Milwood Magnet School News

Moving Toward MEAP October 3, 2011

We have had an exciting beginning to our 2011-2012 school year. There are a number of changes to our staff, building and structure which are new this year; however our staff, students, and parents continue to be flexible and accepting of what’s new. As we make the transition from September to October, our HIGH EXPECTATIONS for students and staff will be put to the test during our annual MEAP Cycle. We have set a target mark of 85% for all of our grade levels (6th, 7th and 8th) in both Reading and Math. While we are pleased with what has been a steady rise in our scores during the past five years, we are on a mission to propel our student achievement levels to well above district and state expectations. This will be a TEAM effort, which we encourage parent help with. Ways to ensure proficiency are:

• Continue to place an emphasis on Reading/Literacy
• Keep close contact and communication with Teachers and Staff
• Become familiar with our KPS Components of a College Going Culture
• Make sure student are well rested and have had a solid breakfast before the test

Our MEAP Testing window for this year runs from October 11th to October 28th. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

7-Plus Support Classes October 3, 2011

Our 7-Plus Support classrooms opened on Monday, September 26th. Because our 7th Grade student numbers were above those projected last Spring, our 7-Plus Support classes offer one (1) additional Core-Area Teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts) for students to be assigned to. This helps lower our class sizes which benefits students and their achievement levels by enhancing Teacher’s ability to meet a student’s academic needs. We welcome our 7-Plus Teachers:

• Mrs. Katryn Dorrington-Science and Social Studies
• Ms. Sara Allison-Math
• Ms. Connoly Jenkins-English/Language Arts

Extended Day Programs October 3, 2011

This program will begin on Tuesday, October 4th from 2:30-3:30. The program will run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (except on Professional Development Wednesday once per month). The Extended Day Learning Program is funded by the SIG grant we received and includes:

Literacy Success Centers for English, Math, Science and Social Studies.  Core subject area teachers will re-teach lessons and work on specific skills with identified students.  Students must be referred by a teacher to attend 2:30-3:30 on the following days:

• ELA/Language Success Center (Tuesday) Library
• Science Success Center (Tuesday) Science Lab
• Social Studies Success Center (Wednesday) Rm 709
• Math Success Center (Thursday) Rm 416

Parent Advisory Council Meetings October 3, 2011

Our Parent Advisory Council Meetings for 2011-2012 will be held on the following dates listed below.  Parent Advisory is our monthly time to meet with parents and share information about school activities and programs.  We run our Parent Advisory in conjunction with our School Improvement/Leadership Team.  Meetings will be held on Thursdays in the school library, and run for approximately one (1) hour, from 5:30-6:30.  We encourage you to attend.

Boys Basketball October 3, 2011

Try outs will be October 24 to October 27, teams announced the 27th. Students must have a 1.5 to tryout (based on the first marking period). Students must have a physical to tryout.  NO EXCEPTIONS. Students must attend tryouts to be part of the team

Milwood Magnet Lancer Athletics Information October 3, 2011

Milwood Magnet’s football team has shown improvement each game.  Highlights include: a 32 yard run by Nick May and it took the entire Maple Street team to tackle him, Brady Secord and D’Aquaryious connecting for a 30 yard touchdown pass and a 20 yard touchdown run by Aaron Holmes.

Our 7th grade volleyball team is the biggest it has ever been.  We are looking forward to building our program.  We would also like to give a special thank you to Mr. Skiles for volunteering with the team.

The 8th grade volleyball team has also gotten bigger from last year. Each student has shown a big improvement from last year.

Student-Led Conferences October 3, 2011

Our Middle School report cards are issued at the end of each six-week marking period. Following the first report card period, we hold our Student-led conferences.  These Student-led conferences place more responsibility for reporting on student learning with the student.  These conferences are held with the Student, their Parent (s) and their advisory Teacher.  Student progress during the first six (6) weeks is reviewed.  Students also are required to identify goals and plans for self-improvement.  Conferences are scheduled with designated times and will take place the week of October 17th.  Firm dates will be posted on the website.  Parents will receive an invitation to their conference by mail.

After School Activity Information October 3, 2011

Students must always have parent permission and transportation arranged before they stay after school for any reason.

The dismissal bell rings at 2:21. Students must be in their program area by 2:30.

We provide an after school snack. This year we will have dinner at 3:30! Students will need parent permission to stay and eat.

Bus tokens are available for students with parent permission (except for detention).

Homework Hub October 3, 2011

Team teachers assist and supervise self-directed homework completion from 2:30-3:30 on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.  Students attend as needed. No referral necessary.

6th Grade Early Morning Program October 3, 2011

Teachers and librarian will supervise and assist 6th graders who would like to quietly read, take an AR test, finish homework and check out and return library books from7:00-7:25 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  A sign up and pass system will be used to direct students to the library.