We are halfway through September already, crazy how fast the school year is going. Teachers spent their Late Start working on Active Participation strategies from Anita Archer. These strategies will help teachers beef up their classroom instruction through engaging activities that enhances students learning, understanding and participation. When teachers frequently elicit responses from students it contributes to a positive learning environment, allows them to check frequently for understanding, adjust the lesson based on responses and provide feedback for students. Data has shown when students successfully respond they are 80% accurate on initial instruction and have been 90% or higher in their accuracy on practice and reviews. I look forward to seeing teachers use these strategies and increase participation and retention of information in their classrooms.

5th Grade

We finished our hike! The students and I had a lot of fun these past few weeks talking about what the school counselor can do for them! Below is the hiking trail that we finished with explanations of the four areas that the school counselor can help them!

6th, 7th, 8th Grade

Students continued to work on their Vision Boards today. Once they completed their Vision Board, they made it the background of their iPad so they could see it regularly and be reminded what their goals for the year are! Here are some examples of some students' Vision Boards.

This year the Leadership class has decided to change how student and staff awards are given. This will be done twice a month, with 1 boy and 1 girl winning from each grade level. One week we will have girl winners and one week we will have boy winners. The leadership class was able to get some Gift Card donations from local businesses to add to the award gift package. Teachers are also asked to be more thoughtful and provide the why with their nomination. When teachers nominate students they are looking for the following:

Integrity

Responsibility

Respect

Effort

Below are your first Student and Staff of the Month Winners!

Volleyball- Don't forget A team tournament tomorrow Saturday September 16. Please be at the Middle School by 7:20am the bus will leave at 7:30am if you are not here on time you will be left.

Monday we have a home game, there is no school please be here by 3:30pm.

Football- There will be practice on Monday September 18 despite not having school, please get your players to the football field by 3:30pm for practice til 5:30pm

Cross Country-

Monday-No School, no practice- 8th grade parent night recognition at the home Volleyball match

Tuesday-regular practice

Wednesday-travel to Tonganoxie for the Tonganoxie MS meet

Thursday-travel to Royal Valley for the Royal Valley MS meet

Friday-regular practice

There is only one more week after this (Perry League on Thursday, September 28-it will be at Hummer Park in Topeka).

Cost for Breakfast is $2.10- we start serving breakfast at 7:30 am

Lunch cost is $3.25- We are offering a hot meal, a sandwich and a salad option please make sure you let your child know what is on the lunch menu so they know what they would like when their teacher takes lunch count.

Also a la carte will start this week, please fill out the following form so we know what your child can do in regards to a la carte. If we don't have the form fill out your child will not be able to get anything from a la carte. Thanks

Monday September 18- No School

Home volleyball game against Riverside A teams play at 4:30 with B teams to follow. It is 8th grade parent night and we will do recognition for Cross Country and Volleyball between the A and B games please plan to be at the school by 5:00 for this.

Tuesday-

Wednesday September 20th- Cross Country at Tonganoxie

Middle School Site Council at the MS Library at 6:30pm

Jr. Weststeppers Clinic at High School at 6:00pm

Thursday September 21st- Cross Country at Royal Valley at 4pm

Football at Royal Valley A team is at 4:30pm with B team to follow

Volleyball at Royal Valley- Please note 7th grade plays at Royal Valley Elementary School 101 E. 1st Street Hoyt, KS

8th Grade plays at Royal Valley Middle School 202 S. 4th Street, Mayetta

A teams will start at 4:30pm with B teams to follow.

Friday September 22- Jr. Weststepper Night at the Home High School Football Game against Hayden

Saturday September 23- B Team Volleyball Tournament at Home games start at 9am