NOVEMBER 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
#BrookwoodStrong
The brisk weather and colorful change of the leaves indicates that we are moving closer to November. Students have now been in school virtually for approximately eight (8) weeks. We know it has been touch with the transition of entrusting your students to us daily through virtual learning. We just want to remind you that we understand, we are patient, we are here to help and WE are all in this together. If there you have any questions or concerns in regards to your child’s grades, or assignments, don’t hesitate to reach out to the teachers. We are very proud of our students and we miss them dearly. Seeing their faces on the screen, or here to pick up learning materials and PBIS prizes has brought a sense of joy to us educators. Although learning looks different, we assure you we are still teaching the students the strategies and skills they need all while monitoring their progress. With that being said we would like to invite you to the upcoming [Parent-Teacher Conferences], which will be held virtually on Monday, November 2nd, 2020 from 11 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. We look forward to meeting you and your child virtually as we team up to assist your child with his/her education. You will find a few tips to help you prepare for Virtual Parent TeacherConferences later in this newsletter. Mrs. Pierce | Principal f
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM: PBIS FOR REMOTE LEARNING Brookwood School District 167 has made a commitment to encourage and promote student engagement and achievement through our incentive program. This is an initiative that combines academic and behavior goals and incentivizes students to strive for their greatest potential. PBIS stands for “Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.” This involves directly teaching students expected behaviors and encouraging desired behavior as opposed to highlighting undesired behavior. By combining this mission with an academic focus, we are building a community of students who are [RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL AND SAFE]. The incentive program will be tied to student progress and achievement. Before allowing students to receive their prizes, the schools will match students current level of progress/achievement. If students are receiving a D and/or F/I in one or more of their classes, they would not qualify for the highest Tier level of prizes (Gift Card). However, they can request to use their points to redeem items from Tiers I or II or rollover their points. BMS and BJHS point model. Teachers would give one (1) point in each tier when students exhibit all expectations under each tier for a total of (3) points given daily per class. Maximum ninety (90) weekly. (1) POINT BE SAFE
(1) POINT BE RESPONSIBLE
(1) POINT BE RESPECTFUL
• Internet Safety
• On Google Classroom Daily
• Logs in on time
• Internet Behavior
• Participates in Class
• Follows Google Classroom Expectations • Appropriate Pictures/Icons
• Turns in Assignments/ Homework
• Appropriate Chatting Every two (2) weeks it is payday for our students. Students will receive a biweekly update on Fridays totaling their points! Our next redemption date will be closer to Winter break. SEE YOU THERE! R. Mitchell | Assistant Principal f
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Our Vision
Mission Statement
Our overall vision is to improve the achievement of all students, regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender, or ability levels (disabilities). We share the accountability of student achievement throughout the school. We believe in using researchbased practices to achieve our goals. We promote school and community involvement because we believe that these partnerships help us meet the needs of all of our students.
Brookwood School District 167, in partnership with parents and community, will create a learning environment in which all students excel at becoming lifelong learners and decision makers.
We Believe... Families shape their children’s motivation, confidence, and academic success by being interested and involved in their overall development. All students are unique and should be challenged to the highest level of academic and artistic excellence.
We are committed to: • providing students with highly qualified teachers • providing our staff with professional development
In the importance of staff development opportunities based on best practices and educational research. In educating our children in a safe and nurturing environment with access to state of the art technology. The school system should teach students to think critically enabling them to become contributing citizens in our global society. In continuous improvement in all aspects of the school system to foster a culture of excellence, accountability and integrity. In responsible stewardship of financial and physical resources.
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EMAIL US: bmsremotelearning@brookwood167.org CALL US: 708.758.5350
Technology Help Line!
If your child is having any technology problems connecting to their teacher’s Google Meet (live teaching), please contact our help desk at (708) 300-3553 or email our help desk: helpdesk@brookwood167.org Please leave a detailed message with your name, your child’s name, phone number and
g Absence Reporting
the issue you are having with the device.
Parents must call the school to report their child absent before 8:30 a.m. The number for reporting absences is (708) 757-2110. Official attendance will be reported every morning at 9:00 a.m. If your child joins a teacher’s classroom late, they will be marked tardy in PowerSchool, and you will be notified through the Principal’s ClassDojo.
If your child needs any resources or supplies for any of their classes, please contact the school office so we can help provide them with the needed materials.
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MS. BOEHL SOCIAL WORK
OUR TEACHERS!
In November, we will start using a new SEL program called [Ripple Effects]. This program is more hands on for our students to use and work through various SEL topics, including being assertive, study habits, and so much more. We will continue to do our Mindfulness Mondays where students will continue working on mindfulness techniques to help them regulate their emotions.
MR. WESLEY SOCIAL STUDIES In the second quarter our fifth-grade archaeologist will be interpreting timelines, analyzing the many different types of maps, and learning the chronological sequence of the North American settlement with regards to the spatial distribution. In social studies, we will also focus on these essential skills: • Context Clues • Comparing and Contrasting • Cause and Effect • Making predictions and drawing conclusions • Making and using annotations f
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MS. PARKER ELA
OUR TEACHERS!
We will finish Unit (1) & begin Unit (2) the Week of 11/7 Our Close Reading Skills: • Identity key ideas & details • Take Notes & Summarize • Analyze test, craft & structure • Integration of knowledge & ideas to make text-to-text connections • Making Predictions We are including weekly writing with our reading. The two (2) books that were provided by the District are needed daily. Please encourage your child to have them in their work-space daily. • Wonders (student books) • #1 Your Turn Practice Book • #2 Close Reading Companion Please continue to encourage students to complete twenty
MS. EASON
(20) minutes of independent on level reading. All students have created a reading library within ReadWorks from a
MATH
survey completed. I can provide regular updates, please contact me in Classdojo.
Our mathematical minds will continue to work on the following skills: • Problem solving • Making tables/charts • Area Models • Distributive Property
Please encourage your child to study multiplication facts for ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes per day. THANK YOU! f
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MS. NEELY MUSIC
OUR TEACHERS!
This month, students will become songwriters! We will discuss the elements of what makes a song sound good, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics, and form. Once students have an understanding of the basic building blocks of music, students will be encouraged to write their own songs using their favorite pictures as inspiration for their lyrics. They will also work to select a beat that fits their song style. Once the song assignments are completed, students will collaborate with their peers to offer suggestions and work to make their songs sound amazing!
MS. HORN DTM | “Do The Math” During 5th Grade Math Intervention Class, for the 2nd Quarter, my students will continue to learn new strategies to improve their overall math comprehension and fluency skills using the “Do The Math Series.” Our lessons will focus on strategies to Solve Missing Part and Comparing Problems, Identifying Number Pairs That Add up to 100, and Figuring out Differences for three-digit numbers. Also, the students will be provided practice solving subtraction word problems with up to three (3) digits.
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MR. DIXON RESOURCE
OUR TEACHERS!
In ELA, we continue to work on common usage, identifying meaning of words using context clues and other vocabulary. During math class, we put on our mathematician hat while strengthening our minds to learn multiplication facts and 2-digit addition and subtraction. When we put our scientist hats on, we started learning about black holes and the life cycle of a star. We are becoming young politician while we continue to learn about the US government, branches of the government and the court system. Next were will lace up our shoestring and become little soldiers as we are introduced to the Civil War.
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MS. SCHIEMANN SOCIAL STUDIES
OUR TEACHERS!
We just wrapped up some fantastic presentations paying tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month!
We are now moving on to Chapter 2: The Beginning of Civilization in our text along with some Veterans Day and Election 2020 lessons!
Keep up the great work, Schiemann-World!
MR. CRESCENTI ELA We are beginning to take a look at Wonder’s unit 2. During this unit we are going to continue to focus on expository text through the use of the Literary Anthology textbook. Our upcoming unit will be focusing on the people of Ancient Mesopotamia and all of their inventions! Keep up the great work, we are going to make it through this together! Continue to read a book 20-30 minutes daily to build fluency and comprehension.
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MS. BRYLEWSKI MATH
OUR TEACHERS!
We wrapped up decomposing shapes and numbers in Quarter 1. Moving forward we will be learning how to order rational numbers (p/q) in ascending/descending order. We should be able to get to multiplying and dividing fractions as well! I can’t wait to use our NWEA Map data to target some specific needs. Don’t forget our daily math talks to discover different mathematical strategies and develop our math discourse as well as logging in daily (20+mins) to our math tutor program Mathia-Carnegie!
MR. BLAHNIK DTM | “DO THE MATH” During 6th Grade Math Intervention Class, for the 2nd Quarter, my students will continue to learn new strategies to improve their overall math comprehension and fluency skills using the “Do The Math Series.” Our lessons will focus on strategies to [Solve Missing Part and Comparing Problems], Identifying Number Pairs That Add up to 100, and Figuring out Differences for three-digit numbers. Also, the students will be provided practice solving subtraction word problems with up to three digits. f
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MR. RAB ART
OUR TEACHERS!
The 6th grade art class went on a virtual field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago where we reflected on the artwork and even sketched our favorite work of art. The class also studied the theme of murals and community murals. Artists from all around the globe were discussed and examples of murals were shown. Students then had to create their own community mural by brainstorming a theme and then a mural design to reflect that theme. From there we are moving on to linear perspective and will also be talking about the Renaissance. Quarter two will take us on more virtual field trips and more interesting projects like graphic design and digital photography.
It has been great working with such
creative 6th graders.
MS. SEYLIER SCIENCE In Science, we just finished wrapping up Cells and Anatomy of a Cell. For the next 2-3 weeks, we will be focusing on Bodies and Systems. Bodies and Systems will have an emphasis on the conceptual understanding that cells form tissues and tissues form organs specialized for particular body functions. Immediately following Bodies and Systems, students will start learning about the Water Cycle with emphasis on the ways water changes its state as it moves through the multiple pathways of the hydrologic cycle. Classwork will remain in Google Classroom and STEMscopes. f
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OUR TEACHERS!
As we are entering the 2nd quarter and some cold Winter months, our curriculum will continue as planned.
Each day your student will be led through an exercise routine, consisting of movements with difficulties ranging from high intensity to active recovery.
Students will be learning about how muscles move and grow the body. Exercises will generally be focused around lower body, upper body, cardio and core. Muscle confusion is the key to breaking through plateaus! Additionally, we are encouraging continued fitness through in-home physical activity options!!
MR. BRANDT MR. CHINN | P.E. Here are some helpful, at-home tips to stave off the Winter doldrums: 1. Set specific activity times - outside of physical education class, before or after dinner are great options! Don’t forget about the weekends! 2. Include work around the house - yard work or other household chores can be great physical activity! 3. Use what is available - minimal material examples include walking, jogging, jumping rope, playing tag, and dancing. 4. Include family and start small - get the body moving and do it together! Plenty of options already posted in our Google Classroom! Plan for all weather conditions - enjoy the outdoors while we can, but try not to depend on going outside!
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MS. GUZMAN R180
OUR TEACHERS!
In Read 180, we are working on Workshop 4 in our workbook. We are learning about the True West. The students have learned many vocabulary words and are working on finding the main idea and details in a passage.
Coming up, we will be working on citing text evidence and synthesizing it. Please make sure you are completing 15-20 minutes of independent reading daily and filling out your reading logs (we do this in class). Also make sure you are completing 15-20 minutes of the Read 180 software daily. You should be able to complete one segment every two (2) weeks.
MS. CROWEL MATH 180 In Math 180, Periods 1, 2, 4 & 6 are learning to represent and solve multiplicative equal group problems using models and equations. Students will learn to interpret the meaning of factors or products in equal group word problems. They will solve these problems using equal group diagrams, arrays, bar graphs and measurement quantities. Period 3 will continue to represent fractions greater than 1 as fractions or mixed numbers. Students will compose non-unit fractions and wholes from unit fractions. Fraction tiles and virtual manipulatives help students compare and order fractions. Please remember to complete 25 minutes of Math 180 Software each day! f
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CONFERENCES
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE The PTC is an opportunity for you to speak with your child about their experience with remote learning, and share their questions and concerns with their teacher.
Below ear wasy to enga oury child in epartion for the C PT : • Ask your child how they feel about school, and jointly prepare a short list of questions or concerns that you can raise with the teacher.
• Ask your child what their strongest and weakest subjects are, and which ones they like most and least.
• Review your child’s academic progress, test scores, and attendance. Make a list of questions you have, and topics that you want to discuss with the teacher. Include things that might help them understand your child’s challenges, strengths, and interests. Describe what you see as your child’s strengths and explain where you think your child needs more help.
• Think about what you can tell teachers that will help them understand your child better, such as your child’s favorite subjects, special interests or hobbies, medical conditions, family situation, or any problem that might affect learning, attendance, or behavior.
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CONFERENCES
CONVERSATION GUIDE This is unchartered territory for everyone, and there are no right or wrong answers. We understand that whatever you are doing right now to support your child is the right thing for you and your family.
Below ear some sugeted questions for ouy to use in ersatvonc efrion/ lection: • How is my child doing? Is there anything you would like to share with me about what you have observed regarding my child’s adjustment to all of the recent changes? • What is my child expected to learn, know, and do by the end of this grade, and is my child on target? • How will my child’s final grade be calculated?
• Does my child have any outstanding assignments, and if so, can you please provide me a list of those assignments and a timeline of when they need to be submitted? • What does my child do well, and what does my child struggle with? Can you give me examples? • How do you know when my child is making progress and when they need additional help? • What can I do to support my child? • Are there online programs or services that could also help my child?
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Remote Learning Schedule | Grades 5th & 6th LIVE HOURS
TIME CLASS PERIOD
30 MIN 8:30 A.M. | 9:00 A.M. MORNING MEETING | Social Emotional Learning Activities | (1ST PERIOD) | Official attendance will be sent to the school office at 9:00 a.m. 20 MIN
9:00 A.M.
| 9:50 A.M.
1ST PERIOD
20 MIN
9:50 A.M.
| 10:40 A.M.
2ND PERIOD
10:40 A.M. | 10:50 A.M.
BRAIN BREAK
20 MIN
10:50 A.M. | 11:40 A.M.
3RD PERIOD
11:40 A.M. | 12:10 P.M.
LUNCH
20 MIN
12:10 P.M. | 1:00 P.M.
4TH PERIOD
20 MIN
1:00 P.M. | 1:50 P.M.
5TH PERIOD
1:50 P.M. | 2:00 P.M.
BRAIN BREAK
20 MIN
2:00 P.M. | 2:50 P.M.
6TH PERIOD
2:50 P.M. | 3:10 P.M
INDEPENDENT READING
TOTAL (2.5 HRS)
TEACHERS WILL BE LIVE THE FIRST 20 - 30 MINUTES OF EACH CLASS 2:50 P.M. - 3:15 P.M. TEACHER PLC MEETINGS
Onquanette Pierce, Principal
p Contact
Brookwood Middle School 200 E. Glenwood-Lansing Road Glenwood, IL 60425 708.758.5350