes regarding the meningococcal immunization.  The first dose is required by grades 8 or 9 and the second dose is required by grade 12.  This means that if you’re child has not already received the first dose they will need to receive it before August 15th.  Please refer to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website or a physician for additional details regarding the meningococcal vaccine and all other immunization requirements.  I am calling parents and guardians NOW in the hopes that no student will have to be excluded from school for not having this required documentation.  And as always I’m here to answer any questions as well!  Thank you!”   

 

Thank you for your continued support of your child and Hixson Middle School, have a great week!