Academic Support
OVMS Students and Families,
Last week, all OVMS students participated in the i-Ready assessment. This assessment, administered three times a year, is an essential tool that helps us understand each student's learning progress and identify any gaps in their understanding. The insights from these assessments allow us to tailor our teaching to better prepare students for upcoming lessons and future grade levels.
How We Use i-Ready Data:
After reviewing i-Ready reports, teachers use the data to ensure students are prepared to move forward. As needed, teachers revisit and re-teach content to reinforce mastery. Additionally, the data helps us:
- Work One-on-One: Teachers can provide individualized support to help students address specific skill gaps.
- Form Small Groups: Teachers create small groups during class to target shared areas of need with focused instruction.
- Recommend RTI Placement: If significant gaps in multiple essential skills are identified, students may be recommended for an RTI (Response to Intervention) course in the second semester. This class offers intensive, targeted support to help close these gaps.
What Families Should Know:
To help families better understand formative assessments and RTI placement, here are some important points:
- The Purpose of i-Ready Assessments: These assessments are low-stakes and not graded. They’re designed to give teachers a clear picture of each student's strengths and areas for growth, ensuring that every child receives the right level of support at the right time.
- RTI is a Growth Opportunity: Placement in an RTI class is not punitive. It’s a proactive approach based on detailed data, focused on equipping students with the foundational skills they need to succeed.
- Progress is Closely Monitored: Students in RTI receive regular progress monitoring, and adjustments are made as needed. Many students exit RTI once their skills reach grade-level expectations.
- Partnering with Families: We encourage families to stay engaged by asking questions about their child’s progress and exploring ways to support learning at home. If your child is recommended for RTI, we will provide resources and updates to keep you informed.
Layers of academic assistance at OVMS:
- Beyond Basics Tutors: Highly skilled tutors will work with students one-on-one to help improve literacy and overall academic performance. (Additional testing for this and placement will begin January 24).
- Response to Intervention (RTI): Our new RTI program targets students whose grades or test scores indicate they need extra support, providing tailored instruction to address specific learning gaps.
- Dedicated Teacher Support Time: Ten teachers have at least one hour built into their daily schedules to offer additional help to students in need during these RTI courses.
- After-School Tutorial Program (NEST - Need Extra Support Time): Held every Tuesday and Thursday, NEST provides small-group and one-on-one instruction with a minimum of two certified teachers, ensuring ongoing assistance beyond the school day.
If you have any questions about these programs or want to learn how your child can benefit (or is benefiting), please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Smith. Together, we can ensure that every student at Orchard View Middle School has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you again for your partnership and support!
Warm regards,
Joshua Smith
Principal, Orchard View Middle School
Week at a Glance
Monday, January 13
Early Release
Wrestling Practice - 1:30-3:00pm
Competitive Cheer - Meet @ North Muskegon- 5 PM
Tuesday, January 14
Student Council Meeting during Mentorship
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Autobody: 2:30-4:45pm
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Environmental & vet Sciences: 2:30-4:45pm
Girls' Basketball - Open Gym - 2:30-3:30pm
Wrestling Practice - 2:30-4:00pm
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Art Club: 2:15-3:45pm
Red Club: 2:15-3:45pm
NEST Tutoring - 2:15-3:15pm
Wednesday, January 15
Wrestling Practice - 2:30-4:00pm
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Thursday, January 16
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Autobody: 2:30-4:45pm
6th Grade Middle Vision @ CTC - Environmental & vet Sciences: 2:30-4:45pm
Girls' Basketball - Open Gym - 2:30-3:30pm
Wrestling Practice - 2:30-4:00pm
Competitive Cheer - TUMBLING: 3:30-4:30pm
Art Club: 2:15-3:45pm
Crochet Club: 2:15-3:15pm
NEST Tutoring - 2:15-3:15pm
MathCounts Practice - 2:15-3:15pm (Ms. Bajt's Room)
Friday, January 17
Wrestling Practice - 2:30-4:00pm
Competitive Cheer - Practice: 2:30-4:00pm
Saturday, January 18
Newago Cheer Competition was CANCELLED
Red Club
Red Club is a fun after school group where students learn skills that will aid them in managing their emotions and behavior and in improving their school performance. Last year's activities included games, arts and crafts, hiking, and group discussions. Red Club meetings will be after school on Tuesdays, and a late bus will be available to provide transportation home. If your student is interested in joining Red Club, they can pick up a permission slip in the middle school office. If you have any questions, please contact Lilliana Duyck by emailing her at lilliana.duyck@orchardview.org.
Reporting and Supporting Each Other
Middle School is a fun and exciting time, but it is important that we take care of each other.
As social groups form, students will seek out attention and validation from one another. While this is typical of your age group, if these social relationships do not stay healthy, unnecessary drama can be created.
Before you act or before you speak, take a few breaths, and think, "who is this helping?"
Ask yourself:
1) Is this true?
2) is this helpful?
3) is this inspiring?
4) is this necessary?
5) is this kind?
If you can't say, "yes" to all of the above, then don't do or say whatever it is you are considering.
If you know about a situation between students filled with drama or emotions that you think could turn into an altercation, whether it be verbal or physical, please make sure to connect with an adult right away. Every adult in this building is trained to support you or to get you access to someone who can support you. Violence is never necessary.
At the start of every newsletter is the:
CLICK HERE for "I need to Speak to an Adult" form - this will get you help the quickest.
or
CLICK HERE for Okay2Say - this is completely anonymous (but doesn't get to principals as quickly).
Finally
We are here to help. Please make sure to follow the Hallway SOAR expectations and thank you for helping us make our school community safe!
Gator Recycling
OVMS gets money from this dumpster (by weight). We intend to use this money to fund things like our SOAR Store. Please consider dropping any paper-based recycling products in our bin.
