Principal Reflections
RESULTS OF 6TH, 7TH, 8TH GRADE PARENT MEETING
AN EXCITING LOOK TOWARD NEXT YEAR
The teachers and I have been in conversation regarding next year, and how to enrich our school programs so that our present excellence continues to flourish and grow.
In sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classes we are planning some modifications, especially in some subject areas, where diversity among students is more distinct. We have been in the process of considering some of these modifications based on our own observations, and also from input from our parents.
We have always taught to the goal of mastery for every student. We are committed to continuing to achieve this goal, but with the added commitment of empowering each student to achieve his or her highest potential, even above the expected standards. Because all students do not reach the goal of mastery at the same time, we have decided to incorporate a more flexible approach which will involve grouping of students according to aptitude and performance. This will not bring back the concept of tracking students according to “ability”.
All students will be taught the same concepts according to national standards as always. Students will be able to move from group to group according to performance. In some cases, more coaching will be offered to students so that anxiety and stress can be lessened and at the same time, more challenge will be offered to students who are ready for it.
Instruction groupings will not be entirely homeroom based. Students will be instructed in appropriate groups so that teachers are able to give more individual time to student instruction. This will become more obvious in math, but will be evident in other subject areas as well. With class sizes favorable to this type of approach, we look to this modification with enthusiasm. Scheduling will be challenging, but the teachers are committed to offering even more next year than they have already in their present teaching.
TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2010-2011
The present sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teachers will be teaching the same subjects as this year. Time assignments have been altered somewhat, but they do not affect the student programs.
SIXTH GRADE
The sixth grade schedule has electives, and “specials” such as music and band, Spanish, computers, and PE scheduled after lunch. These offerings and also History will be scheduled between 1:00 and 2:45 in the afternoon (with Wednesday dismissal at 1:45 as usual). For History -- Mrs. Lesniak will teach History to both classes combined in this afternoon time period.
In the morning, Mrs. Leichleiter will have regular sixth grade classes. Between 1:00 and 2:45 she will perform the responsibilities of Development and Marketing Director. (Mrs. Brand who has served in this capacity has accepted the position of principal at Christ the King so will not be returning to St. Mary Magdalen next year.)
SEVENTH GRADE
In seventh grade the core academic subjects will also be taught mainly before 1:00. The 1:15 – 2:45 time periods will be committed to the same offerings as sixth grade. Literature and Spanish will be taught during this time also.
The eighth grade teachers and classes will remain basically the same as this present year, with scheduling being similar to sixth and seventh grades. However, there will be no Honors Algebra class before school. All math classes, including accelerated classes, will be offered during the school day.
I am extremely proud and appreciative of these teachers. They are totally committed to assisting each student to have a most successful and happy experience in these grades which are times are enormous growth and development, social as well as physical.
Nothing for next year is “set in stone.” Your input and support are, as always, key to the success of everything we do. The best of planning can always be interrupted as circumstances change. At this time we look forward to a great “Jubilee Year”.
AREAS VALUED MOST IN OUR PROGRAMS AND CURICULUM FOR SIXTH, SEVENTH, AND EIGHTH GRADERS:
Weekly Masses, priests teaching religion, integration of religion throughout curriculum and behavior, respect for selves, others, and the planet, strong social skills, no bullying.
Teachers’ enthusiasm and passion for teaching, teamwork of teachers, teachers’accommodating, open door philosophy.
Coordination with Murphy HS for curriculum and general preparation for high school.
Self-evaluation of students and communication with parents; challenging academic work.
Math fair, Cribbage Club, guild fair, science fair, field trips, hands on experiences, “Reading Buddies”.
Use of and integration of technology in academics.
Upcoming mini-courses
AREAS TO CONSIDER FOR MODIFICATION FOR NEXT YEAR:
Curriculum:
More art and music
PE include more physical activity such as presidential fitness
program
Include more instruction in note-taking, research skills, term paper
for 8th grade
Increase lab, less text, make more challenging
Keep basics such as grammar, improve writing skills; school
spelling bee
Look at public school curriculum such as Cascade
Teach Spanish all year, not just semesters
Homework:
Need consistency of homework (too much some nights, not
enough others)
Keep websites current
More communication regarding missing assignments
Mark end of quarters on calendars
Increase meaningful homework; teach time management in
preparation for HS
General:
Learn to express point of view through debate.
Focus on individual needs and learning styles.
Help students be comfortable asking questions
Communication with parents regarding new curriculum
Provide privacy in grading (exchanging papers, etc.)
Have free dress for everyone
Field Trips: Hike somewhere; Have a ropes course for 8th grade; Olympia; Washington DC trip; Glacier hike; Salish Sea Society
