News From the Middle School

Can it be true? Is spring finally here?

Ø      In a response to Mr. Peterson’s shot across my bow in his last blog, it has been quite some time since my last entry.  I did enjoy the fall hunting season, and I look forward to this week’s turkey opener. It is MCA II/Grad testing week at the Middle and High School, spring sports have started their competitive seasons and the speech team keeps right on rolling along, sending 13 individuals to the state tournament.  They captured five of 13 first places, and eighth grader Kaitlin Kamm is one of those talented individuals who made their way out of the state’s toughest section.  Congratulations!!! 

Ø      I would like to thank all the parents for their support of our students both academically and in their co-curricular activities.  Middle school can be a trying time as students go through such rapid change both socially and emotionally.  The stability that parents, family members and teachers provide can make these trying times less stressful. 

Ø      We are currently in the final stages of our new website development.  We look forward to launching the new version in the upcoming weeks. 

Ø      Enjoy the spring.  A special good luck to those of you who are heading to the fields for spring planting or out to job sites as the weather permits.

Catching Up

It has been some time since I last posted an entry on my blog.  The school year ended smoothly; the summer was relaxing and productive; a week in Ely and several successful fishing trips recharged my battery for the upcoming year.  As I write this entry, we find ourselves at the mid-point of first quarter and on our second night of conferences.  Students seem to be adjusting well to the new school year while conferences have been fairly well attended.  Changes this year have included a new middle school schedule and added time for lunch.  In addition, we are working with teachers to increase their online presence and redesigning our website.  I look forward to getting to know all the new students while furthering the relationships with those returning.  There has been a nip in the air, and for many of us that brings a different meaning. Whether it signals a time to harvest the year’s crops or to once again gather with friends and family to walk the grasslands in search of roosters, it has always been my favorite time of year.  From the faculty and staff of St. Peter Middle School, I would like to wish you all a safe and productive fall.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Mrs. Deb Hughes for being selected as the Sam’s Club/Walmart Cooperation Area Teacher of the Year.  A group of eighth grade students nominated Mrs. Hughes, who teaches eighth and ninth grade English.  The nomination read, “Mrs. Hughes is always there for kids.  She always has time to help us with our work and to listen when we need to talk.”  A criterion for this award is a teacher who exemplifies hard work and dedication to the betterment of our children.  That is Deb Hughes!  Mrs. Hughes was awarded a plaque, teacher of the year polo and the school received a check for $1,000.  Thank you Mrs. Hughes and all of the teachers for everything you do for the students.

Seventh Grade Orientation

Mrs. Berg has mailed the letters to notify families about seventh grade orientation on April 23 @ 6:00 P.M.  We are looking forward to meeting all the new seventh grade families. If by some chance you did not receive a letter, the schedule will be as follows:

SEVENTH GRADE ORIENTATION NIGHT

Monday, April 23, 2006

High School Gymnasium

PROGRAM

6:00 p.m.

                     Welcome and Introduction – Mrs. Doose, Counselor

                                    

Co-Curricular Activities- Mr. Kruger, Activities Director                                 

                              

Transition to Middle School - Mr. Nicklay, Assistant Principal

                                    

Health Records, Shots - Mrs. Mogensen, School Nurse

                                    Library Uses - Mr. Strey, Media Specialist

                                    Questions – Student Council Officers

7:00 p.m.

                    Conclusion

The NWEA and MCA II Assessments

  As I write this, the seventh and eighth grade students are already taking the spring MAP tests.  These assessments have been developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association and are given in the spring and fall to measure student growth in the areas of reading, mathematics and language usage. The students are allowed 45 minutes for each assessment unless more time is needed.  Later this month students will also be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA II) in the areas of reading, mathematics and this year the eighth grade will be taking the field test for science. These assessments are not timed.  The data collected through both the MAP and MCA II assessments is used by teachers to determine areas of strengths and of concerns for students.  This data is also used in determining the appropriate level of course placement for students.  The results from the MCA II assessments are used by the state to determine if our schools are meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress requirements set by the No Child Left Behind Act.

   I am asking for your support to encourage your students to put forth their very best efforts while taking these test. You can check the district’s website for the testing schedule.  As the school year comes to a close, students can feel overwhelmed with assignments, tests and activities, please do your best to see they are getting the necessary rest and eating a healthy breakfast.

  St. Peter will host the Section 2A Speech Meet here on Friday, April 13, beginning at 3:00 P.M.  There will be 20 teams competing, along with numerous individuals, representing teams from Section 2A.  The Saints will be well represented by 24 individuals who have qualified for this event. 

ACT Explore

Recently the eight grade students took the ACT Explore academic assessment.  The content of the Explore tests are closely tied to that of the achievement tests in the ACT, which is broadly used for college entrance and placement decisions. It is also consistent with the content of ACT's Plan program for grade 10. Explore, Plan and the ACT can be used in combination to focus on meeting academic standards across the entire secondary school core program of studies.  The assessment covers four areas with 128 items assessed over 120 minutes. The areas are English with 40 items assessed over 30 minutes, Mathematics with 30 items assessed over 30 minutes, Reading with 30 items assessed over 30 minutes, and Science with 28 items assessed over 30 minutes.  I would like to congratulate the eighth grade students for their success, they scored above the national average in all four area.  Way to go eighth grade!  I would also like to congratulate the Saints Speech Team on their victory at the St. Peter Invitational Speech Meet.  The Saints placed first in this thirty-one team competition. 

One Last Blast

One last blast of winter…I hope so.  It was nice to get the snow for many reasons, for the snow lovers (me), for the lakes and rivers, and for those of you who enjoyed the two days off.  Congratulations to the cast and crew of middle school play on their fine production of “The Ol’ Homestead”.   The Speech Team will host the St. Peter Invitational Speech Meet Saturday, March 10, beginning at 9:00 A.M. There will be 31 teams competing in 13 categories.  The finals will begin at 1:30 that afternoon. We are only three weeks away from the start of the spring athletic season.  Students will have the opportunity to compete in boys and girls track & field, golf, boys tennis, baseball and girls softball.  Here is to a warm spring.  I hope to see you at upcoming events. 

Second Semester Conferences

Second semester conferences will be held at the middle and high school on March 1 and 5, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.  If you would like to schedule a conference with specific teachers, please feel free to call or email them.  In addition, some teachers may be sending home Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-up forms.  These forms are intended to allow parents the opportunity schedule a specific time with a teacher.  With the ability to check grades online and the ease of communicating through email, some parents are choosing to skip conferences. For teachers, a face-to-face chat on a student’s performance can help put faces with names and provide parents with a clear picture of their student’s performance.   I hope to see you at conferences.

Where did the time go?

How quickly time passes.  It seems like only yesterday, we were having seventh grade orientation, and students were arriving for the first day of school. Now we are already thinking about next year.  Last week Mr. Kautt held the ninth grade orientation, Mrs. Doose registered the sixth grade students for seventh grade, and seventh grade students received their registration materials.  Winter will soon be ending and spring will be in the air.  Spring will mean the start of a new sports and activities season, field trips, end of the year celebrations, and testing.  In April, middle school students will be taking the NWEA (MAP), the MCA-II, and the new MCA-II science test, which is field this year. These tests help us look at student growth, indicate proper class placement, and report to the state on how our students are progressing.  As we approach these tests, we will be emphasizing to students the importance of taking these tests seriously and putting forth their best efforts.  For now, let us enjoy these last few weeks of winter.  Have a great day.