February 1, 2016

 

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02-February

02/01. 4:00 pm. Math Committee Mtg. Riley

02/02. 2nd Grade Science Mtg. Riley

02/03. 3rd Grade Science Mtg. Riley

02/04. 4:00 pm. ICC at Riley. / 6:30 pm. PTA Meeting. Art Room

02/08. 9:00 am. Administrative Council at Riley. / 7:00 pm. Board of Education Meeting.  H.S. LGI

02/09. 9:30 am. Mike with Dr. Sturock.  Evaluation Mtg.

02/10. Student Count Day. / 9:30 am. Wellness Committee at Riley. / 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Parent Teacher Conferences.

02/11. Vicki Currry Administrative Shadowing. / 9:30 am. Lock Down Drill. / 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.  Parent Teacher Conferences.

02/14. Happy Valentines Day

02/15 – MID WINTER BREAK. No School

02/16 – MID WINTER BREAK. No School

02/18. 9:30 am. Safety Committee Mtg. Riley.

02/19. 6:00 p.m. Mother & Son Fun Night

02/22. LINDEMANN DATA DAY

02/24. PTA/PTSA Founder’s Day Event. Time/Location TBD

02/25. 9:00 am. Principals Mtg. Riley.

02/26. Mike at Labor Relations Conference. Lansing.


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February 17 – Happy Birthday Patti Wysocki

February 23 – Happy Birthday Christine Mostoller

February 28 – Happy Birthday Beth Dixon


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CELEBRATING BOARD MEMBER APPRECIATION MONTH!

I appreciate you taking an active role in our slide show.  

I know our board members will love it!

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Special MSTEP update

Online Sample Items Grades 3 – 8

PLEASE USE CHROME CARTS DURING SAMPLE TESTING

Spotlight 1

Spotlight 2

To view this issue of the SPOTLIGHT please click the link below:

Information found on pages 2 & 3

Person push CLICK HERE website link button


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AdvancED – Each year we collect survey information from all of our stake holders: Parents, Students and Teachers. The purpose of this survey is to find out your opinions about your school. Read each statement and choose the response that most closely matches your opinion. Please answer each item honestly. Your responses will be completely confidential.  Please click the link to start your survey.

http://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/304/12801

Parent & Student Survey Update:

– We will use our blog and email blast system to advertise the link for our parent surveys. For convenience, we will set up Chromebooks in the hallway during conferences.  The Chromebook will be set up to repeat the survey for each new parent. This is new, I’m crossing my fingers in hopes it runs smoothly.

– Erin Woods will be administering the student survey in the computer lab.  Thank you Erin!


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I’m excited to report that I have been invited to serve as a Team Member on the “External Review” team for William A. Brummer Elementary School, located in South Lyon, Michigan.  As a building principal, I felt being an active member of a review team would give me valuable insight into the process as well as professional growth opportunities as a building leader.  The process is intense.  I look forward sharing my experiences with you.

Beyond training and certification, I will be on-site with the review team for 2 full days at Brummer Elementary.  As a team, we will meet the night before our visit to review our roles and go through the agenda. Here are some of the external team responsibilities:

Responsibilities of the External Review Team

The responsibilities of the review team are outlined below.

  1. Represent AdvancED during the External Review.
  2. Assess the school system’s adherence to the AdvancED Standards and policies through review of the system’s Self Assessment, Executive Summary, Assurances, Student Performance, Stakeholder Perception Surveys, on-site interviews, school visits and general observations.  Specifically, we will look for evidence of the system’s:
    1. Adherence to the AdvancED Accreditation Standards for Quality School Systems;
    2. Identification and implementation of a system-wide framework for continuous improvement; and
    3. Methods to monitor and maintain quality assurance across the system.
  3. Identify strengths in the school system’s programs and processes that are deserving of recognition as Powerful Practices.
  4. Develop Improvement Priorities designed to help strengthen the school system’s internal processes focused on improving teaching and learning.
  5. Develop a brief exit report to be shared with system officials.
  6. Prepare a written report reflective of the current capacity of the school system to meet the expectations for accreditation and professional observations made during the External Review.
  7. Make an accreditation recommendation for the Accreditation Commission.

Team Member Training and Workspace

AdvancED has developed an online training course, Becoming an Effective External Review Team Member, that offers an overview of the accreditation process, information about a team member’s role, and a description of activities in which team members will be engaged both before and during the review. All Team Members are encouraged to participate in this training for fall reviews. Team Members must pass this course prior to participating in any component of the External Review. The course is located in our AdvancED Online Classroom in our Canvas Learning Management System.

Additionally, team members must be trained on the use of the Effective Learning Environments Observation Tool™ (eleot™) and receive certification prior to the External Review. This certification is completed through Canvas the AdvancED Learning Management System. You should have received information about accessing Canvas when you accepted the invitation for this review. If you have not received an invitation to Canvas or you are having trouble with the eleot certification requirements, please let me know as soon as possible. You will not be able to conduct classroom observations if you do not obtain certification.

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Mid-Year Review

As we make our way into February, I will need everyone to set up a time with me to go over the mid-year review in relation to your goals you wrote in the fall.  Please review the docs below and arrange a time to meet me with Feb 29 being the end date for all to be complete.

MidTerm Evaluation Checklist 2014-15

Mid-Year Evaluation Reflection 2014-15-2


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Congratulations Jessica Rimsa!  

Your Project Has Been Fully Funded!!

Technology for Young 5’s Kindergarten

My students need 4 Android Tablets with cases to use during center rotations.

If you would like to learn more about Jessica’s Donor Choose project please click the link.

Person push CLICK HERE website link button


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Class Dojo Mindset video

When you have an opportunity, please show this short mindset video from Class Dojo.  There will be a series of them and I will get them into the blog as they are available.  These are in line with the B B in the main hall.


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SIP MEETING: January 29, 2016
8:00 AM.  Media Center
Good afternoon,
 
As Michelle mentioned, we will be sharing our annual Self Assessment at our school improvement meeting this Friday.  As a part of the school improvement process we will be asking our teaching staff to be actively involved and helping complete this document. Over the past few years the school improvement chair people along with myself worked on the self assessment. However, that is not the intent of the process. Each staff member has a voice and collectively we need to document our progress.
Here is our timeline:
  • A member of each grade level will receive a copy of the Self Evaluation this Friday.
  • Grade Levels will continue to work on the Self Evaluation on Monday during the “common prep” or when convenient for the group.
  • All grade level teachers are expected to participate.
  • Finished packets will be turned into Mr. Darga’s office by Monday, February 29th.
  • The SIP team will review the packets and update the Self Evaluation tool online based on the information provided by the staff.
As a team, we need to paint an accurate picture of where we are as a school.  Honest feedback is a necessity. You will see the information we provided last year (2014/2015).  Review the information and make additions or deletions as needed.  You will then give a rating 1 – 4 for that category.  1 being the lowest.  4 being the highest.
The process will be reviewed at our school improvement meeting this Friday.
If you have any questions please see George, Michelle, Adriana or Mike.
Thank you,
Mike D.
 
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Michael H. Darga
Principal, Lindemann Elementary School
9201 Carter, Allen Park, MI 48101

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DADDY DAUGHTER NIGHT

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Good afternoon,

Just a quick FYI.  I’m sure you noticed that I did not push the SIGN UP GENIUS online site for our spring conferences.
I wanted my staff members to continue to have flexibility and send invites to those families that truly need time with you as an educational team.  I would rather have you meet with those that truly need it than to try and “fit” everyone in just to be seen.  Quality over Quantity!
We will continue to have and promote our open door policy.  If a parent needs to meet, they can contact you and set up an appointment based off of your schedule.  Again, allowing you the flexibility to set up those schedules.
I do value your time and respect your professional discretion.
If you need me to sit in on any of your meetings please let me know so I can add that information onto my calendar.
Just a quick reminder, our staff is expected to stay until 7:30 pm each night.
Thank you!
Mike D.

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M-FLY Visits Mrs. Kusulas’s Classroom!

WHO WE ARE
M-Fly is a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) aerospace design team at the University of Michigan dedicated
to promoting opportunities for students to practice applying their knowledge to projects outside the classroom.

We are a non-profit, student run organization, and our goal is to design, build, test, and fly two radio-controlled, unmanned airplanes to compete with at the annual SAE Aero Design Competition.

In pursuit of preparing our students for a career in aerospace, it is in our interest to share the field that we love with others. Many of our students can point to a time when they were captivated by aerospace and they were inspired to be apart of that world. We hope to provide the same opportunity for the next generation. Through interactive workshops and activities, we show students how exciting and interesting a future in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) can be.

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Our Students Love CODING with Mrs. Woods! 
We started to explore the idea of coding this month.  Coding is basically the process of telling a computer what you would like for it to do by typing in step by step commands.  Coding involves math, critical thinking, problem solving and perseverance.  Coding at this level encourages the students to start thinking about their future technology paths.  This month students gained confidence in themselves and realized that anyone can code!  For more information, visit code.org.
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January 25, 2016

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01/25. 7:00 pm. Board of Education Mtg. APHS – LGI

01/26. 6:30 pm. Middle School Orientation – 5th Grade Parents ONLY (M.S. Cafeteria)

01/29. End of 1st Semester

FEBRUARY

02/04. 6:30 pm. PTA Meeting. Art Room

02/08. 7:00 pm. Board of Education Meeting.  H.S. LGI

02/10. 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Parent Teacher Conferences.

02/11. 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.  Parent Teacher Conferences.

02/15 – MID WINTER BREAK. No School

02/16 – MID WINTER BREAK. No School

02/19. 6:00 p.m. Mother & Son Fun Night

02/24. PTA/PTSA Founder’s Day Event. Time/Location TBD


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CONGRATULATIONS LILY!

We are so proud of you 🙂

Our Very Own Celebrity!

Lily was able to share information on her Social Studies project, 

“Nyle the Traveling Gnome”

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On your Chromebook, bring up the item you want to print.  Click on the printer.  If this is your first time printing, you will have to choose a printer. Click on the box that say CHANGE.  Find the printer labeled LE LAB 4250.  Click this printer.  That’s it, you are now all set to print to the computer lab.

Brett McDermott is willing to assist you if needed.  He has successfully set up his Chromebooks to print to the lab.  

Thanks Brett!


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UNLOCK THE DATA

Here are some resources in which you can take your common assessment, use a web resource to insert an answer key, and then give the test on Chromebooks, if appropriate.  This could give you the kind of instant data you are looking for after you administer your 2nd quarter common assessments.

http://www.socrative.com/

http://www.fiftysneakers.com/

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/03/seven-good-student-response-systems.html


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It’s official now, the State has informed us of their intended visit to our district next school year (most likely late fall) connected with our school improvement.   The purpose of the External Review is to provide our district with powerful insights and feedback to enhance our improvement efforts. Although we are at just the start of looking a the process, the overview is below.  One of the biggest keys to success is the involvement of all staff in school improvement initiatives and meetings.  For that reason, I highly encourage you to participate in the final SIP meetings of this school year, especially the meetings where decisions are being made like our upcoming January meeting where we will be working on our Interim Self-Assessment- a document that will be the most current for our review.  Hope to see you there on the 26th. 

Key Components of a Typical External Review Schedule:

1. Evening Before Review (or early morning of the review): Team meeting for orientation (2-3 hours)

2. Activities During Review System Overview and Standards Presentations •

-Superintendent provides general orientation to team •

– System personnel provide brief presentation on the system’s adherence to each of the five standards and highlight key artifacts related to the Standard Interviews •

3. Team interviews system leadership and improvement team, Governing Body Members, parents, building administrators and community members. Additional time may be allocated for interviews with support staff and students. (Each interview lasts approximately 45 minutes.)

4. Artifact Review • Team reviews system artifacts (this occurs on an ongoing basis)

Observations at Schools Selected for Visits

-Principal and/or designee provides an instructional tour of the school • Team conducts classroom observations • Team makes general observations throughout the review

5. Professional Deliberations

-Team meets to examine the data collected and reach consensus regarding the team’s findings

6. Meeting with the Superintendent

– Prior to the delivery of the Exit Report, the Lead Evaluator meets with the Superintendent to review the team’s findings and discuss the team’s required actions

7. Exit Report

– Lead Evaluator provides Exit Report to system’s stakeholders at the conclusion of the review


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M-STEP PARENT REPORT VIDEO

The Michigan Department of Education recently released a video to help families learn more about the new M-STEP assessment, and the parent reports for last year’s results that you have received for students in grades 3-5.  Please take a few minutes to watch this video even if you do not have students taking the assessment.  In addition, feel free to share this video in your parent communications, as well.


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PTA EVENT:

FUNDRAISING NIGHT

LINDEMANN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

JANUARY 28, 2016. 3:45 PM – 10:00 PM

Support this cause by presenting this invitation to the listed Texas Roadhouse location and Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of your total food purchases to Lindemann Elementary.

14660 Pardee Rd.


 

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MOTHER / SON FUN NIGHT

Friday, February 19, 2016

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

5000 Fairlane Woods Dr.

Dearborn, MI 48126

$25.00 Per Couple

$9.00 each additional student

YOU MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED for this event.

Please register with the flyer that was sent home.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact:

Bob Crank: crankbobby@yahoo.com

Erin Walaszek: erinwalaszek@yahoo.com

Laura Corradi: lindemannboxtops@yahoo.com


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January 18, 2016

 

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01/19. 7:30 – 10:00 am. Mike at RESA (Elementary Principals Mtg.) / 8:00 am. District SIP Team Mtg. Riley (Michelle, George & Adrianna) / 7:00 pm. PTA Event: Lincoln Park Skating Event

01/21. 9:00 – 11:00 am. 4th & 5th Grades – High School Drama Department. APHS

01/25. 7:00 pm. Board of Education Mtg. APHS – LGI

01/26. 6:30 pm. Middle School Orientation – 5th Grade Parents

01/28. 9:00 am. Principals Mtg. at Riley

01/29. End of 1st Semester.


 

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CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. KING

Our district has chosen to be in session on Martin Luther King Day.  This gives us the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with our students.  Please plan to take some time on Monday, and throughout this week, to explore his impact on our lives.  Please let me know if you need any resources that I can provide for you.

Much can be learned from leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The leadership lessons he gave the world are as important today as they were during Dr. King’s life. Click here now to download this poster in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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Dear APPS Staff and Community Members,

January is School Board Recognition Month – a time to salute the work of our elected School Board Members and to celebrate public education. The theme, “School Boards Lead” reflects our combined commitment to leadership and accountability assuring that ALL children succeed.

As a state, Michigan has faced many challenges, but the key to a brighter future is a strong public education system. Public education is the backbone of American society, and local school boards are deeply rooted in U.S. tradition. It’s the foundation on which our democracy was built. The Allen Park Board of Education continues to do the most important work of the community – that of educating our youth.
School Board Members in Allen Park Public Schools develop policies and make tough decisions that help shape the future of our education system. Their job is to ensure schools are accountable to the community and strongly advocate for continuous improvement in student learning. They bear responsibility for an annual budget of $35.6 million, 3,800 students, 428 employees and six buildings. They are citizens whose decisions affect our children and build our community.

Showing appreciation for the important work of school boards should be a year round process, but too often we neglect to recognize the dedication and hard work of these men and women who represent us. We are asking all members of the community to take a moment and thank a School Board Member.

At the Board of Education Meeting on January 25, Allen Park High School and Allen Park Community School staff and students will play the lead role in honoring the Members of the Board of Education this year. APHS and APCS Art, Industrial Arts and Life Management students are creating a special gift for Board Members and the Allen Park High School Jazz Band will perform a few musical selections.
Thank you to the men and women who dedicate countless personal hours to ensure the needs of our community are met by our public schools. We salute the public servants of APPS whose dedication and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible. We applaud them for their vision and voice to prepare today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders.

The men and women serving the Allen Park Public School District are: Mr. Guy DesJardins, Dr. Janine Hall, Mr. Paul Klenczar, Mrs. Margaret Marten, Mr. Gordon Miller, Mr. Rick Moynihan and Mrs. Julie Sheppard.

Sincerely,
John J. Sturock, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools


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BABY NEWS!

Here’s the scoop from Kris Bowdell!  She, Martin, and big sister, Patty, are doing great!

Martin Lazarus Bowdell.  5 pounds 13 ounces.  Martin has a cleft lip, but is my little incredible hulk.  He is doing great!

Mary Magdalene Bowdell.  5 pounds 7 ounces.  Mary is less than one minute older. She is very sweet and content.


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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Thank you to all of our staff for your great work at Friday’s Professional Development day.  We know that the work is challenging and can often feel like it is leading us in circles.  A few concerns have been raised related to why we could not have waited to begin the creation of common assessments until we decided on a math series.  The simple answer to that is because we can not afford another year without data on how our students are progressing towards the standards we have determined to be most important.  Now, this comes with strings attached, of course, as we are doing our best to create assessments that we have now realized need constant revision.  In addition, we have determined that the math series that is ultimately selected may impact the pacing of the power standards (slightly or majorly, depending on the final outcome).

Although this is certainly frustrating for all of us, I hope you are able to step outside of the moment and think back a year.  There is no question in my mind that our students are receiving better instruction from more well-informed teachers who are much more familiar with the Common Core Standards in each grade level.  The fact that you are able to discuss the need for an amendment in the pacing and/or assessment means that you are constantly reflecting on your practice, and adjusting based on information you have.  Thank you again for showing professionalism and committing to growing throughout this process.

Sara, Mike and Steve.


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ROBOT VOICE!

ADMIT IT

You talked into the fan to hear your robot voice as a kid.

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WIDA testing

WIDA testing for our ESL students will be starting on Feb. 7th and will last 2-3 weeks.  During that time, Sandy Artman will be pulling rostered students for testing.  This year’s testing will be on the new chrome cart that has just arrived (Cart # 5).  It is considered a secure testing item, and will otherwise be unavailable for use during this testing period.  Following the WIDA testing, this Chrome cart will be dedicated to our 1st grade classes, who will hopefully utilize this technology often! If you have any questions on the testing itself, please see Sandy or George.

M-STEP

Additional information has come out including the estimated time it may take a student to complete a particular part.  The big change this year is that a student may stop a test session and come back to finish it anytime during the window.  Basically, it gives some control to the teacher using best judgement on when a student may need a break.  Please take a look below, refer to the PDF for larger version

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The M-STEP test is based off of Claims-Targets-Standards as you may know.  I have included the claims for both math and reading, and then included the crosswalk document that shows the relationship among the claims, targets, and standards to help clarify exactly what the M-STEP test is made of.  If you have any questions, I would be happy to go over this with you.

Mathematics instruction and assessment will reflect broad evidenced-based measures based on what students know and can do. These high level mathematics claims include concepts and procedures, problem solving, modeling and data analysis, and skills in communicating reasoning (see Figure 1).

MATH Claims

Claim #1 Concepts and Procedures Students can explain and apply mathematical concepts and interpret and carry out mathematical procedures with precision and fluency.

Claim #2 Problem Solving Students can solve a range of complex well-posed problems in pure and applied mathematics, making productive use of knowledge and problem solving strategies.

Claim #3 Communicating Reasoning Students can clearly and precisely construct viable arguments to support their own reasoning and to critique the reasoning of others.

Claim #4 Modeling and Data Analysis Students can analyze complex, real-world scenarios and can construct and use mathematical models to interpret data.

MATH link:  CROSSWALK

ELA Claims

Claim 1: Reading:  Students can read closely and analytically to comprehend a range of increasingly complex literary (Targets 1-7) and informational (Targets 8-14) texts.

Claim 2: Writing:  Students can produce effective writing for a range of purposes and audiences.

Claim 3: Speaking and Listening:   Students can employ effective speaking and listening skills for a range of purposes and audiences.

Claim 4: Research:   Students can engage in research/inquiry to investigate topics, and to analyze, integrate, and present information.


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FIGHTING FOR ALAYNA

More about this campaign. Alayna was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis during the 20th week of pregnancy. When we received the news we were devastated, lost, confused and unsure of what Alayna’s future would be. During the last 10 years of Alayna’s life we have been through countless breathing treatments, antibiotic treatment and hospital admissions. Every day is battle and every appointment is full of fear of the unknown. Alayna’s current medical treatment consists of over 10 pills that treat her lungs and stomach with 3 nebulized treatments daily and airway clearance.

We don’t know what the future holds for Alayna and without a cure we can only hope her life is long and beautiful. As Alayna’s mom all I hope and pray for is to see my daughter go to prom, graduate high school and even be there for her during her first broken heart. I hope I can be there for those things but with this awful disease I don’t know what the future holds for Alayna. All we have is our hope and prayers. Alayna lives her life to like any other 10 year old. She’s into fashion and is currently in gymnastics. She loves to dance and dress up. Her happiness and love of life is infectious. Alayna is a very special girl anyone who knows her can see how amazing she is and what a true fighter she really is. She fights through the treatments, meds and hospital stays like a champ. Nothing holds her down. She is the true definition of a fighter.

I hope we can count on you in our fight against Cystic Fibrosis! You can join our team by visiting: CFF.org/Great Strides search Alaynas Angels

If you wish to purchase a t-shirt or make a donation please visit: https://www.booster.com/alaynastrong65

Thank you!

Jennifer Artress

Alayna’s Mom


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OK2SAY encourages confidential tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, and schools. We are very proud to report that 2,770 OK2SAY tips have been received since the program became operational on September 2, 2014.

The attached newsletter breaks down the tips in further detail and highlights several of the success stories that resulted because school personnel, law enforcement, and community mental health service programs worked together to share and respond to student safety threats.

Please take a moment and review the positive impact for yourself.

January Newsletter Link: http://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MIAG/2016/01/12/file_attachments/472940/OK2SAY%2BNewsletter%2BJanuary%2B2016.pdf


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HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA PERFORMANCE

Once again, our students have been invited to view the drama classes’ final exam performances.  After coordinating scheduled, the ideal audience seems to be the 4th & 5th graders.  The performance will take place on Thursday, January 21 from 9:00 – 11:00 am.  The performance starts at 9:30 am.


MISTAR INFO

In order to apply timely security patches and perform necessary infrastructure upgrades the Wayne RESA networking/server team needs to have an entire Sundayavailable every quarter. School district staff should be prepared for the complete outage of all data services on Sunday January 24 between 8 AM and 4 PM. A major upgrade is planned for a core network switch that will interrupt Internet service to and from your school district.”
I wanted you to be aware of this down time because that date is the beginning of recording grades on our calendar.  The time frame I have to record grades: 1/22 – 2/2 at 11:59 pm. Report cards are distributed 2/5.

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Please Drop Off A 4×6 or Framed 5×7 Photo.

To make life easier, I’ve decided to go out and buy several Photo Collages ( Standard 4×6 Photos) to hang on our wall.  You can pick pick your own spot in the collage and add your photo.  IF you choose to drop off a framed photo, that will be added to the wall too.

The photo can be of anyone you wish to display (as long as you are in the photo).  You can pick a traditional family photo, something fun from vacation, a group selfie….haha.  The photo doesn’t even have to be family, it could be you and friends, you and your parents, significant other, pet, etc.  This is Your photo.  Have fun with it.
Please drop off your Photos to my office.  I will then get to work on getting our photos displayed.
Thanks for participating.  Trust me, when it’s finished, it’s going to look great and your going to love viewing all of the other photos.

FAM4

 

SCHOOL SKATE PARTY

LINDEMANN PTA

Fun For The Whole Family!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

6:00 pm -8:00 pm.

Lincoln Park Skating Center

1419 Southfield Rd. Lincoln Park, 48146


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Make it a great week!

January 11, 2016

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01/11. 9:00 am. Mike at Administrative Council Mtg.  /  7:00 pm. Board of Education Mtg. APHS – LGI

01/13. Science Meetings – 2nd Grade (am) & 3rd Grade (pm)

01/14. 8:00 am. SIP Mtg. Media Center.

01/15. No School for Students.  Professional Development for Teaching Staff

01/19. 7:30 – 10:00 am. Mike at RESA (Elementary Principals Mtg.)  / 8:00 am. District SIP Team Mtg. Riley (Michelle, George & Adrianna)  /   7:00 pm.  PTA Event: Lincoln Park Skating Event

01/21. 9:30 – 11:00 am.  4th & 5th Grades – High School Drama Department. APHS

01/25. 7:00 pm. Board of Education Mtg. APHS – LGI

01/26. 6:30 pm. Middle School Orientation – 5th Grade Parents

01/28. 9:00 am. Principals Mtg. at Riley

01/29. End of 1st Semester.


SPECIAL GUESTS / RESA

This Tuesday, January 12, we will welcome several special guests to our school from Wayne RESA’s Leverage Leadership cohort. These guests will arrive around 9:15 and will be either in classrooms or the conference room until about 11:00. Thank you to Koren, Jennifer, Velaine and Adrianna for opening their classrooms to the guests for their observation protocol. Our building is bright and beautiful. We always receive compliments from people who visit. This is a great opportunity to continue to showcase student work.


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LINDEMANN PRIDE!

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LINDEMANN ~ A Little Family History

Before the holiday break, I received a letter from a young girl named Katelyn Lindemann. Katelyn is currently in the 5th grade, she really enjoys family history and shared a part of her families story with me.  Here is what she wrote in her letter:

Dear Principal Darga,

My name is Katelyn Lindemann.  I’m currently in the 5th grade.  I love to learn about my family’s history.  When I was looking through my grandmother’s genealogy papers I found some information about Lindemann Elementary. My great-great grandfather, Charles F. Lindemann was once the president of the school board and they decided to name a school after him.  I know the school was 50 years old in 2001 and in 2016 it will be 65 years old. The school is in Ecorse Township which is now called Allen Park. The school (Lindemann Elementary) was open in October 16, 1952 for grades K-8. My family went for a ride one Sunday to show me where the school was and what it looked like.  I wanted to see inside but since it was a Sunday, the school was closed.  My parents suggested I write you a letter to see if we could set up a meeting.

I’m happy to say that I was able to set up a meeting during the holiday break.  I met Katelyn and her family on Monday, December 28, 2015.  We made sure we welcomed Katelyn to our building with a nice Welcome sign on our marquee. During our visit, I was able to give Katelyn a Lindemann Elementary T-shirt as a gift.  Katelyn and her family really loved how the school looked, they were impressed on how clean and bright our hallways were.  Katelyn found the photos of her great-great grandfather that are posted near our media center.  She was happy to see the photos as well as the plaques in our front lobby.  Before leaving, I made sure to take a couple photos of Katelyn and her family by our marquee.  As the building principal and representative of Lindemann Elementary, I was honored to meet Katelyn and her family.  I enjoyed showing them our building, the school grounds and hearing a little more about Charles F. Lindemann.

I would like to personally thank Mrs. Laura Corradi (PTA Representative) for hand delivering a t-shirt to our school for Katelyn.  The gesture was very kind and she absolutely loved that she had a Lindemann shirt of her own.  Again, thank you!  Our PTA is the best!

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February Data Day FEB. 22nd

We will follow the same schedule and cover your 2nd common assessment, talk M-STEP, and look at reading.

The schedule is as follows: Lindemann Elementary
8:40 – 9:30 / 3rd Grade
9:35 – 10:25 / 4th Grade
10:30 – 11:20 / 5th Grade
12:00 – 12:50 / K
12:55 – 1;45 / 1st Grade
1:50 – 2:40 / 2nd Grade

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M-STEP Update on Classroom Activities

The Office of Standards and Assessment has decided to remove the classroom activities associated with the mathematics and English language arts (ELA) Performance Tasks (PT). In the last few months, the performance tasks in all grades underwent extensive review to determine if the classroom activity associated with the performance task was crucial to student understanding the context of the performance task. The ELA performance tasks were determined to have sufficient embedded resources to allow students to demonstrate what they know and can do without participating in a preceding classroom activity. Similarly, most of the mathematics performance tasks can stand on their own without a classroom activity. However, the review documented four mathematics performance tasks for which the classroom activities are likely necessary additional supports for students. Those four PTs have been removed from the pool of available performance tasks. For the Spring 2016 M-STEP administration, the mathematics assessment will continue to contain performance tasks at grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, but there will no longer be classroom activities to administer. The updated ELA assessment will contain performance tasks at grades 5 and 8 only, which will no longer require classroom activities.

M-STEP

You may have already heard, M-Step state test results are now out and can be seen on MiSchoolData.

MSTEP DATA RELEASED TO PUBLIC

M-STEP Data Location on MI School Data Site. Spring 2015 M-STEP data can be found under the Student Assessment tab located under the left navigation category titled Kindergarten – 12 at www.mischooldata.org. For a direct link to the Student Assessment page click here: https://www.mischooldata.org/DistrictSchoolProfiles/AssessmentResults/AssessmentSummary.aspx

Once on the assessment page, select either Grade 3-8 Assessments or High School Assessments. Once on the grade specific assessment page, select M-STEP and using the dropdown menu, select the information you are interested in reviewing.

Parent reports are being prepared this week and will be going home the week of Jan. 11. These results contain individual student results and come with detailed explanation from the state on what each of the scores mean. If you have questions on the report, please contact the office.

LINDEMANN SCORES: I’m very excited and proud to report that Lindemann scored very well in comparison to the rest of the state. Our students met the challenge and our scores highlight their efforts. We shined in Reading, an area that we have worked hard at over the past several years. As a school, we will continue to focus our efforts in math and science.

LINDEMANN: 2015 SPRING MATH DATA – MSTEP
Lindemann 3rd Grade Math 61.2 % State Score: 48.8%
Lindemann 4th Grade Math 49.5% State Score: 41.4%
Lindemann 5th Grade Math 31.9% State Score: 33.4%

LINDEMANN: 2015 SPRING READING DATA – MSTEP
Lindemann 3rd Grade Reading 66.7% State Score: 50.1%
Lindemann 4th Grade reading 65.7% State Score: 46.6%
Lindemann 5th Grade Reading 67.2% State Score: 48.7%

LINDEMANN: 2015 SPRING SCIENCE DATA – MSTEP
Lindemann 4th Grade Science 11.8% State Score: 12.4%

LINDEMANN: 2015 SPRING SOCIAL STUDIES DATA – MSTEP
Lindemann 5th Grade Social Studies 22.4% State Score: 22.2%


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APPS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Elementary Teams

Friday, January 15, 2016

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Outcomes for PD:

  • Share information about elementary Math Pilot & identify top choices
  • Revise common assessments for Q1 and Q2
  • Develop common quarterly math assessment for Q3
8:00-8:15 a.m.

All Elementary Teams meet in cafeteria

  • Welcome
  • Math Pilot — Jennifer Sheldon
8:15 – 10:15 a.m. Elementary Teams break out into district PLCs

  • Review of group norms & day’s agenda
  • Presentation of Everyday Math information
  • Sharing of math pilot materials and thoughts at this point
  • Identification of top choice and pros/cons for each series
10:15 – 10:30 BREAK
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Reflection

  • Identification of top choice for math pilot materials
  • Discussion
11:00a-12:00 p.m. LUNCH
12:00 – 2:30 p.m. Creation/Amendment of Common Quarterly Assessments

  • Use guidelines to revise common assessment for Q1 & Q2
  • Begin creation of Q3 assessment
2:30 – 3:00 pm Staff Reflection

  • Regroup in Bennie cafeteria
  • Sharing of progress on common assessments
  • Survey
  • Next steps

PLEASE BRING:

  • Laptops/tablets
  • Math Power Standards & Pacing Guide document
  • Sample assessment items in a variety of forms

GOAL:

  • Identify top choice for math pilot materials
  • Revise math assessments for Q1 and Q2 — include “Part 2” for each with review questions
  • Create assessment for Q3

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Response to Intervention: Collaborating to Target Instruction

Meyer Elementary School’s Response to Intervention practice has contributed to their ranking in the top five percent of all Michigan schools.

Overview:

Response to Intervention: Providing Targeted Instruction

Response to Intervention (RTI) allows Meyer Elementary School teachers to assess how their students are doing weekly — even daily — to better support their needs and growth. Meyer Elementary uses RTI to provide targeted instruction and support to meet students at their learning ability.

“The way we deliver RTI has everything to do with the end results we’ve seen with student achievement,” states Donna Barrier, Meyer Elementary’s principal. “There is a small discrepancy between our highest-achieving students and our lowest-achieving students.”  Click the link to view the rest of the story.

Person push CLICK HERE website link button

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Chess Club

The 2016 Lindemann Chess Club is about to begin another season on February 9. The club is open to all Lindemann students in third, fourth and fifth grades that already know how the pieces move, know how to play at a basic level, and want to play against other students. The club offers a brief “new idea” or “new strategy” each week for players to try and implement as they play. They will meet from 3:30 – 4:15 Tuesdays after school. The majority of time is spent playing chess against others in the club. The chess club meets in the media center and students are expected to be picked up between 4:15 – 4:20pm at the media center door after each session. Mr McDermott and Mr. Wahl sponsor the club and direct each week’s meeting. Entrance forms can be picked up from either of them starting January 16th. The club anticipates meeting through the end of April.

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6 Non-Teaching Books Every Teacher Should Read

A book promises the chance to escape the noise and busyness of our daily lives. In its pages we are never alone, yet we are also shut off, shut off from the thousand decisions and distractions that attack us at any moment. When we open ourselves up to a book we are embedded in the preciousness of ideas, growth, and mindful stimulation.

Few modeled this better than Abraham Lincoln. Amid the chaos of a nation divided, Lincoln always found time to read widely and deeply. It began in his childhood. Late at night he could be found reading by candlelight. He borrowed books from whoever he could. As president, he had the habit of waking up early in the morning to spend quiet time reading alone.

And it wasn’t historical or philosophical treatises on war and conflict that dominated his reading. If you look at the works that occupied his time as president, you will see more poetry and fiction than anything else. There was lots of Shakespeare, as well as Pride and Prejudice, Paradise Lost, and the poems of Browning, Byron, and Burns among so many others.

What this demonstrates is that, as teachers, we need to not solely read professional books to grow. When we are caught up in the madness of writing lesson plans, grading papers, department meetings, and parent phone calls, we can escape it all with the certainty of a good book. We can nourish our spirit with words and ideas when so many forces seek to drain it. As Lincoln validates so comprehensively, it need not be within our discipline or profession. We can achieve a more-perfect union of our individual self with our teaching self if we just find great books whose ideals speak to something foundational in all of us.

Here are six non-teaching books that offer something dignified and beautiful that will impact your teaching and your spirit.

To Kill a Mockingbird — It has to be first on my list because it is a book I have returned to again and again in my life, and it has yet to disappoint. Lee takes us through the eyes of a child to see the injustice of the adult world and how one parent’s love and crusade to represent the underrepresented teaches us all lessons in humility and compassion.

Van Gogh: The Life — His genius was also his downfall. Van Gogh’s need for his mother’s love, his “erratic and tumultuous romantic life, his bouts of depression and mental illness” all came together in the violent brushstrokes and intense colors on his canvas. In seeking to understand Van Gogh the painter, we will undoubtedly grow to understand those students that suffer. We will see those that have compulsions, that need to create, that yearn for something they can’t have, and that are disturbed, in a more empathetic way, and this will enable us to recognize what we can do to make them feel safe, respected, and valued.

Steve Jobs — Janet Maslin, in her New York Times review wrote, “ Here is an encyclopedic survey of all that Mr. Jobs accomplished, replete with the passion and excitement that it deserves.” It is a book about how transformative creativity can be when it questions assumptions and defies long-standing conventions. It has taught me that to be innovative, in the classroom or in life, we need to “think different” about what we do and why we do it.

Leaves of Grass — My wife gave me the “deathbed edition” back when we were in college and it remains one of my most treasured books. Sometimes, when I am copying rubrics, graphic organizers, or study guides in my school’s copy room I think about “When I heard the Learn’d Astronomer.” In it Whitman writes, “When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them… How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,” and I begin to think less about the busyness of handouts and think more about how I can get my students to “Look up in perfect silence at the stars.” There are too many great poems in this collection to name completely but “O Me, O Life!” “A Noiseless Patient Spider,” and “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” would be three worth beginning with.

The Giving Tree — I have read this book dozens upon dozens of times to my son and each time it would stir my emotions. As teachers we sacrifice so much for our students — our time, our energy, and our emotions. Shel Silverstein’s book reminds us of the tenderness of the relationship between the giver and someone too young, too naive to realize just how much has been sacrificed. Ultimately, it reinforces the power of patience to receive the mutual capacity of love.

The Last Lecture — If you only read it to realize that “the brick walls are there for a reason,” this book would be worth reading. Yet Randy Pausch offers so much more from childhood to adulthood. While it is a book about maintain the preciousness of our dreams, the true gift of this book is that in dying, Pausch shows us with humor and humility how to truly live.


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Dear 5th Grade Parents/Guardians,

We would like to invite you to the 6th Grade Parent Orientation, which will take place in the Middle School cafeteria on Wednesday, January 26th from 6:30 – 7:30. This orientation is for the parents/guardians of current 5th grade students who will be attending Allen Park Middle School for the 2016-17 school year.  This is a great opportunity for you to come and learn about your student’s first year at Allen Park Middle School.

Although we cannot make this meeting mandatory, we strongly encourage you to attend. Even if you are not a first time parent of a middle schooler, the information provided is always being renewed.

This is a PARENT ONLY event. We ask that you leave your student at home for this evening, as they will have their own orientation at the end of August.  Principal, Mr. Mark Lowe, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Mr. Bruce Andrews, and our counselors Mr. Curry and Mrs. Kristin Gladd will be presenting information and will be available for questions.  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, January 26th!

Sincerely,

Mark Lowe

Principal


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FAM4

SCHOOL SKATE PARTY

LINDEMANN PTA

Fun For The Whole Family!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

6:00 pm -8:00 pm.

Lincoln Park Skating Center

1419 Southfield Rd. Lincoln Park, 48146


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UPCOMING PTA EVENTS:

1/19: LP Skate Party 6:30-8:30pm
2/4: PTA Meeting, Art Room 6:30pm
2/19: Mother/Son Fun Night. Fairlane Club 6:30pm.
2/24: PTA/PTSA Founders Day Banquet
3/3: PTA meeting, Art Room 6:30pm
3/4: Daddy/Daughter Dance. Fairlane Club 6:30pm
3/7-3/11: Scholastic Book Fair
3/12: PTA/PTSA Spring Fever, APHS