Mr. Franco's Friday Folder April 6 2012

Mr. Franco

Happy Friday to All of You!

Sex Education
House Bill 2509 requires age-appropriate comprehensive sex education to be taught starting in the 6th grade. Mr. Brill wrapped up the

one week 8th grade unit on sex education today. Next week all 8th graders will participate in Health Education.

8th grade-April 2-April 11th
7th grade-April 16-April 27th

End of the 3rd Quarter
The end of the 3rd quarter is approaching quickly on April 11th with the 4th quarter beginning on April 16th. Being that we are on semesters, the grade your student receives this quarter is considered a progress grade. Grades do start over at the quarter to give the students a fresh start, however, at the end of the year, the 3rd and 4th quarter grades will be averaged in figuring your student's 2nd semester grade.

Parent Conferences
If your student(s) has one or more F's you are strongly encouraged to attend parent conferences next week. Conferences will be held on April 11th from 4-8 PM, and on April 12th from 11:30-3:30 PM.

Activity Day
For students that have zero behavior referrals, no missing work and less than 4 tardies for the 3rd quarter we will have our activity day incentive. The activity day incentive will take place on Monday, April 16th. Leadership is busy planning activities geared toward each grade level which with things like a dance, arts and crafts, hair, a movie, computers, board games, a hang out room, and baking.

Washington DC
-Washington DC fundraiser will be held on April 14th from 8 AM-3 PM in the CV commons.

Chehalem Park and Recreation District/Teen Hip-Hop Dance Classes at Chehalem Armory
This class teaches rhythm, coordination, musicality, and hip-hop choreography without suggestive music or movements. Think on your feet in this energetic and fast-paced dance class. Hip-hop develops focus, strength, and agility in a fun environment. Be ready for the dance-offs at the middle school dances!
Transportation will be provided from the middle schools to Chehalem Armory if at least six participants sign up for transportation (Maximum 15). The CPRD van will pick up at MVMS at 2:40 p.m. and CVMS at 2:50 p.m. Parents must pick up from the armory after class.
Registration Deadline is April 9. Register early!

Class is 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 to May 16. A special practice session has been schedule for Friday May 18 at 6 p.m. The instructor is Emily Broadwell.
Register by April 9 for the Early In-District Fee of $31 or the Out-of-District Fee of $38.
After that, the Regular In-District Fee will be $41, and the Out-of-District Fee will be $48.

Register online at www.cprdnewberg.org, in person at Chehalem Aquatic & Fitness Center at 1802 Haworth Avenue in Newberg, or by phone at 503-537-2909.

Did you know?
Beginning in Spring 2015, this year's 8th graders will be the first students to take assessments on the new Common Core state standards in Reading, Writing and Math. Unlike this year and in previous years, students will only be allotted one opportunity per year to take and pass these assessments or be at risk for not graduating high school with a standard diploma. Along with passing these assessments, students must also accrue 26 high school credits to graduate. The stakes are indeed quite high and we are all feeling a sense of urgency to respond.

Mountain View and Chehalem Valley Middle Schools are committed to ensuring that ALL students are on track for high school graduation when they leave our schools. As a result of this continuing commitment both schools are looking in depth at how we do business. We are working collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) where we are unwrapping standards, creating common assessments, and sharing instructional strategies. Both schools are also in the midst of conversations centering around grading practices and student interventions. In a nutshell, we want to make sure that we have enough supports for struggling students and more avenues for all students to extend their learning.

In the coming months we will begin the process of outlining our new grading guidelines and the implementation plan for next year. The intent of these new guidelines is to make sure that grades are accurate indicators of your student's academic progress in meeting the new core standards. We will be increasing the accountability at the middle school level. Our motto and philosophy will center around the belief that High School Graduation Starts Today. So, stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

State Testing
We will begin our 2nd round of state testing the week of April 9th in Math and Science. I will let you know what classes are testing the following week so you can re-enforce the importance of eating breakfast, and getting a good night's sleep beforehand. Attendance is obviously very important! The following teachers will be testing their Math and Science classes next week:

-Ms. Garland (Science)

What Parents Can Do At Home
• Acknowledge test-taking anxiety as normal, but stay positive.
• Encourage your child to think positive thoughts like “I can do this!”
• Give compliments for effort: “I’m proud of how hard you have studied.”
• Go over the test-taking tips with your child.
• Adequate rest makes a difference! Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable
time; being active earlier in the day (not right before bed) can help kids get to sleep.
• Nutrition also influences how well children do on test; a good breakfast is important, but a large meal right before the test can be distracting.
• Your child should wear comfortable clothing for long test-taking periods.
• Help your child learn how to relax. Some find it helps to take a few deep breaths before starting the test; others like to imagine a peaceful place like the beach or park.

Absences
Please be cognizant that we are extremely vigilant in regards to attendance. The following is the list of reasons the state provides as excusable absences:
-Student illness
-Illness of an immediate family member
-Emergency
-Doctor/Dental Appointment
-Death of an immediate family member
-Court summons
-Satisfactory arrangements, made in advance with the school for other reasons

Parent Volunteers
After seeing the number of students interested in after school goodies, we are still looking for more volunteers to assist with the store. It doesn't hurt to have two people each day. If you are looking to volunteer for the school please contact Mary Reohr at reohrm@newberg.k12.or.us. We currently have other volunteer opportunities in our after school homework club, and in our classrooms.

After School HW Club
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 PM. A late bus is provided.

 

Enjoy your weekend!