Winter Break has officially begun! We will be starting up again on Monday, January 4, 2021.
An Opportunity for Student Creativity: Law Day 2021
Law Day is a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law–designated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958. The 2021 Law Day theme is "Advancing the Rule of Law Now.”
The Judges of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois, have invited all Lake County students to participate in Law Day celebrations. At this time, middle school students are invited to participate in the Law Day Illustration Contest.
Theme: Advancing the Rule of Law Now
All entries are due by Jan. 27, 2021. See contest entry DETAILS
Additional contest opportunities coming soon include an Essay Contest (Grades 7–8) and a Poster Contest (Grades 4–6).
READ MORE INFO about Law Day activities on the Lake County, Illinois, Judicial Circuit Court website. Watch for this website to be updated with Law Day 2021 info within the next week.
8th Grade Placement Conversation Zoom Recordings
On December 15th, the Middle School Math Coaches held Zoom meetings to review the 8th Grade Math Placement Process. Please see the links below for the zoom recordings.
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8th Grade Math Placement Information- Please read!
Current Patriot Consortium Mathematics Placement Process
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
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 no 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.
UPDATED Patriot Consortium Mathematics Course Sequence for Algebra 1 Students
Below are details concerning the pathways for 9th grade recommendations - whichever path students take, they will complete both Algebra 2 and Geometry by the end of Sophomore year.
A few weeks ago, you received an email from your student’s math teacher explaining the Stevenson Placement Process for Mathematics. This process has NOT changed. However, the sequence of courses offered to students has changed. If a student is proficient in the essential Algebra 1 content, it will be recommended for them to move on to Algebra 2. For students who need to refresh and strengthen essential Algebra 1 content, it will be recommended to take Geometry prior to Algebra 2. Whichever path students take, they will complete both Algebra 2 and Geometry by the end of Sophomore year.
-Algebra 2 will be recommended if students have mastered targets in Unit 1-3
-Geometry will be recommend if students need to reinforce and refresh targets in Unit 1-3
Course Sequence for Algebra 2 Students
-Geometry Honors will be recommended if students have mastered targets in Unit 1-3
-Geometry Accelerated will be recommend if students needs to reinforce and refresh targets in Unit 1-3
PORTRAIT OF A MATHEMATICALLY PROFICIENT STUDENT
Procedural Skills & Fluency
How well you can correctly use mathematics.
(skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately)
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)
Conceptual Understanding
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)
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)
Problem Solving with 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 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)
NEW INFO REGARDING PREORDERING FREE MEALS
Preorder Free Meals for Pick-Up During Winter Break
Free meals may be preordered for pick-up during Winter Break.
NOTE: Preorders must be in by 10 AM on THURSDAY for pick-up in the week ahead.
Preorder by 10 AM on THURSDAY, Dec. 17, to pick up meals (meal packs for 5 days) on Mon., Dec. 21.
Order by 10 AM on THURSDAY, Dec. 24, to pick up meals (meal packs for 5 days) on Mon., Dec. 28.
Preordering Free Meals in 2021
IMPORTANT: The last day to preorder free meals for the week ahead is changing. You’ll need to preorder by 10 AM on Thursdays, rather than Fridays.
To preorder meals for the first week after Winter Break (Jan. 4–8)
Order by 10 AM on THURSDAY, Dec. 31, to pick up meals on Mon., Jan. 4 (meal packs for 3 days) and Thurs., Jan. 7 (meal packs for 2 days).
The first step is to create an account to use for preordering meals. SEE INFO
Please direct your questions to the public info coordinator [email protected]
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Finally...welcome to Winter Break everyone! Such a different feel here today. Normally, the students would be sprinting out the doors like they were just sprung from their cells after doing some hard time at the rock. My body would be shaking from all the sugar I consumed in the faculty lounge. Taking a deep breath, sitting at my desk with a little smile on my face, so glad we made it to this point in the year. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Be safe and the blog will return in January.