The Raider ACE!
What's Going On In Raider Nation Vol. 2 Issue 39
Hey there, fellow knowledge cultivators!
As the crisp scent of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air and the sound of chalk clacking against the board echoes through the halls, it can only mean one thing: it's Teacher Appreciation Week! Let's take a moment to celebrate those unsung heroes who bravely navigate the wild jungles of education armed with nothing but textbooks and a sense of humor.
To all the teachers out there, we salute you! You're the real MVPs, the Jedi Masters of the classroom, the Gandalfs guiding us through the treacherous journey of academia.
Let's face it, folks, teachers have the patience of saints. They deal with more drama than a daytime soap opera, from lost homework to mysterious lunchbox odors that could rival any chemistry experiment gone wrong. Yet, they tackle each day with a smile (well, most days), ready to impart wisdom and wrangle unruly kiddos with the skill of a cowboy herding cattle.
And let's not forget their mastery of multitasking. From teaching algebra while simultaneously preventing a paper airplane epidemic to deciphering hieroglyphic handwriting worthy of ancient scrolls, teachers are the ultimate multitasking maestros.
But it's not all serious business in the land of education. Oh no, teachers know how to bring the fun! Who else could turn a lesson on photosynthesis into a Broadway-worthy production complete with interpretive dance and homemade chlorophyll costumes? Only the most dedicated educators, that's who!
So, this week, let's shower our teachers with the appreciation they deserve. Whether it's a heartfelt thank-you note, a bouquet of sharpened pencils, or a gift card to the nearest coffee shop (because let's face it, caffeine is their lifeblood), let's show them just how much they mean to us.
To all the teachers out there, thank you for shaping minds, inspiring hearts, and being the real MVPs of the classroom. You're the true rockstars of education, and we're forever grateful for all that you do!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, everyone! 🍎📚✏️
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, May 6, 2024
- If you set your goals ridiculously high and it's a failure, you will fail above everyone else's success. -James Cameron
- EOC Testing (Check your email for details)
- Community Orchestra Concert (Auditorium) 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
- Faculty Meeting @ 3:30 p.m.
- EOC Testing (Check your email for details)
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. -Walt Disney
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
- EOC Testing (Check your email for details)
- "Get busy living or get busy dying." — Stephen King
Thursday, May 9, 2024
- EOC Testing (Check your email for details)
- Spring Dance Performance (Auditorium) 6:00 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, May 10, 2024
- "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." — Mae West
- EOC Testing (Check your email for details)
Hello Raiders,
Thank you to Ms. McFadden for an excellent first day of testing last week. We will continue English 2 EOC testing through this week.
Dates to Remember:
May 3- 22 End of Course exams
May 15-17 Senior exams
May 20 - Grade verification due to Ms. Sims for Seniors by 12:00pm
May 22-28 Underclassman exams
May 27 - Holiday (School Closed)
May 29 - Underclassman grades/gradebooks due to Ms. Sims by 12:00 pm
May 31 - Graduation/Last Day of School for Students
June 1 - Teacher Workday
End of Course Information:
Test Administration manual:
Please be sure that your students are familiar with the online tools training prior to the test.
https://wbte.drcedirect.com/SC/portals/sc
Test Dates this week:
May 6 - Dandridge Writing
May 7- Alston-Smith Writing
May 7 - Balan - Writing Accommodations (Revised Date)
May 8 - McFadden Reading
May 9 - Dandridge Reading /Seniors - USH (guidance classroom)
May 10 - Alston-Smith Reading
May 10 - Balan - Reading Accommodations
Greetings, Freshman Academy Teachers!
HAPPY TEACHERS' APPRECIATION WEEK!
We are into our first full week of May and coming down to the wire! Be reminded End-of-Course testing has started and will continue through the week of May 20.
I wanted to take this opportunity to let each of you know how much you are appreciated. We are tasked with teaching, guiding, and supporting the youngest of our high school students, which at times can be challenging. However, each of you create and foster a classroom environment that provides access and opportunities for student success. This work we do is necessary; however, difficult at times, but oh so REWARDING!
Thank you again for your hard work and commitment to W. J. Keenan and our students.
As always, thank you in advance for your cooperation. I appreciate each of you and all that you do.
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.
Who We Are
W.J. Keenan High School is an engaging learning environment that provides educational opportunities that nurtures the learner to be an innovative thinker prepared with a rigorous curriculum, cutting edge technology, and partnerships to meet the challenges of the future.
Pathways
The W.J. Keenan High School Raider Academy offers five unique pathways aimed at engaging learners.
Business Management and Administration
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Government and Public Administration
Agriculture and Animal Science
Information Technology
As of right now, transportation is not provided for 2023-2024 school year. Please plan to provide transportation. We are working on getting transportation for the 2024-2025.
The new way to apply for the Raider Academy is by completing a transfer application through Richland School District One's Registrar's Office during the transfer season. The transfer season is March 1, 2024, through May 1st. 2024.
Incoming freshman that are zoned for W.J. Keenan will fill out an application by contacting guidance and Mrs. Wine at shalise.wine@rihclandone.org
If you are already enrolled at W. J. Keenan, you do not need to complete this application. Everyone else wanting to be in the program will need to apply March 1st as we only have a certain number of spots available for each program.
May 20th, 2024, we will hold our annual Raider Academy Showcase for the community starting at 6:00pm in the W. J. Keenan Auditorium.
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