Boletín de la Escuela Secundaria
November 30, 2018
MS. ESCRITOS DE WRIGHT...
Two weeks ago my oldest daughter, Taylor, sent me a panicked text because she was certain she had just failed an exam. Typically she is pretty calm but this had clearly shaken her. She was crying and very confused because she knew how much she had done to prepare for it. While Taylor is in college now, it was really only relatively recently that she really learned how to study effectively. After this conversation though, I began to reflect on our own practices at PCS. I began to wonder if we were doing enough to help our students learn these all important skills as well. While every student is unique and will need to personalize their study habits there are some basic skills that all individuals can benefit from. I recently read an article that highlights six different strategies that could potentially assist students in how they prepare for assessments. While I was reading it occurred to me that Taylor certainly could have benefited from this information prior to starting college. While our students are still young I don’t believe it is really ever too early to instill solid study skills. I strongly encourage you to read the article and talk to your child about it.
Getting back to Taylor’s story, when she got her exam back, as she had anticipated, she did not do as well as she would have liked. When we receive an assessment or project back with a grade we typically have a reaction. The reaction can vary depending on how well we did. I believe reflecting on how well we preformed is just as critical as preparation. On Tuesday, Taylor shared with me that she had emailed her professor immediately after her exam to see if he would meet with her. During her meeting, her professor asked why she is in college and she gave the standard answer, “to get a degree and then get a job”. He quickly corrected her and told her the correct response is, “to learn how to learn”.
He shared with her that she isn’t the first (and won’t be the last) student to reach out to him and he has the same conversation with all of them, he teaches them HOW to study for his class. In reflection, she now sees how she was unprepared, even though she had studied for multiple hours for the exam. If she hadn’t taken the time to stop and reflect on her performance on that exam, she ultimately would have set herself up to potentially fail her final in a couple of weeks.
We ultimately know ourselves best so only we can answer the question, “Did I do my best”? However, you can play a vital role in helping your children learn how to reflect in this way. Start by asking them this same question often. That way, when they are on their own they will know how to reflect independently. I encourage you to take the time to have a conversation with your child about their performance in their classes. Are they fully prepared? If not, what skills are missing? This conversation will not only help build their skills but reinforces that their education is important to you too. Together I know that we can give our children the necessary tools to be well prepared and reflective.
Amablemente,
Kim
314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org
ACTUALIZACIONES:
8th Grade End Of Course English 1 Exam …
As stated in our middle school mission, it is our goal to help prepare our students to be successful in high school and competitive with students from across the city in academics and character. In keeping with that mission, we have made the decision that we would like to test 8th grade students in English I, using the Missouri End-of-Course examination. This test is the equivalent of an end of freshman year test, and due to your child’s progress in English/Language Arts, we feel as though they could be successful in achieving a passing grade. This test will NOT take the place of the regular ELA MAP test used to assess 8th grade student achievement in the spring.
We will be administering this test on December 13. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest, eats a healthy breakfast and is on time to school.
MAP Update…
We received the results from our end of year MAP and End of Course testing this week. We are so proud of our students for all of their hard work on these tests. We will be sending home your child's test results next Friday, December 7th along with some information about how to interpret them. If you would like your child's results before next Friday, you can contact Dr. Schrimpf, our Assistant Head of School, or your child's principal.
Mensaje de la Sra. Walsh...
PCS
BE KIND ~ DO YOUR BEST ~ HAVE FUN
December 2018
Jennifer Walsh, M. Ed.
Rude, Mean, or Bullying?
How to Tell the Difference
As we head into December one would think that by now we have all become quite comfortable with one another here at school. However, generally speaking, middle schoolers rarely reach the mindset of feeling settled. The typical pre-teen/teen brain is constantly jockeying for social position amongst his or her peers. Ideally, your child feels accepted, valued, and safe within the social constructs of middle school. If you are not feeling at peace regarding your child’s descriptions of his or her interactions with others throughout the school day, you may be wondering right now how to tell the difference between a person being rude and/or mean, as opposed to when it’s crossed over into bullying. Unfortunately, our world consists of humans choosing to, at times, be unkind so certainly we need to assist our children in developing the skills necessary in handling these occurrences independently. But how do we know when it’s just too much for a child and, therefore, time to intervene?
Here’s the breakdown…
Rude = Inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else. It’s often unintentional. There’s typically not much thought behind it
In middle school this may look like a student burping in another child’s face, jumping someone in line, laughing as someone says a wrong answer in class, etc.
Mean = Purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once or maybe twice. It’s intentional. The aim is to hurt. It is often motivated by one student trying to prop themselves up socially in comparison to the person he or she is putting down.
In middle school this may look like a student criticizing another child’s clothes, intelligence, “coolness” factor, weight, etc.
Mean behaviors are unacceptable and can wound deeply, yet they differ from bullying.
Bullying = Intentional aggressive behavior repeated over time. It involves an imbalance in power.
Experts agree that bullying entails three key elements:
An intent to harm.
A power imbalance.
Repeated acts or threats of aggressive behavior.
It is important that both adults and children are able to distinguish the difference between rude/mean behavior and bullying. When we blankety label all unkind behavior as “bullying” we are essentially watering down the concept of bullying. As we actively listen to our children’s frustrations in dealing with the unkind behavior of others, it is certainly appropriate for us to guide them toward being assertive while also encouraging them to stay above reacting to unkind acts with similar rude and/or mean behaviors themselves. Yet, when we assess and determine that a child is truly being bullied we know that it’s time to intervene. That child needs adult support. If this is the case please encourage your child to reach out to me. As the school counselor, I can assist by listening and then mediating as the students attempt to resolve the issue. If the bullying type behaviors continue your child needs to let me know, and then the next step is to involve an administrator. A phone call or an email from a parent is, of course, appropriate in this case and always welcome.
I can be reached at: jwalsh@premiercharterschool.org or (314)645-9600 x412
Conciencia de seguridad...
Como empieza a oscurecer más temprano y nos recuerdan las situaciones al ver las noticias, por favor tenga una conversación con su hijo sobre ser consciente de lo que está pasando a su alrededor mientras caminan a casa desde la escuela. Si su hijo tiene permiso para ir andando al parque, a la YMCA o a la QT, etc., recuérdele que no debe aceptar que le lleven en coche ni relacionarse con extraños. Aunque estamos seguros de que ya ha tenido estas conversaciones con su hijo, queremos reiterar su importancia para que su hijo pueda seguir tomando decisiones inteligentes por sí mismo.
Queremos recordarles que PCS tiene estructuras de seguridad en su lugar si alguna vez nos encontramos en una situación de cierre debido a una amenaza externa. Por favor, tenga la seguridad de que entendemos que la comunicación en estas situaciones es de suma importancia. Los padres serán notificados a través del sistema escolar automatizado; llamadas, textos y correos electrónicos. Tenemos una muy buena relación con el departamento de policía al final de la calle y si nos enteramos de una situación en la que el cierre podría ser una posibilidad, estaremos en contacto con el distrito 2. Ellos podrán proporcionar detalles precisos sobre la situación. Ellos podrán proporcionar detalles precisos de la situación y a partir de ahí podemos recibir su recomendación sobre nuestro curso de acción. En todo momento, la seguridad de los estudiantes está en nuestra mente y siempre nos comunicaremos con lo que usted necesita saber. Como siempre, no dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo si tiene alguna pregunta o preocupación.
Vístete...
El último lunes del mes, cualquier estudiante que haya obtenido un 80% o más en su calificación de finalización de tareas puede vestirse de gala. Los estudiantes pueden comprobar su nota en Infinite Campus para asegurarse de que han obtenido este privilegio. Por favor, recuerden que toda la ropa debe ser apropiada para la escuela.
Mensaje de la enfermera...
El Centro de Audición y Lenguaje examinará a los estudiantes de PCS durante las semanas del 3 y 10 de diciembre de este año. Todos los estudiantes son elegibles para exámenes gratuitos de audición y visión con el objetivo de identificar cualquier problema de audición o visión que pueda mejorar con una intervención temprana. Este servicio es gratuito. Después de realizar el examen, se enviará un informe a todos los padres para su revisión.
En este boletín se adjunta un formulario para padres/tutores. Este formulario es un formulario de exclusión, lo que significa que sólo tiene que firmar y devolver el formulario si NO quiere que su hijo participe en los exámenes. Si desea que su hijo participe en los exámenes, no necesita hacer nada; su hijo será incluido automáticamente en los exámenes.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre las revisiones, no dude en llamar a las enfermeras a los siguientes números.
Bonita Mitchell en el edificio de educación infantil 314-645-9600 extensión 108
Annette Gerwitz en el edificio de primaria 314-645-9600 extensión 244
Actualización del 7º grado...
Representantes del Programa de Líderes Wyman, antes conocido como InspireSTL, visitaron las clases de 7º grado hace un par de semanas y hablaron con los estudiantes sobre su programa y el proceso de solicitud. Es un programa de tutoría de 10 años que apoya a los estudiantes a lo largo de su viaje académico, así como la preparación para la universidad y la carrera. Las aplicaciones se pueden recoger de la Sra. Batson y se vencen el viernes, 15 de diciembre. Es una aplicación extensa y larga que requiere ensayos y cartas de recomendación, así que por favor asegúrese de que su hijo está trabajando en él antes de tiempo, si está interesado.
No dude en ponerse en contacto con la Sra. Batson en mbatson@premiercharterschool.org con cualquier pregunta.
ACTUALIZACIONES DEL DEPARTAMENTO:
Departamento de Matemáticas...
6th Grade-This past week students have worked on exploring the values of rational numbers including fractions, decimals, and their opposites! Additionally, we have solved real world problems related to the absolute values of numbers. Students have worked with placing the values on number lines, grids, and justifying their work with real world application of numbers. Ask your student, "Which is greater, 3.5 or -3.5, and why?"
7th Grade-In 7th grade math, we have learned how to find the measure of angles using angle rulers and protractors. We have also been using angle relationships to solve problems! Next we will be learning about how angle relationships affect constructing triangles. This will lead us into finding the special properties of triangles!
8th Grade-8th grade math is working on solving multi-step equations. Every problem is like a mystery that we have to figure out. In this unit, we are also focused on checking our answers. This has given us an opportunity to practice self-monitoring! We will be finishing the semester out with looking at the volume of cones, pyramids, and spheres!
Here is your math department problem of the week:
Find the missing number!
ACTUALIZACIÓN DE LOS ESPECIALISTAS:
Oportunidad musical... Hay una gran oportunidad aquí en St. Louis para aprender a tocar el piano para las familias que no pueden permitírselo de otra manera. Pianos for People ofrece pianos y clases de piano GRATIS para las familias que cumplan los requisitos. Si usted está interesado, por favor vaya a https://pianosforpeople.org/ y solicite un piano y/o clases gratuitas.
Art... In the art room, students continue to work in media of their choice: drawing, painting, collage, yarn, or sculpture. As we approach the end of the second semester, students are completing work that showcases the artistic skillsets that they have honed over the past months. Bulletin boards outside of the art room have transformed into an art gallery space for display student work. Please stop by and view the creations of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students!
PE…Thanksgiving Break has come and gone and we are moving in the gym. We have been working on hockey skills in the gym. We focused on how to hold the stick, how to dribble the puck (we used a ball), and then passing it to a teammate. This week when we got back we put all of those skills to good use by playing games. Most of the students had fun playing the game of hockey against their classmates.
3D Modeling with Mr Book... In 3D modeling this week, we are working on identifying problems that exist in our lives or society that can be solved using 3D designed inventions. We have worked so far on the engineering and design process and how solutions can be derived any problem one faces, as long as the problem is specific, measurable, and solvable. Next week, we will begin drafting inventions for problems John Henry faces in his classic folk tale to help him lay more railroad track than the evil steam engine!
Coding with Mr Book...This week in coding, we have been working towards creating custom video games that tell stories. Specifically, we have worked on skill building activities that include making character move on a rotational basis and how to identify bugs or glitches in a string of code. Next week, we'll be learning about how storytelling and video game design can intersect using Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as a template for story identification and writing. These stories will serve as the basis for their video games and will use in game animations ("cutscenes") to tell the story alongside the playing of the game.
CLUBES DE ESTUDIANTES:
Apretado 20:
Tight 20 will be running a winter wear drive beginning next Thursday, December 6th through the month of December. If you have any unused coats, hats, scarves, or gloves laying around, drop them in the donation box in the front lobby for donation to a homeless shelter.
Chicas en llamas
Girls on Fire promovió la alta autoestima esta semana en la escuela media. Los estudiantes se disfrazaron para mostrar su individualidad y donaron un dólar en beneficio de las niñas necesitadas. Además, Girls on Fire mostró su agradecimiento esta semana organizando un desayuno con gofres para el personal. Para el resto de sus reuniones en este año calendario, las chicas estarán planeando varias maneras de inspirar a las niñas en nuestra escuela.
ATLETISMO
Baloncesto:
Actualización del baloncesto femenino:
Congratulations to all of the middle school girls who made the 2018-2019 girls basketball team! I sincerely appreciate all of the girls that came to tryout for the team. It was great to see so much effort put in.
Girls will practice on Monday starting after school and ending at 5 o'clock. Players can be picked up in the parking lot outside of the Middle School building at 5.
The basketball schedule for the season will be going home with the girls soon. Boys and girls will kick off the season with a tournament at Confluence Academy South City December 6-8. More info on that to come.
Melanie Rhine
mrhine@premiercharterschool.org
Animación:
Los entrenamientos de las animadoras continuarán los miércoles y jueves después de la escuela.
RECORDATORIOS Y ANUNCIOS
Viaje de la escuela media...
Viaje de la escuela media: Colorado 2019
The 3rd fundraiser for the MS trip to Denver, CO was passed out this week to student. This fundraiser, the Coupon Book, will end on December 12th so make sure to start selling! Please reach out to Ms. Slattery if you have questions or are in need of more order forms. Thanks for your support!
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el viaje, envíe un correo electrónico a la Sra. Rhine, mrhine@premiercharterschool.org. Si tiene preguntas específicas sobre el pago, póngase en contacto con Denise Matthews en AST, (877) 397-5700. Cuando llame, por favor, dígale al representante de AST que está con el grupo de Premier Charter School.
Actualización de BAC...
Estimadas familias de PCS,
Como el tiempo comienza a volverse más frío, queremos tomar un minuto para recordarles a todos nuestros procedimientos para dejar a los estudiantes en la mañana y en la guardería. Todos los estudiantes deben entrar en el edificio y firmar en la oficina si son dejados antes de las 8:00 am. Si algún estudiante está en PCS antes de las 8:00 am, lo llevaremos a la guardería y le cobraremos la cuota regular de $5. Para mantener una proporción segura de estudiantes/adultos y asegurar que tenemos el personal adecuado en nuestro programa de BAC, los estudiantes sólo se permiten 5 entradas en el curso del año escolar. La seguridad de nuestros niños es nuestra más alta prioridad y le agradecemos su adhesión a estos procedimientos.
Sólo un recordatorio de nuestro próximo medio día es el 21 de diciembre, la escuela saldrá al mediodía. Por favor, asegúrese de que sus estudiantes tienen un camino a casa. Si asisten a la guardería, ésta terminará a las 4:00 pm. Si su(s) estudiante(s) no está(n) inscrito(s) en la guardería, pero necesita(n) el programa, por favor háganoslo saber con antelación, las inscripciones de medio día cuestan $25 por niño. Recuerde que los estudiantes sólo pueden ir a la guardería 5 veces al año.
Oportunidad de recaudar fondos...
Por favor, vea el folleto adjunto para una recaudación de fondos de artes marciales
$49 dará a los estudiantes 4 semanas (8 lecciones)
100% de todo el dinero recaudado volverá a PCS
Esto es válido tanto para las escuelas primarias y secundarias.
Contacto Shelby Ford en Karate Life Studios, 314-352-6166
Actualización del PCG...
El PCG es un grupo de apoyo para los estudiantes, profesores y padres de Premier Charter School.
Los padres voluntarios promueven las actividades sociales y extracurriculares, lo que llevará a
experiencias positivas para los alumnos. Queremos darles la bienvenida y animar a todos los padres a
Participar en el PCS. La mejor manera de participar es ser voluntario o ayudar en cualquier
manera que puedas y puedes hacerlo a través del PCG.
Por favor, eche un vistazo a la carta adjunta y a los eventos del PCG para el año.
Diversión en la ciudad...
Si es divertido, gratuito y apto para toda la familia, está en la lista de abajo. Que tenga un buen fin de semana.
Sat December 1 and every Saturday in December 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Free Carriage Rides at Westport Plaza in front of the Panera Bread Co.
https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/free-carriage-rides-westport-plaza
Sat Dec 1 9-11:30 a.m.
Winter Wonderland at Rossman School 12660 Conway Road
Winter Activities for kids all morning plus the Mad Science crew will perform in the Performing Arts Center at 9:45 a.m. with winter themed science projects featuring freezing temperatures, snow, dry ice and the power of chemistry!
https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/winter-wonderland-22
Sat Dec 1 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A Spirited Holiday Past
26 Historic Homes, Historic Sites, and Museums in St. Louis and the surrounding area will be open this Saturday to celebrate the holiday season.
Some are free including the Old Courthouse, Bellefontaine Cemetery, Sutter Meyer Farmhouse, The Tapmeyer Homestead, Twillman House, & White Haven; others have an entrance fee. For a list of all participating sites go to:
https://www.historicsaintlouis.org/participating-sites/
https://www.historicsaintlouis.org/
Sat Dec 1 2-3 p.m.
Mario Manzini: A Tribute to Houdini At Grant's View Branch Library
With audience participation, Manzini recreates all of the thrilling escapes of the legendary Harry Houdini. All ages
Free STEM Events presented by the Junior Academy of Science St. Louis
The Junior Academy of Science sponsors events that encourage Middle & High School Students to consider careers in science fields.
Target Audience Middle School & High School Students and their parents
Free for all students & parents & Free parking at both the Zoo & the Library Headquarters
Wed Dec 5 7 - 8:30 p.m. Medicines from Plants at the St. Louis Zoo
Thur Dec 6 7-8:30 p.m. Good & Bad Genes for Your Heart at St. Louis County Library Headquarters
https://www.academyofsciencestl.org/events/list/
Todos los jueves y domingos por la noche, desde ahora hasta el 30 de diciembre, de 17 a 23 horas.
Luces navideñas de Anheuser Busch
https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/holiday-lights-anheuser-busch-0
Del 16 de noviembre al 1 de enero
Exposición de luces navideñas de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves
https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/shrine-our-lady-snows-annual-way-lights
EXPOSICIONES GRATUITAS EN CURSO
Del 19 de octubre de 2018 al 10 de febrero de 2019
Kehinde Wiley: St. Louis en el Museo de Arte de San Luis
El artista Kehinde Wiley adquirió notoriedad nacional por su trabajo en el retrato oficial de Barrack Obama. El Sr. Wiley expone ahora retratos de ciudadanos de a pie de San Luis en su exposición actual en el Museo de Arte de San Luis; gratuita desde ahora hasta el 2/10/19 en las galerías 249 y 250 del edificio Este.
Nota: Debido a la construcción directamente en frente del Museo de Arte, Fine Arts Drive está bloqueado en frente de la estatua de San Luis con vistas a la Colina del Arte, pero puede llegar a uno de los 2 aparcamientos gratuitos viniendo desde el lado del Zoológico o desde el lado de la Avenida Skinker, pero actualmente no se puede conducir más allá de la estatua de San Luis yendo en cualquier dirección.
https://www.slam.org/exhibitions/kehinde-wiley.php
Ahora se extiende hasta el 24 de marzo de 2019
Panoramas de la ciudad en el Museo de Historia de Missouri
Fotos panorámicas de San Luis de hasta 3 metros x 3 metros tomadas entre 1900 y 1950 cuentan la historia de San Luis en la primera mitad del siglo XX.
La fecha de exposición se ha ampliado hasta el 24 de marzo de 2019. http://mohistory.org/exhibits/panoramas-of-the-city/
Hasta el 2 de junio de 2019
Recuerdos del Muny en el Museo de Historia de Missouri
El teatro al aire libre más antiguo del país celebra su centenario. Conozca las actuaciones pasadas, eche un vistazo entre bastidores, vote por su estrella favorita y aprenda un paso de baile en la exposición gratuita que se celebra hasta el próximo mes de junio. http://mohistory.org/exhibits/muny-memories/
Hasta el 21 de diciembre de 2018
Arte público de Riverbend en el Gateway Arch
La obra de arte de 30 metros de largo, realizada en un material plateado similar a un espejo que hace referencia al Arco, muestra el río Missouri navegable, destacándolo como el principal medio de expansión hacia el Oeste y la puerta hacia el Oeste para Lewis y Clark y muchos otros. Riverbend representará la confluencia con el Mississippi en el este y se extenderá hacia el oeste. La artista Margaret Keller ganó el encargo del Proyecto de Obras Públicas de Critical Mass for the Visual Arts para crear esta obra de arte.
Próximas fechas importantes
13.12.18-8º grado de inglés Examen EOC
12.14.18-MS Winter Formal Dance
15.12.18 Desayuno de panqueques con los abuelos o un amigo especial
12.21.18-Noche de salida
12.22.18-1.2.19-Sin escuela
Incluido en los archivos adjuntos
Calendario de eventos del PCG
Carta de bienvenida al PCG
Formulario de exclusión de la audición y el habla
Hoja de información para el viajero de MS Trip
Folleto de baloncesto de 6º grado
Menú del almuerzo de diciembre
Folleto de recaudación de fondos de KLS
