The Raider ACE!
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 39
Yoda is a small, green alien, with long pointy ears, who served as a Jedi in the Star Wars franchise movies. Although he had incredible powers, including defense tactics of a ninja, using force to absorb blaster fire, and handling a light saber during fierce battles, his best talent was giving effective feedback.
This skill was highlighted in his conversations with Luke Skywalker, a young Jedi, who was one of hundreds he trained in the Jedi Order.
Luke once told Yoda he would try to complete a task, and the short, green, alien responded, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
This week, let's give students feedback on their performance and strategies on how they can improve. Have individual conversations and put interventions in place.
We are W.J. Keenan High School. Home of the Champion Raiders!
There are a few things that we will need to make sure we are doing to keep the natural order and flow of our school:
- School starts at 8:00 a.m. Remind students they need to report to class before then to avoid a tardy.
- Stand at your door during the change of each class.
- You must not leave your students unsupervised for any reason.
- Please do not allow students into the hallway without a pass.
- Please do not allow students that are not on your roster in your classroom. Students need to be in their scheduled classroom to receive credit. You are accountable for every student in your room.
- You may only sign out to leave on your planning period and/or with administrator approval in an emergency circumstance if you do not have a scheduled absence.
- If you are absent from school, it is your professional responsibility to input the appropriate information in Frontline in a timely manner. Substitutes are limited. Please check Munis prior to doing this so you are aware of your available days for an absence.
Monday, December 11, 2023
EOC Testing (Refer to your email for additional details)
JV BB Vs. Eau Claire (At Eau Claire) @ 5:00 p.m.
- If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success. -James Cameron
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
- EOC Testing (Refer to your email for additional details)
- Pageant Interest Meeting (Lecture Hall) @ 6;00 P.M.
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. -Walt Disney
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
EOC Testing (Refer to your email for additional details)
Greenview Winter Concert Rehearsal (Theater) @ 4:00 p.m.
- "Get busy living or get busy dying." — Stephen King
Thursday, December 14, 2023
- EOC Testing (Refer to your email for additional details)
- Greenview Winter Concert (Theater) @ 6:00 p.m.
- JROTC Inspection (Gymnasium) 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- "Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."– Thomas A. Edison
Friday, December 15, 2023
- EOC Testing (Refer to your email for additional details)
- Marching Band Winter Celebration (Lecture Hall) @ 4:00 p.m.
- Varsity BB Vs. Lower Richland (At Home) @ 6:00 p.m.
- "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." — Mae West
Hello Raiders,
We are continuing with End of Course testing this week for USH and Algebra students. Students and test administrators need to report to the Lecture Hall at 8:00 AM. If you are a test administrator, make sure that you read all of my EOC emails prior to testing.
Grades need to be updated ASAP. Quarter 2 ends and grades will be due to Ms. Sims on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Department leaders, please be sure to check in with your team members on this. Grades must be finalized for the 2nd quarter and semester 1. End of Course teachers will need to also print the E column as well. Please submit your grades ahead of schedule if you know that you will be absent on this date. If you are having difficulty with submitting your grades, you need to contact Ms. Sims immediately.
Dates to Remember:
December 11-13 End of Course testing for US History students
December 14 - End of Course testing for Algebra students
December 15- End of Course make-up testing
December 19 - End of 2nd nine weeks/Semester 1/Grades due by 3:00 pm
December 20-January 2 Winter break
January 3- Teacher Workday
January 4 - 3rd quarter begins
District Focus/Visible Learning:
Teacher CLARITY is our instructional focus this year. According to John Hattie's meta-analysis, teacher clarity has an effect size of .75 which doubles student gains in learning. Here are the questions your students should be able to answer for clarity.
- What am I learning? (Learning Intentions/Targets)
Why am I learning it? (Clarity & Motivation)
How will I know that I have learned it? (Success Criteria)
Each of these are non-negotiables and should be written on your board each day under the appropriate magnet and referred to for student understanding. Students should be able to answer these questions if called upon by the teacher.
Grading Practice:
Please be sure to access the Raiders Chest in One Drive for important information regarding the Secondary Grading Manual. See the information listed from the manual regarding grades:
"Each marking period should include a minimum of ten assignments/assessments of student learning documented in the gradebook/PowerSchool. Four of the ten assessments should be major assessments such as tests or exams, written compositions, performances, or projects. Five of ten assessments should occur before interim reports are issued, with two of those five assessments being major. Therefore, two of the four major assessments should occur prior to the interim report."
Certified Staff Certification/Recertification:
Renewal teachers/staff should have signed up for Read to Succeed if you have not taken the class. Information regarding this was sent out through District Announcements. You will also need to complete 120 hours to renew your certificate. If you have taken the Read to Succeed class and you need to have it added to your certificate, please sign into your educator portal on the SC state department of education website and upload it there.
https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/certification-forms/forms/renewal-matrix/
https://ed.sc.gov/educators/certification/professional/renewal-credit-options/
If you need a certificate extension, you need to request it in your portal on the SC state department website.
With the holidays fast approaching, dog owners who are looking for ways to keep their furry friends looking festive can get that done while giving students an opportunity to gain some hands-on career experience.
W.J. Keenan High School’s Animal Science II class will hold a holiday dog grooming event Saturday, December 16 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the school (361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC 29203).
Community members can drop off their furry friends in the teacher parking lot. There is no appointment needed. Dogs will receive a bath and blow dry, nail trim, as well as ear and oral care. The cost is $20.
Proceeds from this event will go to Keenan’s agriculture department’s FFA (an organization for students interested in agriculture) chapter.
The eight students currently taking the class groom dogs three to four days a week and work with all types of dogs.
The Animal Science II class raised around $1,000 from their last dog grooming event in October. They will host two more grooming events this school year.
Keenan agricultural teacher Maria Ausburn says that these events are important for the community as well as the students.
“Our agriculture program teaches our students skills that will translate into their roles as productive citizens. Grooming days allow for students to showcase their skills and replenish supplies used,” said Ausburn.
If you are unable to attend the event, you can book an appointment during the week. Click here to make an appointment.
Services offered include:
- Basic Bath Package - $25
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Blowout
- Brushing
- Teeth Cleaning
- Ear Cleaning
- Nail Trim
- Deluxe Bath Package - $35
- Deluxe Shampoo and Conditioner
- Blowout
- Extended Brushing
- Teeth Cleaning
- Ear Cleaning
- Nail Trim
- Nail Grinding
- Bandanna or Bow
- Doggie Perfume
- Spa Package Add-On - $10
- Spa Shampoo and Conditioner
- Spa Doggie Facial
- Spa Doggie Perfume
- Paw Pad Spa Treatment
For more information, call (864) 932-5667.
Greetings Raider Freshman Academy Teachers:
As we inch our way closer to Winter Break, I have just a few reminders. I know this time of the school year is busy for you at school and at home. As always, thank you so much for your efforts daily to pour into our young people. It is greatly appreciated.
Raider Freshman Academy Reminders:
- Make sure content recovery lessons are uploaded into Edgenuity and students are aware of recovery assignments. If you have a student who is not in Edgenuity, please let me or Mrs. Wine know so we may get the student activated.
- We have approximately 40-9th grade students who owe seat time. Seat time recovery is on Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:30pm - 5:30pm in the ISS room. Parents of students have been notified via phone dialer and email.
- Please prepare to have your grades entered and ready for finalization by Friday, December 15, 2023. Let's ensure we minimize last minute grading final grading edits.
- If time on your calendar permits, please plan to attend the Varsity Girls' & Boys' basketball games on Tuesday, 12/5 and our JV Girls' & Boys" games on Thursday 12/7. Also, on Thursday December 7, our Keenan Band & Orchestra will perform their Winter Concert at 6pm.
School Photos
Please note the following dates for school photos:
- November 30—Fall Individuals makeup
Graduation 2024 Date Announced
This year’s Raider Graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 31 at 11:00 am at the Colonial Life Arena. Seniors need to ensure they have met all requirements for graduation, pay any outstanding debts or fees and not have excessive discipline issues in order to participate.
Raider graduates are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, honor, and class. Inappropriate/disrespectful actions during the commencement ceremony WILL NOT be tolerated.
Keeping Seniors on Track
Class of 2024 students are meeting with school leaders to help them stay on track and be successful. Seniors are meeting with the Graduation Coach (Mrs. DuBard), School Counselors (Mrs. Hasinger, Ms. Humphrey and Mr. Oliver), and Mr. Hankins (Senior Class Administrator) to discuss their progress, requirements, future college/career goals, and plans for the year. All conferences are aimed at helping students be prepared to successfully graduate and meet their future goals.
Raider Community Student Support
Teachers and staff, we need your assistance in providing support for our young Raider students. Through our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, we are aiming to give our students the tools they need to be successful.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a school-wide, data driven, proactive framework for improving both learning and behavioral outcomes for all students. MTSS uses the problem-solving process to meet the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of each student. (https://www.richlandone.org/Domain/1736)
You may be asked to sit in on MTSS meetings as a classroom teacher, serve as a mentor, advocate or content expert for students. The goal is to surround students with as many caring adults and resources as possible to allow students to thrive. Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.
DuBard's Grad Coach Corner
- Seniors, please join the "2023 - 2024 Seniors" Schoology group for daily Scholarships and information updates.
- Please purchase your Parking Decals. Car boots are being issued with a 25 dollars fine.
- Raider Ready afterschool tutoring program is open to all grade level students who need assistance.
- Please monitor your grades and attendance.
- Jostens pickup Nov. 17th
- The ASVAB test will be held on Dec. 13th
We have transitioned from a Magnet School to a School within a School. The Raider Academy is a new approach to college and career readiness designed to give students the foundation to make a difference in the world!
The Raider Academy at W. J. Keenan High School provides five houses through which students may choose. Students will have multiple opportunities to prepare for careers that are in high demand and require advanced skills. We offer a leadership curriculum that includes a rigorous project-based classroom experience that challenges students to gain future-ready competencies. The Raider Academy students will have advantages that include the opportunity to receive college credit, state and nationally recognized industry certifications, work-based learning opportunities and internships.
The W.J. Keenan High School Raider Academy offers five unique pathways aimed at engaging learners.
• Project Lead the Way Engineering
• Business Management and Administration
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Government and Public Administration
• Agriculture and Animal Science
The Raider Academy Teachers
Mrs Young: PLTW Engineering & Math Department Chair
Ms. Davis: PLTW Engineering
Mrs. King: PLTW Engineering, Business Management, & CTE Department Chair
Mrs. Thompson: Hospitality& Tourism/Family and Consumer Science
Mrs. Bradley: Government & Public Administration
Ms. Ausburn: Agriculture and Animal Science
The next Student Raider Academy meetings will be held on the following dates:
12/14/2023
Please note that this meeting is not mandatory. If students have work to complete, I urge them to stay in their classes and complete it.
The next Raider Academy parent meeting will be held virtually on
12/13/2023
I would like to say congratulations to our members that were inducted into their respective areas during the WJ Keenan High School Installation Ceremony that was held on November 15th. The members and officers of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and the National Technical Honor Society were installed.
Remember our expectations are:
- 70 or above in ALL classes
- No behavior issues
- No attendance issues
The end of the semester is December 19, 2023. Please remember to check Parent Portal for current grades. We have afterschool tutoring and virtual tutoring using tutor.com
We will have to do fundraising please share any fundraising ideas with Mrs. Wine or the Raider Academy teacher.
Transportation is NOW provided for the Raider Academy. If you have any questions, please direct them to Mrs. Wine at Shalise.wine@richlandone.org
Notes for Raider Teachers!
Feedback From Observations: Focus on engaging students and having them do the work. Rather than standing up and writing on the smartboard as you are explaining, have students come up to the board and share what they know. Put students in groups and give meaningful activities. Use balls and other manipulatives to identify students for a response. Make these engaging strategies apart of your daily routine.
Handling Conflict: Please talk with our students about how to properly handle conflict. Encourage them to reach out to adults in the building to get help with situations that can potentially get them in trouble. Please convey the importance of working together resolve problems before they become bigger issues. It takes a village!
Student Work: Please start posting your best student work inside and outside your classroom in the hallways. You may also share by tagging WJK on social media.
Ask Yourself: What is the hook for today’s lesson that will keep them engaged? Is there an opportunity for my students to get up and move around with my lesson? How am I going to check for understanding? Am I giving students the opportunity to show me they have a grasp of the content? Am I using the DLE to enhance the lesson or am I simply giving electronic skill sheets?
Signing In and Out: If you need to leave campus for an emergency, please get approval from an administrator, and sign out in the main office. We are professionals.
PTSO: Please consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association. It is a big part of communicating to our parents that we want to build a stronger partnership this year. The application is in the main office with Ms. Golston.
W.J. Keenan High School
Our Mission
The mission of W. J. Keenan High School is to provide engaging educational opportunities through a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to extend to our diverse community and produce first class citizens who will contribute to the present and excel in the future. WE ARE KEENAN!
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a nationally known high school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, leadership in cutting edge technology, science, environmental, and career based programs. A high school that builds strong relationships with all stakeholders and continues a culture where the expectation is to lead, set the example, and raise standards for all to follow.
Email: vondre.whaley@richlandone.org
Website: http://keenan.richlandone.org/
Location: 361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-714-2500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenanraiders/
Twitter: @wjkeenan