Woodlawn Principal's Blog 11/9/18

It was an interesting week here at Woodlawn with the students having Tuesday off and a half day today.  On both days, our teachers had intensive meetings with their job alike groups. This meant that math, science, social studies, art, physical education, etc. teachers met together with teachers from across the district as they worked on a variety of planning and data examination of student work.  In my humble opinion, these kinds of days are invaluable to improve the development of all teachers and the ensuring of student success. Having done this a long time, I believe that this is one of the best ways for them to improve their skills as a professional. I know that in other districts, staff development days are not structured well and the do not hold value for teachers.  This is not the case in D96.

Good stuff in the blog this week!  Check out the Book Fair information below.

Click here for the PTO Monthly Blog.  IT IS NEW!!!


Assembly

Today our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders met Ray.  Ray appeared to be a homeless man, shaking and speaking in broken sentences.  As Ray speaks, he slowly begins to remove his disguise reinforcing not to judge a book by its cover.  Mr. Grossman, originally disguised as Ray, engaged the audience with stories; lessons learned from playing Ray, and personal stories highlighting bullying, prejudice, character, and self-esteem.  He empowered each student that they have a power to make a difference and treat others with respect! A giant thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this Cultural Arts experience.

Cultural Arts experience1Cultural Arts experience2

 



Band Concert

On Wednesday night we had an outstanding band concert.  As usual, Mr. Craw and the various band groups performed for parents, relatives and friends.  I am always amazed at the great music our students are able to perform. Special recognition to Nitika Goswami for performing on Diwali and sharing with our audience what this special celebration means to herself, her family and her culture.  Nitika finished with the India national anthem. I was proud of her and the entire Woodlawn community that night!


BOOK FAIR

The PTO SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR is coming to the Woodlawn Learning Center from November 13th – November 16th.   Mark your calendars!

Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings kids the books they want to read. We'll receive a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level and all purchases benefit our school!

For a sneak peak at some of the books that will be offered during next week’s fair – click here

Your student will have an opportunity to visit the fair during school but we will also be open before and after school from 7:15am – 3:15pm.  Parents are always welcome to stop by and shop as well.

NEW THIS YEAR!  We will have open hours before and after the Orchestra Concert on November 15th starting at 6:00pm.  Stop by to browse our books, have a treat and get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Can’t make the Fair?  No problem – visit our book fair homepage (http://www.scholastic.com/bf/woodlawnbookfair) to shop our online fair or to download the Scholastic App and shop via the app.  All purchases benefit our school. Online/App purchases will be delivered to the school for free.

For questions, or if you are able to volunteer at this year’s Fair, please contact Laura LaCroix ([email protected])


STAFF HOSPITALITY – FALL CONFERENCE DINNER

Parent/Teacher Conferences are just around the corner and the PTO Staff Hospitality Committee will be providing dinner for all Woodlawn teachers on Monday, November 19th.

Please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of this hospitality event.  No amount is too small!!

Sign in to your MTK account to access the Staff Hospitality Donation Form and make a donation.

The Woodlawn PTO and Teachers truly appreciate your generosity.  Thank you!



Current Patriot Consortium Mathematics Placement Process

Over the last few years, Stevenson High School and the feeder middle schools have created a scope and sequence and aligned the curriculum to the Common Core Standards for Mathematics, as well as created common benchmarks for the end of each unit for both the Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 courses. The consortium has created criteria that defines the four strands of mathematical proficiency to highlight the attributes of a proficient mathematical thinker. The criteria are grouped into three categories (See chart on second page):

  • Procedural Skills & Fluency (How well you can correctly use mathematics.)

  • Conceptual Understanding (How well you utilize mathematical ideas, transfer your knowledge into new situations, and apply it to new contexts.)

  • Problem Solving with Adaptive Reasoning and Strategic Competence (How well you can apply strategies and sound reasoning.)

Over the course of the year, the mathematics teachers will be discussing these criteria with the students in class to create a portrait of each student. This portrait will be used to recommend the students into the mathematics course at Stevenson High School that matches their content knowledge as well as level of mathematics proficiency at this time.

As a district and consortium, it is our vision that each student move on to the next course in the sequence providing that there are not significant gaps in content knowledge. If there are significant gaps in content knowledge and a change in recommendation occurs, we will contact you. We feel that this process allows a mathematical picture of the student to develop over time, which will provide a more informed recommendation

2018-19

Sequence of Courses

8th

Algebra 1

Algebra 2 (AC)

9th

Algebra 2

Algebra 2 AC

Geometry AC

Geometry HN

10th

Geometry

Geometry AC

Precalculus AC

Precalculus HN

11th

Precalculus

Precalculus AC

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

12th

Calculus AB

Calculus AB

Statistics

MV / Statistics


 

Procedural Skills & Fluency Conceptual Understanding Problem Solving with

How well you can correctly use mathematics.

skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately

How well you utilize mathematical ideas, transfer your knowledge into new situations, and apply it to new contexts.

comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations

Adaptive Reasoning and Strategic Competence

How well you can apply strategies and sound reasoning.

capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, and justification and ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems

I can identify and use the most efficient method for the problem. (MP7)

 

I can use mathematical computations, terms, symbols, formulas, and language appropriately. (MP5, 6)

 

I can recognize the algebraic structure in problems and use rules or procedures to solve or simplify. (MP7)

 

I can solve problems with accuracy. (MP6)

 

I can use diagrams, pictures, and symbols to justify my work. (MP4)

 

I can understand and justify the “why” of the procedure. (MP3)

 

I can justify solutions algebraically, graphically, and numerically. (MP3)

 

I can explain my solution with sound mathematical reasoning using precise mathematics vocabulary and terminology. (MP3, 8)

 

I can determine the reasonableness of my answer.  (MP2)

I can select and use all the pertinent information to solve the problem. (MP2)

 

I can determine a solving strategy by forming logical relationships among concepts and situations. (MP7, 8)

 

I can represent a situation mathematically using modeling. (MP4)

 

I can retain and apply information and skills from previous units to solve problems alongside new concepts. (MP7,8)

 

I can make connections between multiple mathematical concepts to solve problems in unfamiliar situations. (MP7,8)

 

I can persevere when encountering new and difficult concepts.(MP1)

 



Click here for the Woodlwn Daily Announcements


Click here for the D96 Band & Orchestra Blog


Fall Conferences

Conferences will be held on Monday, November 19th from 5-7p.m. and Tuesday, November 20th from 2-7p.m.  Click here to sign up.  


 

Culture Night

We are so excited that we already have 25 families committed to the event, “I am me… We are Woodlawn and Country Meadows.” We would like to answer some of the common questions in the FAQ below. We will also host two Question/Answer meeting for families who would like to further discuss and understand how to contribute to the evening. Click this link for some frequently asked questions.


 Finally, just a couple of observations from life that keep me up at night…

 

  • There is a polling place at the YMCA that I go to...people were there supporting their candidate in the cold all day long.  They make me feel like a bad person for not having that same commitment.

  • When my children call me using the words, “Dad, something is wrong here”, there is really something wrong.

  • What percentage of people are looking at their phones at a stoplight?  I would say 75%. Am I high or low on that estimation?

  • Why is it so hard for the Green Bay Packers to play any kind of defense?

  • How long did it take the person at the carwash to memorize the phrase, “Pull forward, car in neutral, foot off the brake”?  

  • Does the carwash guy hear himself saying that phrase in his sleep?   

  • Are the Bears really getting good?  

  • Would my mailman have to drive his truck through a drive thru backwards if he wanted a coffee?  

  • I firmly believe that if I had to make a choice between being an electrician and a plumber, I would be a plumber.  My mistakes would not be fatal, just messy.

  • Does the guy playing the piano at Mariano’s ever think that this is where he might get noticed for a big time gig?  

 

If there are things in life that you question, send them to me at [email protected]  I would be very interested.