 | Superintendent's Corner
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Randy Cline Phone: (406) 626-2600 Email: cliner@ftsd.org |
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL BOARD GOALS
AT THE BUILDING LEVELS
Listed below is the first semester summary of how implementation proceeded for the 2011-2012 school board goals at the building levels during the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year. These lists were developed by the principals at each building level and reflect the priorities associated with the grade level.
The Board goals are lined out with the direction that district constituents wants the board to proceed to help foster, nurture, improve, and continue the excellence in the educational environment in Frenchtown. The principals also use the 9 correlates of Effective Montana Schools to effectively measure steps taken to implement the Board goals.
INFORMATION INCLUDED:
I. FTSD #40 MISSION STATEMENT
II. FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL BOARD GOALS FOR 2011-2012
III. 1- 9 CORRELATES OF EFFECTIVE MONTANA SCHOOLS
IV. FRENCHTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD GOALS 2011-2012
V. FRENCHTOWN JUNIOR HIGH BOARD GOALS 2011-2012
VI. FRENCHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL BOARD GOALS 2011-2012
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I. FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT # 40 MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to foster effective learning in a safe environment where students, parents, staff and the community share in a commitment to life-long learning and responsible citizenship.
II. FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL BOARD GOALS 2011-2012
Goal: Explore ways to enhance, expand, and evaluate curriculum while integrating technology into the curriculum.
Goal: Develop programs that will motivate, challenge, and foster the potential of high ability students.
Goal: Follow a defined program of staff evaluation, improvement, mentoring, and professional collaboration to facilitate academic excellence for all students.
Goal: Continue to value and promote community relations, communication, adult education, and growth of the community.
Goal: Nurture a positive school climate that will instill a sense of pride and belonging in all students.
Goal: Recognize and address the community’s demographic diversity and the additional needs of at-risk students while implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of alternative programs.
Goal: Practice health conscious and civic minded behaviors that will help make our schools safe and alcohol/drug-free.
Goal: Implement and enforce clear school policies that are effective and fair to all students.
III. EFFECTIVE MONTANA SCHOOL CORRELATES (1-9)
Academic Performance
Correlate 1: Curriculum
The school develops and implements a curriculum that is rigorous, intentional, and aligned to state standards.
Correlate 2: Assessment
The school utilizes multiple evaluation and assessment strategies to continuously monitor and modify instruction to meet student needs and support proficient student work.
Correlate 3: Instruction
The school's instructional program actively engages all students by using effective, varied, and research-based practices to improve student academic performance.
Learning Environment
Correlate 4: School Culture
The school/district functions as an effective learning community and supports a climate conducive to performance excellence.
Correlate 5: Student, Family, and Community Support
The school/district works with families and community groups to remove barriers to learning in an effort to meet the intellectual, social, career, and developmental needs of students.
Correlate 6: Professional Growth, Development, and Evaluation
The school/district provides research-based, results-driven professional development opportunities for staff and implements performance evaluation procedures in order to improve teaching and learning.
Efficiency
Correlate 7: Leadership
School/district instructional decisions focus on support for teaching and learning, organizational direction, high performance expectations, creating a learning culture, and developing leadership capacity.
Correlate 8: Organizational Structure and Resources
The organization of the school/district maximizes use of time, all available space and other resources to maximize teaching and learning, and supports high student and staff performance.
Correlate 9: Comprehensive and Effective Planning
The school/district develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive school improvement plan that communicates a clear purpose, direction, and action plan focused on teaching and learning.
IV. FRENCHTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD GOALS 2011-2012
Goal: Explore ways to enhance, expand, and evaluate curriculum while integrating technology into the curriculum.
Goal: Develop programs that will motivate, challenge, and foster the potential of high ability students.
Goal: Follow a defined program of staff evaluation, improvement, mentoring, and professional collaboration to facilitate academic excellence for all students.
Goal: Continue to value and promote community relations, communication, adult education and growth of the community.
Goal: Nurture a positive school climate that will instill a sense of pride and belonging in all students.
Goal: Practice health conscious and civic minded behaviors that will help make our schools safe and alcohol free.
*Goal: Recognize and address the community’s demographic diversity and the additional needs of at-risk students while implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of alternative programs.
Goal: Implement and enforce clear school policies that are effective and fair to all students.
V. FRENCHTOWN JUNIOR HIGH BOARD GOALS 2011-2012
Goal: Explore ways to enhance, expand, and evaluate curriculum while integrating technology into the curriculum.
Very delighted to have a new tool in the classroom called “the Ladibug” which allows me to draw with a camera focused on my hand and projected on the screen. It allows me to get to really fine nuances of drawing for the children to observe and from which to learn. Am also incorporating a lot of digital camera work that reduces photos to basic values into assignments, allowing the children to work on portraits with a focus on value. Use the internet to access Youtube films about different artists and techniques. (Do a lot without a smartboard). Subscribe to School Arts and access various websites on a regular basis to stay abreast of current trends and ideas and develop new lesson plans that excite and engage the children while meeting my goals of teaching “Elements of Art” to 7th graders and “Principles of Design” to 8th graders so that they are trained in the basics and reach high school with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the high school level classes. Working to develop the Junior High art section on the FTSD website. Take pictures of student art and display it on the website along with brief overviews of the Junior High art program. ~~~~~ We utilize computers almost daily for our in class projects. Currently the students are using PowerPoint, Windows Live Movie Maker, the internet and Audacity. Once the projects have been completed the students will give their presentations using a DuKane “smart board.” Students are responsible for doing research using on-line search engines, making citations and including hyperlinks in their presentations. ~~~~~ I am in the process of obtaining a Ladibug document camera. This will make it so much easier to get anything I want onto the smartboard. Book pages, worksheets, notes manipulatives etc. It works so much better that a scanner and is so efficient. Instant viewing. ~~~~~ Use of Discovery Education website to supplement stories or information….Students will be using the computers for a Webquest for the middle ages project…8th graders will complete their own personal mythology story (Explanatory tale) to be bound in an 8th book, must complete a rough and final copy on the computer. ~~~~~ I will work on obtaining a smart board and projector for this classroom ~~~~~ Reworked and revised the pacing guide for 7th grade science. Will work right off of the pacing guide as we go through the year. Currently developing more lesson plans off of the smart board for integration into the curriculum. ~~~~~ Since I pick new music every year for choir, the curriculum is always expanding and I am currently evaluating the music. We have a new smartboard in the jh/hs choir room which is so great! It will help us integrate a lot of technology into choir – especially in music theory and history. ~~~~~ Started using a computer program which randomly groups students in each class for cooperative learning purposes. I find this to be very helpful in having students learn to work with cooperatively with all of their classmates rather than just the ones they choose to work with. ~~~~~ The students continue to use the computer lab for writing papers. Students take notes from the Smart Board during class. Students are allowed to bring in Kindles or Nooks to read on Friday’s library day. ~~~~~ Band students are learning about and improving their sense of intonation daily, aided by electronic tuners. Students are exposed to quality band tone, intonation and articulations by viewing video recordings of outstanding wind bands. ~~~~~ Industrial tech. classes use technology all of the time. ~~~~~ Use the computer lab to research assigned topics related to history and Spanish ~~~~~ The collective JHS staff is reviewing the “What We Do” recommendations of the previous year’s formal school improvement document. Have submitted a grant application for the awarding of a LADY BUG document projector to be used in the classroom with the SMARTBOARD. The grant was approved. (Roberta Chapman). I am going to a conference to learn more about ways to enhance expand and evaluate curriculum. (Brian Fogerty) Students are now using in my class to take notes and read books their ipods, ipads and kindles.(Michael Botsford) In studying cell division, we have used the interactive smart board on the “Inside a Cell” website. Four days out of the past ten. (Steve Pinsoneault) “Catch up Math” is a computer based program that the JHS Math department and SPED department are looking into. (Tony Davis) JHS industrial arts classes are completely technology based. (Keith Kuroski) I have requested extra computers in my classroom for student use. I am also excited that to hear that there is a possibility of allowing students to use their cell phones and/or iPads in class. (Chuad Johnson) Always seeking new ways to include the internet – resources from the internet – you tube resources regarding artists – use of digital images in artwork. Use the Ladibug so that students can see me draw “real time” and follow my instructions, techniques. Technology resources are limited in my classroom. I do not have a white board so I operate with my computer, an LCD and the Ladibug. Always watching for funding opportunities that might expand my ability to provide meaningful instruction. Have a goal to focus on finding funding opportunities for more art instruction at the elementary school level to supplement the elementary teachers. (Sue Dansie) Students can play math games on computer if homework is done on Fridays in Sped Math. (Stacey Hargesheimer) We are currently utilizing the Flip video cameras in class - purchased by the library. We are making short movie trailers and exploring how the music selected can affect their short movie. Students are then transferring the music to Microsoft Live Movie Maker and learning how to edit, add credits, add captions, video effects, fading sound in an out, etc. The students are doing all of their own acting as well. (Troy Bashor) Since we use new music every semester, we are always enhancing and expanding the curriculum. We will be doing music that is new to both the students and myself this spring. We integrate technology into the curriculum by researching this music and listening to it online. We are also going to view Eric Whitacre’s “Virtual Choir” this spring. It is a choir made up of singers from around the world, all recorded singing from their own computers. (Ellen McKenzie) Started incorporating the use of i-pads, kindells, i-phones, and i-pods into the curriculum. Students may use the devices to retrieve science notes from the internet and then add to those notes during class time when the notes are presented by me. (Greg Kuehn) Organize a teacher webpage to make lesson notes available for students to either print out or expand on/edit during class using a device such as iPod/iPad/Kindle etc. (Nicole Crouch) I have student use the computer to assist with design of bulletin boards before they actually construct them. (Agnes Nelson) In addition to using the textbook America History of Our Nation, I am using the online resources provided by the Montana Historical Society to explore and examine the impact of the Westward Expansion of the white settlers on the Native American people. Specifically, primary resource, videos, and online activities relating to the subject. (Michelle Petersen) |
Goal: Develop programs that will motivate, challenge, and foster the potential of high ability students.
Daily challenge students to go beyond what they normally do. Studying famous artists and taking the students beyond the classroom through study. Am setting up a “Manga” workshop for students interested in studying the Japanese Art of Anime and Manga. Will provide an afternoon workshop on a couple of Saturdays this fall and winter. ~~~~~ I give the students a rubric that shows all of the expectations for each letter grade – the higher ability students typically exceed the requirements. They also have the opportunity to do more advanced editing of music, transitions and animations in PowerPoint, etc. ~~~~~ After attending the MEA-MFT educators conference, I have some great new project ideas to go along with some of the topics I already teach. These will take place after Christmas as the subjects fall into place at that time. I am very excited to see how they turn out. Project 1 is called the “Mini-Me” box project and ties in the idea of scale factors. Project 2 is the “Wheel of Theodorus” project and works with the Pythagorean theorem. ~~~~~ Book report forms allow students to make choices for projects to fit their abilities or interests for each of the ten genres….more independent projects for high achievers. ~~~~~ We will work in a plan this year to work any student that desires to complete in the science fair during the spring. This shold motivate students that are gifted and talented in science. ~~~~~ Now that junior high study hall is back, we had the opportunity to bring back the junior high honor choir. This is a great opportunity for high ability musicians to work and perform together. We are also doing our biennial school musical this year, giving kids a chance to act, sing and dance in our production. ~~~~~ This is the first year we have done honors classes for 7th and 8th grade English classes as well as 8th grade reading literature class. This has allowed students to be challenged by the classroom work, but peers of equal ability. ~~~~~ All students prepare material that may be used for the Five Valley Honor Band audition. Musical literature is selected that will insprie and challenge each student. ~~~~~ Learning based on social constructivism. Kids can go as far as they want. ~~~~~ Plans are underway to reschedule selected students (per the appropriate placement process) into class sections that will provide increased challenges and conversely…. Some students will be placed into class sections that will provide an improved match between documented student performance and classes that are level-appropriate. We are working on the high ability of all by practicing for the up-coming spring tests. MAPS will get a practice round in January. CRT is being practiced weekly. (Roberta Chapman) Developed IEFA grant to provide all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with graphic and storytelling information on the Salish and Kootenai tribes. Native artists are being scheduled to come in and work with art classes to provide guidance in develop a mural painted by the students to share with everyone. I subscribe to magazines and stay current on internet resources to see what the most recent developments are for potential lesson plans. Provide after-school individual tutoring in art to any students who express an interest in going beyond what is taught in class. (Sue Dansie) Students prepared auditions for the Five Valley Honor Band. Students who were selected will attend Thursday night rehearsals in Missoula for the next 5 weeks. (John Nelson) Developing a Chess club at lunch. (Stacey Hargesheimer) Students are divided with strong and weak in each group and they are learning to work with each other. More advanced students have greater responsibility and take care of the more advanced tasks. (Troy Bashor) 18 junior high students have been chosen to attend Montana Youth Sing, an honor choir in Missoula for the best singers in our school. These students will participate in a day-long festival, including a concert, with wonderful singers from around the state. (Ellen McKenzie) Organizing/coaching the Frenchtown Jr High MATHCOUNTS club which will compete at the chapter competition February 7th at the University of Montana (Nicole Crouch) I use peer tutoring and group dynamics to allow the gifted student to motivate and aide in the learning of those students who do not easily grasp the lesson. (Agnes Nelson) |
Goal: Follow a defined program of staff evaluation, improvement, mentoring, and professional collaboration to facilitate academic excellence for all students.
Currently have a UM student observing on Fridays. I am in contact with the head of the Art Department at the Salish Kootenai College to develop a grant application for Indian Education for All. We are exploring bringing in a couple of Native American Artists to paint murals in the band hallway, and incorporate the art into a lesson plan that goes beyond the art classroom. I am going to go to the Salish Kootenai College for a site visit and to meet Mr. Clairmont and observe his classes. I am trying to develop a network of Native American Artists to collaborate with and to provide me with relevant, accurate information as we explore the art of the Native American tribes in this area. Have provided information to Rhonda Lund for a special Art Department website that she is building (it’s beautiful). Am collaborating frequently with both Ms. Lund and Ms. Whitescarver. Work closely with Ms. Whitescarver on pottery programs, and she is providing access to the kiln so that the Junior High students can make pottery for the first time that I am aware of. ~~~~~ The students have access to the grading rubric and I have them save their projects to a shared directory so that I can check their daily progress from any computer in the school district. I have given permissions to each student to modify only one folder (labeled with their name) and viewing rights to all students – so they can do peer assessments without modifying another students work. ~~~~~ Started year with definite RTI/Honors 8th classes…excited to see top students challenged and intensive students getting the back-to-back help in the Language Arts area as well as math. ~~~~~ The pacing guide should help in this area. ~~~~~ I attended the Montana Music Educator’s Association conference in Billings on Oct. 20 & 21. ~~~~~ Students in my classroom have been working on writing skills to assist them in other curriculums. We have reviewed how to write essay answers and short answers to better assist other teachers and their homework and tests. ~~~~~ Our music staff strives to work together as a team. ~~~~~ I attend the Montana Music Educators’ Conference. ~~~~~ I take full advantage of having the University of Montana music department in our back yard. ~~~~~ The principal has launched the “walk-a-bout” process of classroom visitation data collection (using an I-Pad2) for utilization/inclusion into the formal teacher evaluation document. It is working well. Babon and I continue to work on the Olweus program and monthy or bi-monthly class meetings. We are branching out to include some life skills for the students which includes self evaluation and goal setting. (Roberta Chapman) I am following my program (a new one since this is my first time teaching this class) I will be able to adjust my classes and add more to it as I go. (Brian Fogerty) At the junior high, we are working on developing a study group to look at a book that I read last year and passed on to Cindy Babon. Cindy like it so much that she has spear-headed the formation of this Group. The book is “Pyramid Response to Intervention”. (Steve Pinsoneault) Collaboration is constantly on-going to look at classroom setting and types of programs and instruction used in the classroom to best address student needs. Teachers look at test scores and classroom performance in order to put students in the best educational setting for their individual needs. (Tony Davis) Part of the IEFA grant is to provide collaborative opportunities for Reading and Art students to work together on an ongoing basis – with a focus on sustainability of the implementation of this IEFA-driven curriculum. Am working with staff to develop knowledge in RTI issues. Seek any possible mentoring opportunities from other staff to provide the best possible resources for all students. Engaging in a self-monitored course of study for IEFA issues and working with AIMS via webcasts and videos on the internet. Collaborate with the High School art teacher to use kilns and have been able to incorporate pottery into the Jr. High art curriculum. Dialogue with this teacher regarding what she needs to the students to learn before they reach her class. Enjoy a very collegial relationship with the High School Art Department. (Sue Dansie) I have been asked to “guest conduct” at an honor choir festival in Havre this month. I am excited to work on my directing and musicianship with a brand new set of students. I look forward to working on new music, and working with other directors during this experience. It will be great professional development. I also plan to attend an Orff (music teaching method) workshop this month, which will give me great ideas to use in my choir classes. (Ellen McKenzie) Recently finished mentoring two University of Montana “student observers” in history and Spanish. Great opportunity to reflect where I am as an educator and how I might improve my classroom environment (Michelle Petersen) |
Goal: Continue to value and promote community relations, communication, adult education, and growth of the community.
Continue to provide student art work on a quarterly basis to the Frenchtown Family Practice. I take ten pieces of art to the clinic on a rotating basis. The folks at the clinic are always excited to get the art, and state that the community response to the children’s art is very positive and patients look forward to the new rounds of art each quarter. Also sign up to teach adult education classes on a regular basis. Lack of numbers prevent the classes from taking place so I am developing classes that will “draw a crowd.” I am signed up to teach Thai cooking and pottery during the winter sessions. I work closely with Julie Jones on a regular basis to try to develop classes that meet the requests of the community. ~~~~~ These projects are available on-line after they have been completed so they may show their parents/guardians, grandparents, etc. ~~~~~ Parent conferences went very well. I was happy to meet some new faces and continue communication with parents I had already become acquainted with in the past. ~~~~~ This year I am communicating with parents in a weekly group email which contains lesson plans for that week…emails are easily sent if the plans have changed during a day…seems to be a positive tool for parents to use to help keep their students current…Personally, I am keeping a running record of the day’s events, so I am not missing an activity for a classroom. ~~~~~ One personal goal of mine professionally this year is to make more contact with parents on a more consistent basis. ~~~~~ We always promote our performances to community and have an excellent crowd at the concerts – this is a great way to bring the community together. ~~~~~ Parents and students are constantly reminded about contacting this teacher should there be any issues. Students are encouraged to have their parents be involved in our school as well as the community. ~~~~~ Concerts are given in December and May. ~~~~~ Communicate with parents regarding the academic status of their children in cases where the student may be falling behind, but to also let the parents know when the students is achieving academic success. I continue to operate the score clock at home games which is a great opportunity to visit with the community that attend athletic events. I also continue to take an Adult Ed class whenever possible. A great way to meet new community members. This session I will be making a tulip quilt with Dalene Normand. (Roberta Chapman) Keeping parents up to date with their child’s grades (Brian Fogerty) Positive character development is always emphasized especially within the Owleaus Bullying Program. In 7th Social Studies positive character development is emphasized at every opportunity as moments arise on a regular basis in the JHS to promote positive individual growth, and in the community and world through discussing a variety of current events in our society. (Tony Davis) Continue to provide new student art to the Frenchtown Family Practice on a quarterly basis. Sign up to teach adult education classes on a regular basis. Part of the IEFA grant is to provide an art show of elementary and junior high art based on Native American themes. Volunteer to do face painting for the PTA carnival. In January/February am going to provide a pro bono weekend seminar for interested Junior High and High School students on the art of Manga (Japanese anime). The seminar would be on a couple of Saturday afternoons. Cost would be $2-$5 per student to cover costs of supplies. (Sue Dansie) Our class produced videotapes will be posted on our web-site upon completion. (Troy Bashor) Our winter concerts provided a great chance to connect with the community. (Ellen McKenzie) |
Goal: Nurture a positive school climate that will instill a sense of pride and belonging in all students.
This is a given. Try to model a positive, respectful demeanor for the students. Talk to the students frequently about their responsibilities for their behavior and as citizens of the world. Discuss racism, bullying, goals quite a bit. (When I was doing my first day of class speech one of the students said, “Gee Ms. Dansie, you are like Martin Luther King.) ~~~~~ I give in-class awards for outstanding presentations and we clap for every presenter – regardless of quality. ~~~~~ Our junior high Olweus program is up and running strong. Class meetings have begun with some changes from last years as requested by students. Groups are separated by gender and will meet bi-weekly in the afternoon. We will adjust our pm schedule on those days so each of the two afternoon class as well as meeting time all have a 40 minute time frame. Our 2nd October meeting will be in connection with an assembly given by the police department about internet safety and cyber bullying. Assembly in the am, class meeting in the pm. ~~~~~ Student council continues…purchased a rug (after several years of saving) for the front entrance to our new building…very pleased with the results…Council seems to be a diverse group so we are able to relate to most students (Bronc store is going very well, lots of participation). ~~~~~ Work with students on values and respect ~~~~~ Our Olweaus anti-bullying prevention program is in place again and helps fulfill needs in this area. ~~~~~ The honor choir is performing at the K-6 Olweus kickoff assembly next week. This is a great opportunity to instill pride in the choir, and discuss bullying with the kids. ~~~~~ The first week of school we did an assignment where I paired students up who normally would have gone with each other and had them interview them and give a presentation in front of the class to introduce them to their peers. Every student did this and they all had the same questions as the other students. Also stressing the importance of no bullying amongst each other. ~~~~~ Newsletter items are published regularly. ~~~~~ Our high school band has established a fine reputation and tradition. As junior high band students, we must live up and perform to meet that standard. ~~~~~ Create a positive learning environment by showing the students my own interest in the subjects of Spanish and Social Studies through the level of personal enthusiasm when I teach. Students have commented on this. When I asked them if it was a bad thing, they said no. I think they are not accustomed to seeing a high level of energy necessarily from teachers. I think it helps them to want to engage in the subject when they see how much the teacher enjoys teaching. ~~~~~ The special mini-assmbly process continues to honor persons who have made special contributions to the school and community. These assemblies are short, on-task and occur frequently enough to provide an “on-going” reminder to students that “going the extra mile” does make a difference and is well worth doing. We ran our FASTEST man/woman contest in PE. Great fun for all. Andrew King is the fastest junior high student. Babon and I are planning some kind of event to congratulate the high honor roll students at the end of the semester. We have 70 students who qualify just for high honor roll. We will see what kind Of money we have in the budget. (Roberta Chapman) I am trying to get each student to really care about the work they turn in not just finish it. (Brian Fogerty) I am going to have the boys basketball team come and assist with a Junior High practice as well as attend as many games as we can as a team. The Varsity and JV players will also be given a name of a 8th grade player on both A and B team to write a positive note to for the season. (Michael Botsford) Continue to reinforce a hands-off policy with the students regarding anti-bullying. This has been a struggle with the seventh grade, but I hope that we are winning more battles each day. (Steve Pinsoneault) Respect, Accountability, and Understanding have always and will continue to be a part of the general classroom instruction. (Tony Davis) I talk about bullying issues at least once a week in either my Reading or English class. (Chuad Johnson) Provide a positive climate despite the negativity being modeled outside of the student body. With this in mind, I am especially conscious of the need for focusing on anti-bullying tactics and modeling to students that such behavior along with racism and elitism is not appropriate at any time in any venue. In such a sports-dictated community and environment I bolster the students who are not involved in sports and provide activities and encouragement that will validate their interests and talents. I pay special attention to the students who are not part of the “mainstream” and cheer on the students who are part of the school/community supported activities. (Sue Dansie) Continue to award Bronc Bucks when students excel academically or interact positively with peers. (Stacey Hargesheimer) The students are excited to see each other’s videos and show them off to their peers/parents. (Troy Bashor) Since choir is such a “team sport,” we are constantly working on being proud of ourselves. We talk often about how every member of our team is important, and how we all need to respect and support each other. (Ellen McKenzie) Assign family poster to allow students to identify the positive aspects of their family life (Agnes Nelson) |
Goal: Recognize and address the community’s demographic diversity and the additional needs of at-risk students while implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of alternative programs.
Spend a lot of time trying to get a feeling for what issues students that have “behavioral” problems might have outside of school so that I can adjust behavioral interventions accordingly. Talk one on one with students that are struggling and tell them that I have an open door policy of they feel they want to talk on an informal level. Need to be more creative with the students that have limited physical/mental ability to do the work in class. Will seek workshops discussing such issues in the future. I feel bad that I do not do more for the children with special needs. ~~~~~ All IEPs and 504 plans are observed. The parents are notified via e-mail or phone call if there are problems meeting expectations with work or behavior. ~~~~~ The MEA-MFT educators conference also provided some great ideas for our at-risk students. Some games that incorporate basic skills while being fun to play. Ms Math continues to impress with her take on the math world. She has a great way to make more sense out of math for those kids who don’t “get it.” ~~~~~ No alternative but given constraints of staff/time we have identify at-risk students for placement in RTI groups, both math and reading….appears to be helping most students and allows other students to move forward quicker. ~~~~~ Having honor choir during the school day means that more students can take part (as opposed to having it after school when some kids cannot get rides in order to participate). ~~~~~ Extra help is given to at-risk students. ~~~~~ Creating a learning environment where all students will find academic success. Variation of assignments that include small group work, direct instruction, games, worksheets, questions to be viewed on the smart board, and modifications of assignments as necessary. I will be attending a MHSA Cultural Diversity Workshop on January 31st in the evening. This workshop is to enhance knowledge and self-awareness of diversity issues in MHSA-sanctioned activities and activities to prevent cultural miscommunications, disconnects or conflicts. (Michael Botsford) RTI group is in the process of shifting and moving students around to better suit their academic needs based on how they have been progressing in their classes and on their reading and math assessment scores; MAPS and AimsWeb are included in these assessments. At the beginning of the 3rd quarter, RTI reading groups will be using the Reading Advantage reading program in addition to other classroom activities. (Chuad Johnson) Approach each students “where they are.” The only requirement is that I see effort from each student. (Sue Dansie) Explore means that will allow children from a “homeless” family to obtain band instruments and be able to practice these instruments outside of regular school hours. (Stacey Hargesheimer) Continue to monitor those students who need additional help, working with the Special Educator teacher to help these students achieve academic confidence and success. (Michelle Petersen) |
Goal: Practice health conscious and civic-minded behaviors that will help make our schools safe and alcohol/drug-free.
Not my strong suit. I display the anti-tobacco signs. Talk about exercising safe behavior in the school. Make it a rule that students keep hands to themselves and practice safe behavior when handling tools in the art room. ~~~~~ I work with the students to be polite in the classroom, hallways, library, etc. and ask questions using “May I…” instead of “Can I…”. A lot of students lately display a sense of entitlement and just do what they want, when they want – we are slowly making progress here, too. ~~~~~ Student council promoting Red Ribbon /Anti-bullying week, October 24th-28th. Class meetings groups are set and will continue to meet twice a month, 6th period, with a small time adjustment to our schedule in the afternoon. ~~~~~ Teach nutrition in foods lessons ~~~~~ Continue to work with counselors, special education teachers and Alta Care staff with issues facing students. ~~~~~ Work with students and faculty in reminding them the importance of being alcohol and drug-free. Telling the students look at the banners and prepare them for Red Ribbon Week. ~~~~~ Discuss risks, specific to musicians, related to tobacco and other substance use. Safety Committee meets 1/10/12 to address these needs. I am a current member. (Roberta Chapman) Red Ribbon week is regularly addressed through current events. (Tony Davis) Continue working out physically before school a minimum of 5 times a week. (Michelle Petersen) |
Goal: Implement and enforce clear school policies that are effective and fair to all students.
Work very hard to not only provide discipline, but reward positive behavior. Keep a special eye on bullying behavior, and enforce a zero tolerance environment for bullying and/or racism. ~~~~~ We follow the school handbook and state/national standards. Also, the grading rubric takes away the possibility of being “unfair.” ~~~~~ Continue to refer to class rules, that are posted, and the handbook that all students received…any confusion, quick copies of the relevant topic is made…trying to maintain a running record of incidents in the classroom for referrals. ~~~~~ The Olweus program in the most affective measure here. ~~~~~ I updated my classroom rules and consequences this year, which I think is a necessary thing to do every now and then. I have also made a goal to involve parents more in the consequence process… I am mailing home discipline assignments, emailing and calling parents more often. I also made a goal that for every parent I have to contact for a negative reason, I am going to contact another parent for a positive reason. I feel like I don’t give positive feedback to kids and parents as much as I should be. ~~~~~ Review student hand book in class and go over classroom rules and making sure they are understood. Students are quizzed over this during the first week of school. ~~~~~ Class room rules are posted and enforced. ~~~~~ The rules seem clear to me and are enforced accordingly. ~~~~~ Review classroom rules periodically, follow all rules pertaining to fire and emergency drills Again, the hands-off policy for all in the seventh grade has been a struggle. Students are starting to grasp the nature of the reasoning behind the policy. (Steve Pinsoneault) New school wide procedures and policies are always communicated to the students. In the classroom all of the students are treated equally academically. Certain accommodations are made for the low and high learners, but the same set of rules and procedures apply for problematic situations and positive production. (Tony Davis) Continuing to remind students of classroom rules as well as adhering to school policies in order for them to be successful this year and holding them accountable for behaviors and actions that do not follow school policy or classroom rules (Chuad Johnson) Have very clear rules for classroom that are posted and shared with students and signed off by parents each quarter. Enforce these rules as uniformly as possible. Keep a focus on Olweus program, as well as the current discipline referral process implemented by the Junior High. (Sue Dansie) One of our classroom produced videotapes is about bullying in schools. (Troy Bashor) I monitor hallways before class where I verbally interact with students, I also make it a mission to have some in-class contact with each student everyday (Agnes Nelson) |
VI. 2011-2012 FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS
HIGH SCHOOL
EXPLORE WAYS TO ENHANCE, EXPAND, AND EVALUATE CURRICULUM WHILE INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO THE CURRICULUM.
· Lori Quinn attended the Smart Math Tools training given to math teachers who are using Smartboards. She will also be getting a plethora of “tools” to help with math classes. (Currently, Eli Field and Nicole Crouch have licenses for math tools use – online. Now Mrs. Quinn will have them as well.)
· College of Technology visited Erika Martin’s junior class to discuss college options and curricula at that level.
· We are continuing to work on Big Sky Pathways by attending the Next Step workshop in Missoula. Jane Jacko and Vanessa Gibson attend the workshop.
· At our last Early Out school improvement session we discussed some technology things that will take place with the common core standards, i.e., use of digital devices for the classroom, etc. Based on what we know is coming, we will be looking at implementation ahead of that time so we are “already doing it” here at Frenchtown.
· Recent meetings with Missoula County Curriculum Consortium are designed to update the English curriculum which, based on common core standards will enhance and expand what we do, as well as add the technology component (as noted above).
· Mrs. Nelson has developed information sheets for students to use cell phones for contacting local businesses to get information about life needs. The latest information sheet was on banking practices so the students had to ask bankers questions about savings, checking accounts and CDs accounts.
· Troy Bashor found new (free) music theory games online that have helped his percussion students AND it has a built-in grading component. Students take turn on the Smartboard when they are rehearsing. Troy will start incorporating this into his choir classes as well. Troy also makes “practice tracks” that students can access online.
· The Industrial Ed department recently purchased a 30” X 40” numerical controlled mill. This allows our teachers to educate the students with the same industry standard software they will encounter in the workplace. The software we use for architectural drafting is the same they use at MSU and at professional firms. Now our students are able to gain experience in actual engineering and architecture.
DEVELOP PROGRAMS THAT WILL MOTIVATE, CHALLENGE, AND FOSTER THE POTENTIAL OF HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS.
§ We continue to develop Skills USA (an enhanced curriculum and leadership group for industrial arts students).
§ We continue to develop FCCLA (an enhanced curriculum and leadership group for Family and Consumer Sciences).
§ We continue with two AP Classes this school year: AP Music Theory and AP English.
§ The State continues to offer AP courses and high-level courses we do not, or cannot offer at FHS. These courses are free to students this school year.
§ Erika Martin attended the summer AP Conference in order to update skills and learn of any new practices/methodologies for teaching AP classes.
§ On September 1st, Nicole Whitescarver earned her Master’s Degree in Art. Through the process Nicole has picked up was to enhance her art classes and to challenge the students even more.
§ Bob Henderson recently won the “One Class at a Time” award from Allegiance for his outdoor instructional labs.
§ Bob Henderson took a group of girls to help Ninemile District workers save cutthroat trout. The group is comprised of girls-only to get females interested in biology careers.
§ FCCLA recently attended their district meeting in Missoula to enhance their connections to the district organization.
§ Mr. Stanicar is sponsoring, and advising, four students who are attending all the University of Montana Mansfield Center seminars on Global issues. (He is doing this on his own time.)
§ Prep for Life class created family movies that highlight parents; music and photos were mediums used in the videos.
§ We have two educators interested in adding AP courses to their curricula offerings for next school year. We will be looking at scheduling due to the fact that – as a rule – fewer students take AP courses. The interest is in adding AP Calculus and AP Comparative Governments.
§ For second semester, we currently have 23 Frenchtown students enrolled in a total of 32 classes! We have 6 kids taking AP class and we have 4 taking a dual credit college courses from U of M Helena. So, 10 taking advanced placement courses.
FOLLOW A DEFINED PROGRAM OF STAFF EVALUATION, IMPROVEMENT, MENTORING, AND PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION TO FACILITATE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR ALL STUDENTS.
§ We are nearing the end of training for our observation walk-throughs. Once we have the particulars in place, Dr. Weishaar and Mr. Fry will begin the observations.
§ Troy Bashor attended a master class given by Dr. Anton Armstrong, a guest conductor who was conducting Dolce Canto (a community choir). This was excellent professional collaboration.
§ Agnes Nelson attended the FCS “Update” in Kalispell in August. It was a professional collaboration meeting.
§ Nicole Crouch attended the Common Core Standards for Math workshop in order to collaborate with peers about upcoming changes to the math curricula.
§ Troy Bashor attended MMEA in Billings for expanding instruction in the music area.
§ Dr. Weishaar recently attended MCEL in Great Falls. Any information gleaned that deals with school improvement will be conceptualized through the process.
§ Judy McKay has pulled the English faculty together for curricular collaboration in order to prepare for the adoption of Language Arts curriculum.
§ We are using the My Voice program to help us look for areas of change/improvement and ways of helping us mentor students as we work on the school improvement process.
CONTINUE TO VALUE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY RELATIONS, COMMUNICATION, ADULT EDUCATION, AND GROWTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
· As always, this year we will be opening up classrooms for adult education and giving the community members the opportunity to attend classes of interest to them.
· We continue to schedule building use for community events and will do so throughout the school year.
· Percussion ensembles performed at a Drum-o-Rama and played for 5th grade students in Missoula (students who are in percussion there).
· The library (Steve White and Ann Gentry) in conjunction with Missoula County Library is holding a “Madrigal” night at the high school. Community is invited to join in the festivities. Note: The night and dinner went off better than planned. They hoped to get 75 people, but they ended up at 82 prior to the evening. Then when they counted that night, they actually had 95 people show up!
· We will continue to hold Community Movie Night in the auditorium (hosted by the libraries as well).
· Once again the school musical was a “hit!” Each presentation of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat was sold out. Many community members attended the event.
· JMG will be in Missoula prior to Christmas to go caroling at The Village and The Springs retirement homes.
· The student counsel clothing drive garnered all kinds of clothing for give-away. What community members did not take that evening, the students and advisors packed all the rest of the clothing into Missoula for the shelters and assistance programs.
· The senior advisors set up a session for their students to listen to recent graduates talk about post-secondary plans, schooling, etc. Now that the students are past high school and community members, they were giving insight to the seniors.
· Vanessa Gibson and Jake Haynes held a Financial Aid “filling out forms” night at the high school. This always helps students and parents do a better job with forms.
· Troy Bashor maintains his music websites with student projects, concert schedules, and awards.
· Dennis Normand sponsored the “Run for Sherry” event to honor the Sidney teacher that is presumed dead. Mr. Normand thought he’d get about ten to twenty people, but he figured there were about 120 people at the event.
· Although a fundraiser, Mr. Johnston’s Dessert Auction helps bring the community into the building for a good cause (academic team). This year Mr. J and Mr. Saunders were on KPAX morning show to promote the event. Mark put the link on our website.
· Our attending the WVCC really helps us communicate with people who have the eyes and ears of our community. Mr. Cline’s attendance at the meetings helps people understand the inner workings of a school district.
NURTURE A POSITIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE THAT WILL INSTILL A SENSE OF PRIDE AND BELONGING IN ALL STUDENTS.
§ Currently working on school improvement called A Connected School. The tenets behind A Connected School include a positive environment, creating a social contract with students, high expectations, and responsibility. Teachers will be engaged in the school improvement process during early outs.
§ We had our first pep assembly and it was probably the best one we have ever had. The students were dancing and having a great time. This spirit carried over to the Homecoming Dance, probably one of the best attended dances – and it was for a fund-raiser for the Berg family.
§ Mr. Mecham is heading up our program for students in clubs to help keep the hallways clean during the school day.
§ The day we bring Shakespeare into the school, the entire program has been a great way to keep promoting a positive school climate. It is educational, but at the same time fun – especially for the sophomores who get to have the actors, in the afternoon, show them things about acting and stage work, etc.
§ JMG did some “Christmas shopping” in order to purchase toys for the Watson’s Children’s Shelter in Missoula.
§ It was only for 1.5 hours at the end of the school day prior to break, but the student council put on an ice cream party and we opened up venues for a movie, games, open gym, etc. We thought a lot of students might have parents call in to dismiss them after lunch, but we were happy to see so many kids stay to enjoy the company of others in the school. Mandi Klimpel and Jake Haynes set up and organized the event.
§ We recently printed out our “My Voice” surveys that 325 of our students took. The survey is meant to get data about students’ perceptions of school in various areas. The areas are as follow: belonging, heroes, sense of accomplishment, fun, excitement, curiosity and spirit of adventure, leadership and responsibility and confidence to take action. We will be using the surveys to help us with school improvement.
§ FCCLA had a Holiday Party with secret pal gift exchanges. Sixteen of the students participated in the event.
§ The Phantom of the Opera is well underway and the students are very proud of the work they are doing to bring this production to our community.
RECOGNIZE AND ADDRESS THE COMMUNITY’S DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY AND THE ADDITIONAL NEEDS OF AT-RISK STUDENTS WHILE IMPLEMENTING AND MONITORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS.
· During the summer, Nicole Crouch tutors migrant family children who come to Flathead Lake to farm. She attends a two-day training and then tutors the students. This training and work helps her to teach our own students who need math assistance and individual work.
· Special education students will be training from now through March for Special Olympics swimming. We have HS students and staff members assisting with the program.
· JMG Class attended the Fall Leadership Conference in Helena (where Ana Torres received her award for winning the essay contest).
· Phil McLendon attended the Montana Youth in Transition Conference in Great Falls.
· In October, Mr. McLendon attended the Autistic Team Training session in Missoula.
· Special education teachers and para who were not trained in MANDT (legal restraints) took the training in Missoula.
· The counselors and Dr. Weishaar are working on a proposal for an alternative school. We will present the framework for a school in January.
· Ms. Gibson is working on a way to get instant text messaging to parents for when their students are at-risk. This process involves parents accepting to allow us to text them; Ms. Gibson and Mr. Haynes are working on contacting parents to try to make this happen.
· Jenna Wright finished an online course from University of Montana at Western on Language is Behavior in December. It dealt with the diversity in our students and how their home environments, mental /emotional, physical states, and learning styles can affect their behavior in the classroom. Jenna will be taking courses on Attention Deficit Disorder and Substance Use and Abuse in Teenagers. (Noted below)
· Phil McLendon, para educators and student mentors will be helping prepare Special Olympics participants for this year’s Special Olympics. The Olympics participants are Shelley Johnson, Jacob Pace, and Jaden Haberlock. I will list the student mentors in the newsletter under the accolades section.
PRACTICE HEALTH CONSCIOUS AND CIVIC MINDED BEHAVIORS THAT WILL HELP MAKE OUR SCHOOLS SAFE AND ALCOHOL/DRUG FREE.
· The Leer Group came to school for a full day (for free - $2500 otherwise) to have groups of freshmen and sophomores use their simulator to see what bad things can happen when students text and/or drink and drive. It was an excellent way to get the students to think about and feel what it’s like to do distractive driving.
· Teachers and paras are continuing to take CPR/First Aide as we offer the classes, and we have more classes scheduled.
· We re-invited the Missoula County Sheriff to go over his phone and internet safety information with the freshmen and sophomores. He was here last year, but we wanted to make sure the freshmen got the information and we wanted the sophomores to get a refresher course.
· Michele Bashor and Dr. Weishaar attended the MTSBA Law and Technology Symposium in Helena. It was a highly engaging and I know I took a lot away from the Helena Police and Homeland Security gentlemen. I have shared information with the staff (and Mr. McMurray) about some tech things going on that we need to be aware of.
· At the 1/11 Advisory class for freshmen, Devon Armstrong agreed to speak to the students about his disability, how he handles things in life, what he sees from our kids as he watches them “from his position.” It was very powerful and the students asked him questions. One of the hardest things for him – he told them – is when he sees “regular” students not using their minds or bodies to their fullest capacities. He can’t stand when he sees kids blowing off homework, not doing activities, and wasting their bodies. He said he wishes he could do all kinds of activities, but he will never be able to do them. The advisors said it was a great advisory session and the freshmen listened intently.
· We will begin doing the Red Cord program this school year at graduation. The Red Cord program is sponsored by American Red Cross. It is meant to honor students who “have made a choice in the life saving act of blood donation at least three times during their high school career…”. The honored students will have a red cord on during graduation. Mr. Duhame has been keeping records so he will assist with making sure students meeting the criteria get the cords.
· Jenna Wright is currently taking a course on ADHD/ADD and the substance abuse link. She will use the information for her health classes.
IMPLEMENT AND ENFORCE CLEAR SCHOOL POLICIES THAT ARE EFFECTIVE AND FAIR TO ALL STUDENTS.
· Mr. Mecham has taken over parking lot supervision and has been doing a great job keeping students to their areas of parking and being consistent with them. In addition, and on his own time, he will go out at lunchtime to make sure students are parking correctly and being safe.
Mr. Fry and Dr. Weishaar are working together with discipline to help with consistency for discipline. If we do not meet together to handle situations, we are discussing issues to come with appropriate consequences based on the tier system and past practice.
