PSSA Day ?

PSSA Day ?
March Madness/No Child Left Behind-What is the difference?

Preliminary war room fill in the blank-no answer key FOR YOU!

Sweat day tomorrow-NMS' version of "No shower Happy Hour"! 1/2 price tater tots, $1.00 WaWa Ice Teas all day!

Biggest day of the Year tomorrow! In 2 days tomorrow will be yesterday!

As always,
HQ

PSSA Day 3

Day 3 for 8th, Day 1 for Everyone is Over
Biggest news was time change for 6th grade. We all adjusted well to the much needed extension.

Pencil give away was a huge success.

99% OF THE STUDENTS GAVE IT THEIR ALL. 1% GAVE ME MORE GRAY HAIR!

We are examining 7th grade configurations and may make some minute (small) not minute (time) adjustments.

Kudos to all.

Special thanks to State of PA for allowing us to test and show how great we are.

Snack went well. We need some teacher singers at snack. Feel free to bring in music to karoke!

HQ

PSSA Day 2

Blue/Gold Day-3/15/09

Calculators are good for 8th and 6th grade. We need 150 more for 7th grade. If the students do not bring in their calculators we will run to Radio Shack!

8th grade went very well today. We are knocking on the 90% door and getting ready to enter!
15 kids still with extra time today. 6 students for makeups from yesterday. We are at close to 98% testing rate of students.

6th war room meeting was mostly green today-only one dissenter.

Tomorrow we rumble like Dali and Soda Pop in The Outsiders-Greasers vs. Socs!!!-Bring your "A" game!

HQ

PSSA Day 1

Kudos to all in all grades! Whether you participated, moved your cheese, or stayed out of the way the students thank you. What a job that was done by the 8th graders and their proctors today. You can see that the students are confident in their schooling which is a tribute to all of their teachers.

They did test our patience in some areas and a good reprimanding occurred much earlier in testing than planned. We have some early movement of the children for tomorrow.

The pacing was excellent today. About 15-20 students did use extra time and most worked bell to bell. Tomorrow they probably will take longer... so the mystery singer's singing and rapping will have to be cut short during pretzel day.


PLEASE NOTIFY THE STUDENTS OF THE FOLLOWING

PSSA testing themes all grade-Wed Pencil give Away day-wear blue/gold
-Thurs-Thinking Cap Day (Hat day)
-Fri-Annual Don’t Sweat the Test Day-Wear those Headbands

At first glance-90% is real attainable !!!!!!!!!!


Thanks,

As Always HQ

1 Day to PSSA

1 day already? Where did the year go?
(We will still continue our updates to and through PSSA)

1)Any questions on the directions for the PSSA? We will meet in our war rooms to discuss the directions and focus for each day.

1)During PSSA testing your duty is PSSA/war room. Art Cycle will proctor 6/7 lunch.

1)Spirit trophies have arrived. Best $46 dollars PTL has ever spent.

1)We sent out 7th grade small group assignments about an hour ago. If you went to this stellar email first please read the other email. (If this pertains to you)

1)Met with C_ again today to re-go over again the first days of testing again. We will meet one more time tomorrow so we can sleep easy this weekend.

1)Met with union officials to go over the schedule for the week.

1)The students have been doing excellent in their mathletics games. They seem to be making valiant attempts even if they do not know the answer. Great job in keeping them focused and trying their best.

HQ

2 Days to PSSA

2 And 1/2 Men
2 for Money
Doubleshot Tuesday
Ok we'll stop...do the 2's on your own

The testing corporation made another mistake not sending us labels for the first group of 8th grade kids. Mrs C_ found the mistake and they will be fed exing those labels

Well, the boxes are completed!!! The only exceptions are the booklets that I have to bubble on account of the label loss: Tomorrow I will be making the necessary corrections to each testing homeroom list. Each box will have a list of students. I will make index cards to hand out to the students that are testing elsewhere. I will also be putting out a email to the teachers, per your ok, about checking their boxes, what should be in there etc. I will also email L_ and F_to meet their students down in 109. If there is anything else let me know. Other than that we are in pretty good shape. –C_ Circa 2009

Scores are being tabulated for games. Once again all games are close;
percentages need to be made so be patient.

Final schedule being polished as we speak! Theme Days will be included.

Breakfast schedules for PSSA days have been finalized.

Here are revised schedules!!!!!!!!!


7th Grade Revised Schedule as was sent earlier today



PSSA HQ

3 Days to PSSA

3 Stooges
3rd times a charm
3.14
3r's-Reading, Riting, Rohrbaugh
3 of a kind
3 Musketeers
3 pointer
300 level
3 Musketeers Bar
3 Amigos
KYW 3
3 Men in the Tub
3 Blind Mice
AAA
360
Dale Earnhardt
3 Times a lady
3 Bagger
Par 3
3's Company
MP 3
3 Doors Down
3 Rivers(Pittsburgh Shout Out)
My 3 Sons
3 Little Monkeys Sitting on the Bed
3 Mile Island
3rd Man In
We 3 Kings
3 Bean Salad
3 Dog Night
3-Babe Ruth
3 Sides of a triangle
3M
C3PO
3 sheets to the wind
3 headed monster
3D
3-in-1
3 for all
Knock 3 times on the ceiling
3 ball corner pocket
3 legged race
3 days of math testing
3 days reading testing
3 Martini lunch
3 Peat
3 Leaf Clover
3 day weekend-we wish
3 To get ready
3 letters in Sue
3 Days-WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

We were going to do Tri's but we would have gotten lost in the Bermuda triangle.

Another great day of mathletic events...attendance is getting to PSSA level! Nice job in motivating the teams. We can really now begin to worry! Put your stress in the basket.

PSSA HQ

4 Days to PSSA

Great job on first days of Mathletics! Results are at bottom of this fine piece of literature. Kudos to all! We will post first day pictures on the "T" drive shortley. New games Poetry Partay and Math Philosophy were a big hit today! Kudos to all that had their hand in those games.

PSSA ALERT: In the directions I gave you that you have all been reading....8th grade states students will have use of a ruler-THAT IS INCORRECT. Please be sure to read all testing directions.

Met with 7th grade gifted students to discuss how we can make the assembly, testing days, and incentives all positive experiences. One student said to give proficient students 3 free homework passes to use next year. Another said a daily pass to not do homework. I feel a reward the 1st couple days of school may be a feasible "bribe" as the gifted students called it! Another student said something about fire that we did not explore further! or maybe he said I should be fired? HMMMMMMM.

Themes for next week include but are not limited to: Blue day, Gold day, Don't Sweat the Test Day-next Friday, Thinking Cap Day-Next Thursday(Hat Day), and give away days such as the students will get a pencil one day, highlighter next, and teacher pictures such as you do when you go to baseball game. 6th grade may host a student appreciation day with a prize for each student. We will send schedule of everything by end of business day Wednesday barring Blizzard of 09 IV(IV means 4 in roman numerals-see 6th grade anchient civilizations teachers for more details)

6th grade will have 2 days of breakfast-One on 1st day of testing and one on 4th day of testing. This way they have leftovers for the other days. (Green eggs and ham!) Let me know what the other grades decide and we will put on the comprehensive schedule.
Art cycle has gotcha cards. Use them wisely. We have more when you need them.
Some preliminary mathletics results
Jeopardy Reading was decided by one point in 8th grade....one stinking point-ouch!

Attendance:

• In 6th Grade, There were no Competition homerooms with perfect attendance. The following homerooms had only one student absent; rooms 201, 203, 202, & 205.
• In 7th Grade, the following Competition Homerooms had perfect attendance: 211,212, 115, & 119. The following Competition Homerooms had only 1 student absent, 102 & 215.
• In 8th Grade only 1 Competition Homeroom had perfect attendance, room 111. Room 100 & room 325 had only 1 student absent.

PSSA HQ

5 Days to PSSA

Winners of 6 Days to PSSA Contest-B_, M_ & J.

The correct answers was scrap-paper scramble.

Kickoff Assemblies went very well as a start into the testing season.

The Scrap-Paper Scramble looked like a modern version of "Supermarket Sweep", combined with a trip to a "Money Machine"!

Everyone take a deep breath before the real fun begins!

An hour lost is an hour gained (in sunlight at the end of the day)!

Rest and breathe, rest and breathe....



PSSA HQ

7 Days of PSSA

• Today and tomorrow we are distributing flags, homerooms, and game equipment.


• Please distribute all students index cards to them in your regular homeroom. This will have their Mathletics homeroom on them. They will convene before the assembly Friday in their homeroom to do their brackets.


• The secretaries worked extremely hard today getting together the Mathletics homerooms and schedules.
  
  The number seven is magical and mysterious number:


• There are seven colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, & Violet. (Roy G. Biv)


• Iron Maiden's second #1 album was entitled 7th son of a 7th son.


• There are seven days in a week.


• There are seven spots on a ladybug.


• Seven is a number found to be representative in religions.


• There are Brackets placed in teachers’ mailboxes, to be filled out before our assembly, in Mathletics Homerooms on Friday.


• There are (with very few exceptions) seven bones in all mammals' necks.


• 7 is a neutral pH value between acidity and alkalinity.


• 7 is the number of periods, or horizontal rows of elements, on the periodic table.


• Our assembly will be pushed back on Friday 5 to 10 Minutes to allow for all classes to fill out Brackets. Team leaders have scores if needed for last years' PSSA. You should all have recent MAP scores if the students do not have them stuck to their assignment books.


• There are seven letters in the name Crowley.


• There are seven stars in the constellation of The Big Dipper.


• There are seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (Can you guess them all? See bottom of post)


• Torches will be delivered the day after seven days before the PSSA.


• Daylight Savings time starts on the weekend of March 7th. (Therefore, you will only get 7 hours of sleep, not your usual 8)


• PSSA Headquarters was sent the AYP cutoffs 7 days before the PSSA.


• And, the most magical & mysterious fact….
  On the Seinfeld episode “The Seven”, George wants to name his son, if he ever has one, “Seven”, after Mickey Mantle’s number. Classic.


• There are 7 points in this post bolded. That is the important stuff to read!!!!!
  

PSSA HQ

ANSWERS - SEVEN WONDERS OF ANCIENT WORLD: Great Pyramid of Giza · Hanging Gardens of Babylon · Statue of Zeus · Temple of Artemis Mausoleum of Maussollos · Colossus of Rhodes · Lighthouse of Alexandria

Crazy 8 Days to PSSA

Blizzard of 09 III did not and will not deter NMS. We laughed at the eye of the storm and continue to tackle the eligible content without fear of repercussions from mother nature.

8 Days to PSSA beginning. 10 for 6th and 7th Grade.

Dick Clark is frozen on roof.

Only 3 days to Mathletics beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Check yesterday's email for assembly times.

We briefed the new teachers on mathletics and PSSA proctoring. They read a brilliant article on mathletics!

HQ interviewed 2 distinguished and decorated (check out faculty room) special education teachers who reported that they are doing what the regular education teachers are doing to prepare for PSSA-A dream come true for me-which begs the question why special ed? (We will discuss those philosophical questions after PSSA)

We have divided mathletics homerooms. 8th and 7th's assignments will be given tomorrow. Any change must be completed by 3:00 tomorrow. Changes can only be given to admin. by team leader's in order to prevent individual gain. 8th grades in mailboxes of Homeroom # teacher. Further assignments will start being given tomorrow. We are looking to adopt an art cycle teacher for mathletics. Any grade first come first serve to adopt an art cycle teacher near you. NEXT YEAR WE WILL DO A DRAFT FOR MATHLETICS.

PTL meeting tomorrow night to secure funding for prizes and snacks.

PSSA proctor directions were given to all staff who are proctoring.

Mr. H_ found a remote microphone for the mystery speaker.

Miss S_’s School Navigators will make signs to get spirit going for PSSA.

We need music anyone got some!!!!!!!

THANKS,
HQ

9 Days to PSSA

Blizzard of 09 III
Dick Clark is freezing on the roof right now! The Phillies are in Sunny Florida and 5 of NMS' finest are representing at the PMSA conference while you all sit at home watching Oprah and drinking Yoo-hoos and eating double stuff Oreos(middle first)!

I did watch Simpsons last night and it was hilarious. It was all about standardize testing. I could not believe it.

Mathletics homerooms will be distributed on index cards. We are shuffling all original homerooms using the index card system so that all homerooms have an equal representation of Adv, Pro, Basic, and Below. We are using last year's test scores so some students may have progressed well beyond last year's scores(hopefully). There will be no drafting but feel free to sway the judges with treats! You will have you list of contestants on Wednesday and they will receive their cards Thursday in homeroom. 8 homerooms in 6th/8th Grade and 10 homerooms in 7th grade.

Mathletic games will be next week as follows for those of you planning a week in advance.
6th-11:42-12:22
7th-11:00-11:45
8th-8:57-9:40
The first day we may need an extra minute or two in each area. We will call students back to homerooms a few minutes before the first game next Monday.

Ms. M_ is making the 2 extra signs for 7th grade.

We are looking at the 6th/7th math games and tweaking them.

Assemblies for Friday are as follows in the auditorium:
6th Grade-9:15
7th Grade-10:05(dismiss back to lockers after the assembly)
8th Grade-8:25

We are installing student response systems for mathletics in rooms(some rooms already have them)-203,210, 204, 206, 327, 328, 119, 211, and on a cart. We will use these rooms for competitions. More to come on the games.

Ms. I_ is working on the spirit award through MVP sporting goods. We are thinking a gold plated pom pom or megaphone for the spirit winner!

We are trying to see how we can best use the mystery speaker. We may do a video feed from roof with Dick Clark if the snow melts.

Enjoy the Day,

HQ

10 Days to PSSA

The boxes have arrived!!!!! Dick Clark is on the school roof!!!!! March Madness starts Monday!!!!


We are beginning to print gotcha cards. We are water marking them so that they cannot be duplicated. We will post an armed guard at the copier when we begin to run them off. We are considering serial numbers does anyone know a notary.
6th Blue made books about PSSA power point techniques and how to do there best on the test. They are awesome see them for details.





Next Friday our Mathletics assemblies and goal setting brackets will occur. Still looking for adult games for the assemblies. Times will be determined early next week. You will get your mathletis assignments by next Wednesday. Some homerooms will have 2 adults in them. I don't see a need for a big formal theme but if you have mini-theme ideas please let me know.

We will also send out Mathletics schedule for the following week.

Next Friday a newsletter will go home with progress reports detailing our events for Testing week.

Look below. The Simpsons will do an episode on standardize testing this Sunday-set your DVRs. Bart asks the teacher what # pencil are we using?... and she says # 2. He then says she said #2. He chuckles to himself. (If you don't get the joke you are not as jaded as the rest of us)
That is the commercial for the episode-IS NOTHING SACRED!

Simpsons:
TV ListingsNext episode: FOX, Sun, Mar 1 8:00 PMHow
the Test Was Won NewAs the school prepares for standardized testing, Bart
and other "underperformers" get an exemption from taking the test and are
whisked away to Capital City. Meanwhile, Homer needs to avoid getting injured
after his insurance lapses.

PSSA HQ

11 Days to PSSA

How do you top yesterday's 12 Days of PSSA? You can't! We will definitely try-so be ready when you least expect it!
Rumor is Dick Clark will be on the roof to start the 10 day countdown tomorrow!

Proctor directions came in today! We put or will put time projections and do's and don'ts in your mailboxes to read this weekend.
Changed a few students based on practice test.
Attempting to find all mathletics stuff from last year. Teachers it is time to turn in the trophies from last year. And remember second place is the first loser, but there are no losers in mathletics.
Ran off 1000 March Madness Goal Brackets. Check out the counselors' bracket in main hallway-kudos.
Attempting to make the best schedule ever for PSSA! Almost ready to be perused and evaluated by all.
Are we doing a breakfast list this year? Bueller, Bueller-80s reference.

Look at this below from NY Times!!!!!!!!! Do they get extra time? They already get snacks and naps! Are we talking kindergartners!

August 27, 2008, 9:13 am

Standardized Tests for
Kindergartners?
By Jennifer 8.
Lee
The Bloomberg administration is asking elementary school principals
across the city to give
standardized tests in English and math to children as young as
kindergartners.
In an e-mail message sent on Monday evening, the
Education Department’s chief accountability officer, James S. Liebman, urged
principals to join a yearlong pilot program with five testing options for
kindergarten through second grade, including timed paper-and-pencil assessments
in which students record answers in booklets for up to 90 minutes, as well as
ones in which teachers record observations of individual students on Palm
Pilots.
The pilot program, which will cost $400,000 and was not publicly
announced, is already inciting outrage among some educators and advocates who
worry that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s efforts to overhaul the school system
have been overly focused on standardized testing.

PSSA HQ

12 Days to Go!

This next entry had a heavy handed influence from our PSSA mystery speaker!
Be the ball Danny, Be the ball-Caddy Shack Reference

12 Days of PSSA

{to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas}

Please sing it and not just say it !!!!!!!!

On the 1st Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 2nd Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 3rd Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 4th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 5th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 6th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 7th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me seven sheets of scrap-paper, six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 8th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me Eighth Grade Scoring Guides, seven sheets of scrap-paper, six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 9th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me nine testing booklets, Eighth Grade Scoring Guides, seven sheets of scrap-paper, six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 10th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me ten extended timers, nine testing booklets, Eighth Grade Scoring Guides, seven sheets of scrap-paper, six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 11th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me eleven calculators, ten extended timers, nine testing booklets, Eighth Grade Scoring Guides, seven sheets of scrap-paper, six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

On the 12th Day of PSSA, Mrs. C_ gave to me twelve testing homerooms, eleven calculators, ten extended timers, nine testing booklets, Eighth Grade Scoring Guides, seven sheets of scrap-paper, six day of testing. Fiiiiiivvveeee hiiiiiiiighliiiiiiterrrrrrrs! (BA-DA-BUM-BUM)Four Gotcha Cards, three pencils, two practice tests, and an 8th Grade Math Formula Sheet.

HQ!!!!!!

13 Days to PSSA

13 (thirteen) is the natural number after 12 and before 14. It is the smallest integer with eight letters in its spelled out name in English. It is also the age at which children become teenagers.
Strikingly similar folkloric aspects of the number 13 have been noted in various cultures around the world: one theory is that this is due to the cultures employing lunar-solar calendars (there are approximately 12.41 lunations per solar year, and hence 12 "true months" plus a smaller, and often portentous, thirteenth month). This can be witnessed, for example, in the "12 days of Christmas" of Western European tradition. [1]
We will begin test retakes tomorrow for the practice test. This will be retakes not extended time.
We are ordering spirit awards from MVP sporting goods. We are debating bobble head, plaque, or cash prize! (Only kidding on the cash) Spirit award voting will be completed by your peers and a select group of students.
Ms. C_ is scantroning the 6th grade math tests.
Slow Day at the Headquarters. We will speed back up to normal warp speed tomorrow.

Thanks,
HQ

14 Days to PSSA

HQ was busy detailing the PSSA mobile today.

We have received the March Madness Brackets from Ms. M_and we are printing one for each student in Living Color. (Another 80s/early 90s reference)

We are taking a long look at the schedule and may come up with a suitable one that fits everyone's' needs. The 8th grade mastered the extra time segment of the test and we are looking at ways to decrease all movement throughout the building during testing. We called the port-o-potty company to see if their potties meet state standards. They do not meet all math standards so this is not an option!

Ms. R_and Ms. S_ were strategies on how to best administer mathletics game through our new student response systems. We do need someone to take a gander at the 6th/7th grade games or you will have to deal with formula sheet Friday from last year!

We are looking for opening assembly games. In past there has been scrutinization over games so I need your help. Any ideas are welcome. Assembly either has to occur in gym or auditorium. We also need a video for the assembly. Teacher/student b-ballgame could be an option if we edit it...or we could make our own teacher driven message to students type video.

Lastly, the scantron is on fire scoring the practice tests. All thoughts are welcome as to how to assist underperforming students.

14 Days...Hustle like Charlie Hustle-Pete Rose(#14) to and through the test.
Both Pete Rose and I would bet that NMS will do well in 09!!!!!!!!!!


PSSA HQ

15 Days to PSSA

Great job the past week on practice tests and 8th Grade writing PSSA.

We need to do make ups this week for 6th/7th grade practice testers.

We also need to score all tests and get them back to you. I believe the reading and math teachers have their back. If this is in err we will get you the tests today.

Thanks for the updates in your team emails about testing concerns and issues. Also I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the individual interventions made before, during, and after the tests.

7th Blue is using Positive Performance Passes (say that 3 times fast) in their classes to help motivate the Blue Crew-yet another team setting sail on the Love Boat.

Also this week we will be working on schedules for the test, mathletics games, parent correspondence for test, march madness goal brackets, prizes, opening day assemblies, and everyday normal standards/eligible content teaching.

Enjoy Your Week!

Principal P.

Sweet 16 Days to PSSA

1. Great job with the Writing Sections 8th Grade! The students really put forth a great effort. What you have been teaching this year, and what 6th & 7th Grade teachers have taught in previous years is really paying off!!!
2. Great job 6th & 7th Grade with the practice tests. Students & Teachers took their time, & stress levels seemed to be appropriate. Kids were focused and worked hard.
3. Tomorrow, students do not get extra time on the 8th Grade Math Practice Test. If they do not finish, please write "Did Not Finish" on the front of their test booklet.
4. Tomorrow, students do not get extra time on the 6th Grade Math Practice Test. If they do not finish, please write "Did Not Finish" on the front of their test booklet.
5. Tomorrow, we will allow for extra time for 7th Grade again, if necessary. Someone will stop by to pull students for extra time. 7th Grade will stay until 10:45 again tomorrow.
6. The only make-ups tomorrow will be for 8th Grade Writing.
7. We will notify the students (there are about a dozen who need to finish) about the make-ups.
8. Kudos to Mrs. C_ for organizing everything to run so smoothly!!! Her system is a polished machine!!!
9. It appears the groupings that the teams and the counselors put together really seem to be working well. There have been very few students who have needed to be moved in comparison to previous years. Nice teamwork!
10. Students were really looking over their scoring guides, formula sheets and directions. Highlighters were being used by many students and prewriting & rough drafts were almost universal in their use!
11. Keep a log of any notes/observations/suggestions you've made/had about students, the test, or the procedures. Share them with a critical friend, your team, or your department. Then, share them with us!
12. Kudos to Mrs. H_for her willingness to step in any where to help in this process. Her assistance has been invaluable!
13. All 8th Grade Math Practice Tests have been distributed to teachers. Let's start quickly, like we did with the Writing Test.
14. Breaks were well-utilized by teachers who needed to give a few, select students a chance to clear their minds, get a drink, and collect themselves.
15. Thanks to both Mrs. M & M for all of their help organizing calculators. We will locate 32 more for the test tomorrow.
16. Tomorrow's Friday, folks! Let's finish the week as strong as we started it. Everybody's working for the weekend!!!!!

Principal P.

18 Days to PSSA Part I

Tomorrow ONLY we will switch 6th and 8th grade Art Cycles in AM in order to accommodate 2 writing prompts on the 8th grade PSSA writing exam.

6th grade will attend art cycle at 9:43-10:23 and 8th Grade will be 10:26-11:06.

Please let us know if you will need coverage for any classes due to this change.

Thanks,

Principal P.

18 Days to PSSA Part II

8th PSSA Writing had 10 students take extra time. It seemed to run very smoothly. Kudos to Mrs. C for her precision in getting us started. No problems at all were evidenced today. The real fun starts tomorrow with 2 prompts. We should be good on time. We will need to keep our energy level high and continue to circulate around the room. Have students work bell to bell. Nice job!
Only one prompt on Thursday.

Reminder: We will start all practice tests in block this week.
6th Grade Practice Test-Thursday Reading, Friday Math
7th Grade Practice Test-Thursday Math, Friday Reading
8th Grade Practice Math Test Friday/PSSA Make ups

March Madness brackets to PSSA are being worked on and updated by our Data team. We will use this as our goals sheets. More directions to follow before opening assemblies.

Mrs. M has 230 calculators that she is testing for PSSA. If we pool our calculators we should have enough for 2 full grades. Calculator concerns inquiries or need let Mrs. M know and she will forward them to me-She has just been appointed Calculator Queen not to be confused with Billy Ocean's Caribbean Queen-Congrats!

Showcase in front of school all PSSA'd up.

Classroom happenings

Ms. G was doing a little PSSA literary term pairings today.

Ms. McC had some Onomatopoeia booming around the room today.

Please send me your class happenings for the upcoming emails.

Title: 2009 PSSA Accommodations Guidelines Training for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans, presented January 7, 2009 from Mrs. G

Description: This session provides training on the selection and use of accommodations for students with IEP and students with 504 Plans, as they apply to the 2009 PSSA tests. During this session, presenters use the Accommodations Guidelines to examine techniques for making decisions concerning accommodations for students with IEPs, discuss accommodations for students with various types of disabilities, as well as review current test security and administration procedures.

Link to streaming media:https://mail.pdsd.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.pattan.net/resources/streamingmedia-browse.aspx?PageNumber=0%26Title=Accommodations

Link to handouts and training materials:http://www.pattan.net/resources/request.aspx?PageNumber=0&MaterialType=Training+Materials&InterestArea=35&Date=1/7/2009

Thanks,
Pssa HQ

21 Days to PSSA

PSSA Reflection sheet attached sponsored by Ms. B_.
DOWNLOAD




Thank you Ms. B_ for being organized! I will print copies for each student to complete after their practice testing sessions is over. Kudos!

We will do 8th Math Practice test next Friday in block in same testing homerooms.

Ms. M_ provided the 6th gold teachers with their nonproficient MAP students in the area of Reading. She broke down the students by Reading strands in easy to read boxes. If you would like the template or information see Ms. M_. The nature of the information is confidential so we did not send it to everyone. Kudos!

I just received the PSSA COACH catolouge and all the books have a picture of the Liberty Bell on them and Independence Hall. Do ya really think our founding fathers wanted standardize testing? Wow!

On another note Charlie Manuel philosophy "I am no better than anyone else and no one works harder than me". Lets take that philosophy with us into our last 20 days!

Thanks,



Principal P

21 Days to PSSA

PSSA Reflection sheet attached sponsored by Ms. B_. Thank you Ms. B_ for being organized! I will print copies for each student to complete after their practice testing sessions is over. Kudos!

PSSA REFLECTION SHEET.DOC

We will do 8th Math Practice test next Friday in block in same testing homerooms.

Ms. M_ provided the 6th gold teachers with their nonproficient MAP students in the area of Reading. She broke down the students by Reading strands in easy to read boxes. If you would like the template or information see Ms. M_. The nature of the information is confidential so we did not send it to everyone. Kudos!

I just received the PSSA COACH catolouge and all the books have a picture of the Liberty Bell on them and Independence Hall. Do ya really think our founding fathers wanted standardize testing? Wow!

On another note Charlie Manuel philosophy "I am no better than anyone else and no one works harder than me". Lets take that philosophy with us into our last 20 days!

Thanks,


Principal P.

22 Days to PSSA

8th blue's team meeting involved looking at students who need a push, pull, or lift at this time in the year that will eventually lead to proficiency. 8th Gold is doing a team positive effort challenge leading up to PSSA. I would attach their endeavors but there is some confidential info. there so please ask them. Kudos to all.

All practice tests are on my desk (in reading). We will also count this as our yearly district wide assessment-2 birds one large stone. Math teachers are chewing on right amount of eligible content for their tests. Copies will get started.

Practice test should prepare us for mathletics. Stay tuned.

I am meeting with the data team tomorrow. We will discuss too many things to put in such a small area. Actually, agenda is wide open!

After school program mixing direct instruction with computerized assessment. Kudos!

3 days until 3 day weekend.

PSSA HQ

23 Days to PSSA

We had scuffle board today in the lobby and medieval jousting in the main hallway. We are renaming these areas the Lido Deck and Promenade Deck (Love Boat reference-bad 80s comedy) We did manage to attack the eligible content and Anchors (wink/wink) with the same intensity!!!!
Soon we will be making another run...at PSSA

Please review 24 days to PSSA. The ideas included can be used by individuals, teams, or the entire school. Have students assist with anything they can. Keep those individual pep talks going with students-that is what will get them to do their best.

Lists are being distributed today. We can adjust after any aspect of any time or day of testing. We have a small bullpen of qualified individuals to assist with any student(s).

Here is a power point from 6th grade blue. They said you can use it any way you like. They are printing the slides on the office's color printer and putting them around the 6th hallway. Feel free to put them in the bathrooms also. We could use some new sayings in there.

Some teams have adopted students based on MAP and PSSA data to help push students to their limit.

Finally finalized the final rooms and teachers for the practice tests. Your assignments will be coming to you very soon. Kudos to the teams on their persistence in finding the right combo of teacher and student. We will adjust again after the practice test.

Full moon and snow are subsiding and we can get back to work. If we make it through this week we have Monday off!

PSSA HQ-Captain Stubben

24 Days to PSSA

PSSA Ideas
2 Teams plans for PSSA-Many Great Ideas!!!!!!!!!

• Use PSSA terminology- synonyms, antonyms, context clues


• Point of View – primary sources, quotes


• RACER template when responding to open ended or short answer question


• Standards Homework


• Content – Based Lessons during 2nd ½ double


• Gold Team Tix – reward positive behavior


• Attendance Challenge


• Bulletin Board


• Positive Parent Contact


• Honor Roll Party


• Reward Party


• Non-Detention Party


• Homeroom- use Kelly & Michelle to give individual attention??


• Mentor Basic/Below Reading/Math students


• Conference students based on MAP scores


• Strategy of the Week – focus on organizational patters - cause/effect, main idea, compare/contrast, sequence, problem/solution


• Review text features- headings, sub headings, graphics


• Work on Math & Reading Anchors in Science & Social Studies


• Pii article – Reading passage in Math, can we find others that incorp into other areas


• Test – taking Tips – make posters in homeroom, review before you give a test, reward if use strategies


• Before – preview questions


• During – Highlight/Underline


• After – Check Answers & Reread

Focus Groups/Positive Reinforcement

Who?

• Sped. Ed.


• Low income


• Frequently Absent


• Below Proficient on last PSSA and/or MAP

What do we do?

• “Adopt” a small group – call on them more, check in with them, say hi more in halls/lunch - don’t tell kids


• Praise the small things


• Call on them every day in class


• Move seats closest to teacher and PROF/ADV student

6th Gold Team PSSA Prep Plan Outline

Attendance

• Goal/team reward for February? This is our big push month, school wide attendance count in march


• I can easily track percent of team present but what about actually being in class? Would there be exceptions for anything (student council events, spelling bee)?

Strategy of the Day/Week – see target skills after practice tests

• Use block each week to focus on a strategy across all subject areas


• Cause/Effect


• Compare/Contrast

Test Taking Strategies

• Show power point to whole team in caf, make posters in small groups to hang everywhere.


• Consistent list: Review list before all tests in all classes


• Encourage everyone to take their time on all tests, “when you are done you may check your work and nothing else” for a certain amount of time. Walk the aisles, encourage kids to go back, re-read, try all q’s again, etc


• Give higher level questions to all levels, in tests, class work and discussions (Think-Pair-Share)


• Context Clues – show kids how to “figure it out”

Testing Language/Terms

• Instead of how else can you say that, we could say “can you give me a synonym”


• Use plc time to figure out ways to incorporate math and reading strategies/terms etc. into all classes


• Use a poem in sci/ss that connects to unit, no mult. Choice, just read for ”fun” to take away fear of poetry


• Diff. Inst. In all classes based on target skills from math/reading

Focus Groups/Positive Reinforcement

Who?

• Sped. Ed.


• Low income


• Frequently Absent


• Below Proficient on last PSSA and/or MAP

What do we do?

• “Adopt” a small group – call on them more, check in with them, say hi more in halls/lunch - don’t tell kids


• Praise the small things – give blue NMS pencils, consider reward party (see 7 blue)


• Call on them more in class, especially hen you think the know it!


• Move to seats closest to teacher

All Teachers Care

• Team Anchor Activity to Prepare for Practice Test


• One math and one reading lesson done in “team” groups or HR.


• Review practice test results, MAP scores, etc in all classes, or some other group

Principal P.

25 Days to PSSA

All:

The administrators met with the 6th grade teachers today and gave them PSSA scores that I found on PDE website from 1996 (Yes 1996) and from 1999/2000. It was interesting to see our growth in the last 13 years. Kudos to all who have been here for 13 years or 13 minutes you hard work is paying off. Every year from 1996 on is on the website in case you get snowed in this weekend. The scores reflect 8th grade results for most years until we went to 6th and 7th grade in last few years.

The 6th grade seemed extremely fired up at 730 this morning when I presented this (not) but I know they were fired up internally! The sixth grade is working on many initiatives to set records on this year's PSSA test. Feel free to ask them and they will tell you!

We will meet will the rest of you within the next month in teams to discuss grade specific needs.

Kudos to those who will present at the PMSA conference during the 1st week of March along with some of the administrators on our data team, student success groups, quarterly goal setting, and team's use of data. This is a tribute to the entire school. They will be a part of two separate workshops.

Tomorrorrow we will look at MAP data for all the students. If you need a password please let Mr. H___ or myself know. This will assist us in determining the next 6 weeks' needs.

The MAP program coordinator and I visited the after school program today and it was so wonderful to see
about 50 kids working so hard between the hours of 3-4 in such a positive atmosphere.

The technology staff hooked up the software for our student response systems on the cart in the library. Ms. R___ and Ms. S___ are beginning to update mathletics games. So feel free to give them input into needs of those games.

Next week will take us from days 23-18 to PSSA so please give me input to what you feel you need to be ready and anything I should add to these messages that I am missing.

Assistance is being procured to assist administrators during the testing window.

Thanks,

PSSA HQ

26 Days to PSSA

Blizzard of 09 Part Deux
Mathletics competitions will begin March 9th with a kick off assemblies on March 6th. (More to follow)

Language Arts Coordinator gave all LA teachers a packet of the released reading items and previously scored items straight from PDE website.

We will give your groupings on testing next week. We are working out rooms to accomodate everyone's needs.



Thanks,
PSSA HQ

27 Days to PSSA

Today we trained the paraprofessionals in the scoring rubrics for PSSA writing and PSSA Reading and Math.


We also gave chocolate milk to all the students in the after school program.


We had counselors’ meeting today to re-discuss homerooms and small groupings.


I received 7th grade practice test and will receive 6th grade’s this week after changes.


I have copies of reading practice tests if you would like to see them to discuss with your colleagues.

We are going to elect PSSA officers for each grade soon.


Thanks,
PSSA HQ

28 Days to PSSA

PSSA headquarters was working late at the 6th grade Sleepover-that was a huge success! Kudos to all involved! The sleepover was much better than watching the super bowl-at least a Pennsylvania team won-let’s go Phillies! I got 3 hours of sleep but ran into my bathroom door when I got home-due to lack of REM! However, lack of sleep assisted the PSSA headquarters to gear up for March Madness!

All students have been benchmark tested! Results should be in…if you need passwords see me or the Math teacher on your team.

The headquarters placed in all teachers mailboxes scoring guidelines.

8th grade teachers received bonus guidelines for the writing test that is in 2 weeks.

8th grade teachers received the math PSSA practice test to review for this year. HQ could not find the 6 and 7th grade math practice tests no matter how hard we looked on the “T” drive.

(Please send us a copy)

Reading practice test are as follows:

6th Grade: Rocking House Poem followed by Brian’s Secret passage with open ended question

7th Grade: One of the Oakridge Boys passage followed by My Song poem with open ended question

8th Grade: We did not do one last year because of PSSA writing. We just do Math in 8th grade.
Please let me know if we want to use these test or use new released items from PDE website.
We had students sharpen pencils during their lunches in order to get HQ fully stocked for all testing.

Dr. Assistant Superintendent emailed me a newsletter from www.center-school.org/PA-PIRC that HQ can utilize to send to parents about upcoming testing.
If it snows tonight HQ will still be open. In words of a distinguished and decorated 7th grade teacher; “We will be here every day because things go better when we are here!”

Principal P.

29 Days to PSSA

I put an article in your mailboxes this morning about academic achievement in 8th grade being greatest indicator for post secondary success. The article centers on nonnegotiable skills students needs and even mentions a representative from Chicago that is now in the oval office!

We completed everything on the to do list from last Friday except finalize practice test. I will look over last year's practice tests tonight at the 6th grade sleepover and put copies in your mailboxes to look over and change as needed.

Sue C_____ continues to put final touches on PSSA writing. This task takes time to do it correctly. Thanks, Sue.

Have a great weekend,
PSSA Central

30 Days to PSSA

The big 3-0. 8th grade list of groupings is finalized for PSSA writing. 7th grade's list of groupings is nearing completion.

Pencils and highlighters are almost all in a pencil case. Couldn't we call it a highlighter case?

Mr. S___ resent special education accommodations guide to all special education teachers and assistants. Please e-mail him if you did not receive it.

Check your February calendar for when PSSA Writing and our internal PSSA practice test will be held.

MAP testing final makeups are tomorrow. Data will be available Monday or Tuesday and 1/2 of our inservice next Friday will center on that data.

Afterschool program #s are still low. Please encourage students to attend. Let Ms. E_____ know if you have someone who would benefit from joining.

Thanks,

Principal P.

31 Days to PSSA

Snow day, Ha! PSSA headquarters rests for no one. Do you think they are resting in Scranton, State College, Moon, Chambersburg, Delanco, or Sayre. I think not!

Today is the perfect day to reflect on all the good we have done in our preparations. Tomorrow will hit us like a frying pan! We can look at our weekly eligibility list and determine if those students will be proficient and ask ourselves what services they need to be successful.

Take the rest of the day off!

Principal P.

32 Days to PSSA

Very slow at PSSA headquarters today. All teachers who were interested received single binder rings for PSSA vocabulary flashcards.

8th grade looked at class list again today. 7th Blue was busy dissecting the "blue crew" for groupings today.

We also inserviced Math, LA, and Art Cycle on computerized student response system and will be ready to use them in our Mathletics competitions before PSSA.

Stay tuned for more solid updates the rst of this week.

Thanks,

Principal P.