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October 2, 2019 page 1
LSMS News to Know October 2, 2019
Thursday, Oct 3
Chick-fil-a Spirit Night
Friday, Oct 4
[8th Grade] Field Trip to Contemporary Arts Museum
Thursday, Oct 10
[8th Grade] Field Trip to Camp Manitowa
Friday, Oct 11
International Day of the Girl Field Trip (Select students)
[7th Grade] Field Trip to Contemporary Arts Museum
October 14-16
College Visits
October 17 & 18
NO SCHOOL (Fall Break)
Thursday, Oct 23
Fall Picture Day
Friday, Oct 25
NO SCHOOL (Staff Professional Development)
In this Issue
Celebrations ........................ 1
Saturday School .................. 1
Teacher Newsletters............ 2
Enrichment News ................ 3
Counselor’s Corner.............. 5
Important Links
La Salle Middle School website
Tyler Parent Portal
Calendar of Events
Teacher Websites
Saturday School has been in session for the last two Saturdays. We are still looking for a few additional participants. See the details below:
Sessions are 4 or 5 weeks. Students must participate in ALL 4 or 5 dates in a given session.
Session I (remaining 2 dates): 10/5, and 10/12
Session II (5 dates): 10/26, 11/2, 11/16, 11/23, and 12/7
Session III: 5 dates in January and early February TBD
School begins at 9:05 am and ends promptly at 11:30 am.
Students are split into 2 groups, and spend half of their time in ELA and the other half in Math.
Highly qualified volunteer tutors from STEMUp STL assist - this allows us a maximum 4 student to 1 teacher ratio (maximum of 30 students per session).
Uniforms are not required.
Phones are allowed in the building, but are to be put away during work sessions.
Food is not allowed, per regular school policy.
Disruptive, distracting, disrespectful or off task and playful behavior will result in a call for immediate pick up and a permanent release from Saturday school.
If your student is interested in this opportunity, please contact Mrs. Martin at [email protected] or Mrs. Howard at [email protected] for a registration form.
Math is focused on grade level as well as foundational skills. Since Mrs. Howard works with all students, she knows well
(Continued on page 4)
1106 N Jefferson Ave | St. Louis, MO 63106 314-531-9820
SATURDAY SCHOOL
September Stars of the Month
Congratulations to Endya R.(7th Grade) and Dr. Williams (7th/8th Grade Science teacher) who were the Star Student and Staff Member of the Month for September! In spite of being new to LSMS, both Endya and Dr. Williams exemplify our six core values: Community, Care, Inclusivity, Justice, Service, and Zeal.
Check out what Endya’s teachers had to say about her:
During instruction, Endya is attentive,
inquisitive, and is a self-directed learner! She is ever-smiling and has an warm and welcoming presence about her. Endya is always kind and respectful to others and is diligent in her work ethic. –Mrs. Martin
Endya a SUPERB student! She is friendly, comes to class prepared, and had a positive attitude. –Ms. Hargrove
If you go into Dr. Williams’s class on any given day, you will see students engaged and excited learning about Science. In addition to utilizing her own incentive system to reward students for positive behaviors, she was the top Kickboarder for September.
We are delighted to have Endya and Dr. Williams at La Salle!
Kickboard Leaders
The Month of August—Alicia N. (6th grade)
Week of Sept 3 - Sam W. (8th Grade) Week of Sept 9 - Anthony W. (8th
Grade) Week of Sept 16 - Ariel A. (7th Grade) Week of Sept 23 - Jarvis S. (8th
Grade)
CELEBRATIONS
October 2, 2019 page 2
Mrs. Leady’s Math Edition
Students in Mrs. Leady’s classes have now completed their 1
st unit and have
shown enormous gains from the pre-assessment to post-assessment. 7
th grade just finished
unit 1 on integers and will begin unit 2 on rational numbers.
7th
grade student of the month is Janiah T. Janiah has really come a long way since sixth grade. She is a leader in her class. She brings the class together and when she sees a student struggling, she is the first one to help them out. Janiah is currently succeeding in math class, and it is a joy to see her smile and hear her tell me hello when she sees me everyday!
8th
grade just completed their 1st unit
on equations, and we have now begun unit 2 on transformations.
8th
grade student of the month is Amir B. This is the first year I have had the pleasure of Amir in my class. Amir is quiet in class, so it took me the first month to see how conscientious he is as a student. When he missed a class for a field trip, he went out of his way to make sure he turned in his homework and got his assignments, without me having to remind him. That is what I call responsibility! Amir takes pride in his work, and I have not had to
redirect or remind him to stay on task at all during class time. I look forward to the rest of the school year with Amir.
I was able to attend the first field trip of the year with 8
th grade to Forest
Park. We were able to spend some time in nature in the middle of our city, and it was great to be with the students outside of our normal classroom environment.
Dr. Williams’s Science Synopsis
Science Writing: A Tool for Learning Science and Developing Language
Science writing is a particular type of classroom writing that is used with inquiry-based investigations in order to further students’ understanding of science. It helps students analyze and clarify their thinking, synthesize their ideas, and communicate them with others. Science writing also supports the construction of new scientific understanding because it gives students the opportunity to articulate their thinking as they engage in the science practices during an investigation. Language development is also supported by science writing. Students must consider the words they will use to communicate their thinking, reflecting and clarifying as they go. This process of reflection and clarification can lead students to develop their language as they refine
their scientific thinking. Science writing can often be difficult, even for native English speakers, and it takes time for students to develop confidence and fluidity in their writing. Nevertheless, science writing can improve students’ writing in general.
Ms. Wacker’s Class News
Students are going to be starting two new units in Science this month. We will start with Newton’s three laws of motion and then go on to the phases of the moon Look for homework to come home that has to do with these topics.
Students of the Month—Jordyn S. is a student who comes to class ready to learn. She follows school rules and is a positive role model. Alex W. is an outstanding young man who is responsible and shows the willingness to learn each day. Alex comes to class with a smile on his face and ready to lend a helping hand.
ELA Current Events from Ms. Hargrove
Hello, Parents! Fall is now upon us and we have been doing so many exciting things! We are learning new vocabulary terms using various strategies and techniques. 7th grade is indulging in the novel A Long Walk to Water, which is based upon real events during the Sudanese War. 8th grade is reading Inside Out and Back Again. This story focuses on the true-life events of a young girl growing up in the Vietnam War.
Both grade levels are improving their writing skills by collaborating on a contest. This contest is in the form of a Halloween story or another kind of story. Our students have been working hard and are excited to compete across the classes.
(Continued on page 6)
TEACHERS’ NEWSLETTERS
October 2, 2019 page 3
De La Salle Inc. Field Trip Policy
As part of the educational program at La Salle Middle School, students in are offered the opportunity to attend De La Salle sponsored field trips. Parents are responsible for obtaining all the information in advance of the trip and evaluating if their child is mature enough to attend prior to the deadline.
ELIGIBILITY A field trip is a privilege, not a right. Safety and learning of all students on the trip is the priority of the staff at all times. Students may become ineligible at any time before the trip and during the trip period are subject to administrative discretion. Eligibility is determined at the sole discretion of La Salle Middle Administration, taking the following factors into consideration.
Academic Standing Any child missing three or more assignments and or receiving a D or an F in a core subject (Language Arts/Literature, Social Studies, Science or Math) at the close of the semester and or the progress report period, whichever comes first, is ineligible to attend the field trip. If there are current teaching staff concerns for in-progress grades (such as consistent missing assignments or inconsistent classwork or homework) the student is ineligible to attend the field trip.
Behavior History A student is ineligible to attend trips if the student has served an in or out of school suspension during the current academic year at any time prior to the trip. In addition, if there are serious behavior or safety concerns, included but not limited to: failure to follow directions; inability to stay close to a chaperone; or a tendency to wander; demonstrated at any off- or on-campus event prior to the field trip.
Attendance If a student has been excessively absent, the student is ineligible to attend the field trip.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Disrespectful, insubordinate, or unsafe behavior on a field trip is unacceptable and may result in exclusion from activities in addition to disciplinary
action at school. If a student on an overnight field trip displays behavior that is insubordinate, interferes with the learning of other students, or jeopardizes the safety of students or staff, then the student may be declared ineligible to attend future overnight field trips. In extreme cases, parents may be asked to arrange for the student’s immediate transportation home.
OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIP PAPERWORK Parents of an eligible student planning to attend an overnight field trip must complete the Field Trip Agreement form and all other required paperwork no later than the deadline communicated by the trip leader.
MANDATORY PARENT MEETINGS If parents do not attend mandatory informational meeting(s) prior to the trip, the student may be excluded from the trip or excluded from registering for the trip.
FIELD TRIP MEDICATION/HEALTH MANAGEMENT All student medication to be administered by a staff member must be disclosed by the deadline for that trip. The only exception is a new prescription, which must be disclosed within one week of receiving the medication. The administration reserves the right to declare a student ineligible for an overnight trip if the nature of the student’s health condition and or medication requirements is in conflict with the demands and rigors of the field trip schedule or presents a safety concern. All medications that may be taken, whether administered by staff or self- administered, including over-the-counter medications, must have the necessary medical forms signed by a physician and turned in by the stated deadline.
If you have any questions about overnight trips or other De La Salle sponsored field trips, please contact Tarri Strickland, Director of EnCompass, at [email protected] or via phone at 314-531-9820 ext 2000.
High School Application Process
Finding the best fit for you and your student will take work!
Shadow Visits - Spring break, Fall break or any other days out of school are the best days to go. Students are only allowed 3 excused absences from school for shadow visits. The EnCompass office will set up shadow visits to 3 schools approved by you and your student. See pages 9 & 10 for more information.
Open Houses - Look for these dates on the high school’s websites and/or will be sent to you via SchoolMessenger.
Application Procedures
It is recommended that students apply to 4-5 different schools. Here are some important upcoming dates:
October 1st First round of SLPS Magnet School applications opens
October 14th Catholic High School applications open
November 15th Catholic High School applications close
Mid-December Independent Schools applications are due (check with schools for their application process)
Some schools admit students on a rolling basis, while other schools send acceptance letters once the application period closes. For example, Catholic Schools mail letters of acceptance or non-acceptance in February. It is important to know the admission process for the schools you are applying.
It is imperative to submit all applications and supporting documentation by the deadline. Send records requests to Mr. Orlando Sharpe, Graduate Support Advisor via email [email protected]
Admission Criteria The admission criteria is as varied as the schools. Below is a general representation of some requirements based on the schools our students have applied to in the past. Be sure to
(Continued on page 5)
ENCOMPASS NEWS
October 2, 2019 page 4
level libraries below their actual grade because most students have learning gaps or misconceptions from earlier grades. As those learning gaps are filled, it strengthens their overall ability to understand and perform current grade level tasks.
Students are welcome to access Accelerated Math at home using the link below; their practice online is tracked.
https://hosted165.renlearn.com/1315138/HomeConnect
(Teachers’ Newsletters, Continued from page 6)
what each students struggles with and will consult with Mrs. Leady for her input. Some work is paper/pencil practice, and some is applied through a problem based project.
In ELA, students spend the first half hour working on reading lessons that teach students comprehension and self-monitoring strategies that proficient readers use to make sense of text. Students enjoy an innovative and collaborative experience through project-based learning in the second half hour.
What better way to foster a learning environment that promotes STEM education and the development of 21st-century skills than to have our Stars join the Design for Change USA Movement? Our 7/8th graders have joined the coalition of educators and young people around the world to facilitate a design process that fosters empathy and student agency. Scholars integrate the Engineering Design Process and social justice by taking the Design for Change (DFC) School Challenge to impact the St. Louis region.
So how does it work? Students brainstorm, plan, and execute a community change project. Our 7/8th graders have elected to create a community project that seeks to END LITTERING. DFC equips our young leaders to transform empathy into social action while developing their research, reading, writing, listening, speaking, and entrepreneurship skills. Want to join a team of societal innovators? Meet Team #StayLIT at Saturday School for the rest of the Fall I and II Session.
STOP THE PRESS...don't forget about our 6th graders! Join the La Salle Chronicles DaTEA student newspaper staff as they develop their reading comprehension and written expression skills through developing a school newspaper composed by and for LSMS Stars! Do you like sports or taking pictures, or do you have strong opinions and love sharing information? If so, Saturday School is for YOU! 6th graders spend the first 30 minutes or so of ELA building foundational reading skills with reading comprehension practice and the remaining time working as a team to produce a school newspaper!
DO NOT DELAY, ENROLL TODAY!
(Saturday School, Continued from page 1)
October 2, 2019 page 5
follow up with prospective high schools for specific admissions guidelines.
Grades:
The Admissions committees review 6th - 8th grade records
2.5 GPA or better will get students acceptance into most schools
More academically rigorous schools will be looking for 3.25 and above (John Burroughs, MICDS, Collegiate, Metro, Chaminade, SLUH, McKinley, etc.)
Attendance:
90% or better will get students acceptance into most schools
Schools will consider full days missed, along with arriving late and leaving early
Other Documents that are Requested:
Discipline Records
MAP scores
IEP/504 Documentation - will not prevent acceptance, but is important to consider to ensure your student will be supported appropriately
Some schools may require letters of recommendation and interviews
Set up an appointment with Graduate Support to discuss the high school application process! Mr. Sharpe can be reached at 314-531-9820 ext 2003 or via email at [email protected]
(EnCompass News, Continued from page 3)
Attendance Updates 8th Grade had the best attendance for the month of September and will receive a pizza party! As a school students were present 93% of the time. This is good, but we can do better. As a reminder, school is from 7:30am to 3:40pm Monday through Friday. Anytime a student is late or leaves early, it effects attendance. Please do your part to ensure that students are on time and at school each and every day.
Introducing Ms. Gordon, Therapist I’m excited to introduce Mrs. Gordon as the newest partner with LSMS! Mrs. Gordon will work 1:1 with students weekly and provide tools for success. At LSMS our goal is to impact students inside and outside the classroom. Mrs. Gordon will create an individualized plan for success for each student. If you want to learn more, please give me a call at 314-531-9820 ext 1004.
Stacie Gorden is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, who received her Master of Arts in
School and Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University in 2014. She provides mental health counseling to individuals, couples, and families. Currently, she is working with the St. Louis school communities to provide counseling to adolescents and teens, as well as seeing clients in her private practice.
Stacie believes she has a gift to work with and encourage others on how to be their personal best. That, along with her training allows her to help normalize mental health treatment, while reducing the stigma that goes
along with mental health issues. She believes that everyone can benefit from counseling and has a passion to help others be equipped with the tools needed to conquer daily life challenges.
After working in several counseling fields, Stacie opened her private practice in July 2017. Of A Sound Mind Counseling LLC is located in the Bridgeton, MO area.
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
October 2, 2019 page 6
Next, we will be sitting outside in nature’s environment and writing about the sights and sounds that we find. Our wonderful students will then apply these skills (and words) to future writing projects. Please make sure that your child is ready to write and has all of their materials, which includes their red journal, a set of colored pens/pencils, highlighters, and markers.
Let's make this an awesome year!
Mr. Gaylor’s PE/Health News
This month in Health, the students will finish lessons on the Circulatory System emphasizing its function within the body and a deeper description of blood and its make-up. Students finished Muscular and Skeletal systems last month as we are on pace to cover all the essential system and their reason for functioning by the end of the Semester. October will emphasize the Digestive and Nervous systems. Many terms are used in these lessons and the student’s ability to absorb and retain information may be a challenge as much of the information is new or unfamiliar. New material is introduced on Mondays and homework is often be given on this day. Learning how all these systems work together is the ultimate goal. I am proud of the LaSalle student body as a whole as children have taken the challenge and risen to the occasion.
September was an eye awakening experience for me as a teacher seeing so many physically gifted children in one setting. To put simply, the kids at LaSalle can GO. This month in Physical Education will be one of workouts and testing. Testing in a physical capacity, where children will set marks towards the National Standards. The mile run, sit-up, push-up, shuttle run, and sit and reach test have been introduced and now must be done for National Testing. I am continually impressed with the effort level given in PE. We hope to reach National Standards in the necessary testing fields. I anticipate LaSalle Middle doing an amazing job in all categories. We will begin October by completing Flag Football and workouts to prepare for National Testing. October looks to be a month of improvement as the children’s bodies begin to get in shape.
Ms. Howard’s Math Talk
6th Grade We have been working on whole number exponents, and the order of operations, as well as coordinate graphing on both 1 quadrant and 4 quadrant grids. We will be moving into divisibility rules, prime factorization, common factors and greatest common factor, and common multiples and least common multiple during the first two weeks of October. This will prepare us for 4-5 weeks of fractions, all operations.
Our daily warm ups will focus on operations with decimal numbers as well as rounding, as these are skills from earlier grades that most (but not all) 6th graders have shown to need practice.
Homework will continue to be 10-problem word problem sets. 6th grade students are struggling with these 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade problem sets because they are not reading the problem carefully, looking for cue words that mean add, subtract, multiply, or divide, and are sloppy writing the expression and calculating the answer. These problem sets are a 10-15 minute practice exercise that need to be completed thoughtfully. The problem/ expression needs to be written out, and the answers need to be computed carefully. So far, I am getting very sloppy assignments and/ or incomplete assignments from too many students.
Students may log on to Accelerated Math for extra practice in a grade level library where they begin to struggle. Their practice online is tracked and identifies to Mrs. Wacker and me pre-6th grade concepts where we need to work with your student individually to clear up missing or incomplete understanding.
https://hosted165.renlearn.com/1315138/HomeConnect
8th Grade Algebra Most recently we have been working on solving absolute value equations - this has proven to be a good challenge as the problems are long and often involve lots of fractions. It requires discipline, organization, and applying algebra in the student's math tool box.We will work with We will be moving into solving one-step, multi-step, and absolute value
inequalities. This will prepare us writing and graphing linear inequalities right up to mid November.
I am loving working with our Alg 1 class - it is by far my favorite thing to teach all day and I love the kids in the class. I know they are working like crazy and learning a lot.
A quick reminder that Alg 1 students now have Alg 1 every Monday and Wednesday at 7:52, and at 3:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Algebra alternates with Honors ELA on Fridays. It is critical that your student be present ON TIME and for EVERY CLASS. At the end of the quarter, we will make a determination of who continues in Algebra. As it is a high school class, we require students to carry no less than a B- average so as not to negatively impact their high school transcript.
Students may log on to Accelerated Math for extra practice in a grade level library where they begin to struggle. Their practice online is tracked and identifies to me pre-Alg concepts where I need to work with your student individually to clear up missing or incomplete understanding.
https://hosted165.renlearn.com/1315138/HomeConnect
7/8th Grade Math W.I.N. In Math W.I.N. class, we use Accelerated Math as a core practice and learning program. About every 4th class we also use paper and pencil to practice 6th, 7th, and 8th grade skills used in every grade level and strand of math, and I to help with current grade level math they are learning with Ms. Leady.
Students have been assigned to a grade-level library based upon their Star Math score. Students log on to Accelerated Math and complete practices of 6 questions at a time about a specific math sub-skill. If a student struggles with the topic, I am able to help him by coaching side by side through several problems. After the student gets 5 out of 6 correct on practice assignments, he/ she moves on to a new sub-skill. After the student has demonstrated understanding of several sub-skills, a test is assigned and the student shows mastery by getting 4 or 5 out of 5 correct in each sub-skill on the test. Most students (but not all) are currently working in grade
(Teachers’ Newsletters, Continued from page 2)
(Continued on page 4)
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