For those parents who have tried to use the parent internet connection to check on your children's grades, we apologize for the poor service especially at trimester grade time.
We received the following message from the software company:
Due to an error in the database used by K12Planet, service is currently unavailable. Chancery is working to correct the problem as quickly as possible. At this time, we do not have a specific time when service will be restored. Our expectation is that we'll require an additional 48-72 hours to correct the problem.
We understand the impact that a disruption in service has to teachers, parents, students, and administrators. Our team is committed to providing you with the most secure, reliable, and available service. We appreciate your continued patience.
Kim Whibbs Support Analyst Chancery Software
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Go Warriors - Win Sectional
Stop by tonight. The Warriors play Lakeland tonight at the Northwood Sectional.
Go Warriors!
Go Warriors!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Indy Star - HS recruiting on the rise
This news article from the Star says high school recruiting is on the rise.
As more and more private schools recruit, middle school students are getting invitations in the mail to attend various high schools. If the legislature allows public school choice it could lead to widespread "recruitment" of students, especially athletes.
I am not opposed to public school choice but I am not sure I like the idea of overt high school recruitment of students.
As more and more private schools recruit, middle school students are getting invitations in the mail to attend various high schools. If the legislature allows public school choice it could lead to widespread "recruitment" of students, especially athletes.
I am not opposed to public school choice but I am not sure I like the idea of overt high school recruitment of students.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Team manager with autism - suits up - scores 20!
Uplifting story right here.
Right when you think America's sports mad culture goes too far, a coach steps up and rewards an autistic student's hard work and dedication as team manager and lets him suit up for a game.
Who would have thought he would shoot the lights out of the gym!
Right when you think America's sports mad culture goes too far, a coach steps up and rewards an autistic student's hard work and dedication as team manager and lets him suit up for a game.
Who would have thought he would shoot the lights out of the gym!
Friday's Funny
By Andy
from PA
I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back.
When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and experience a little public speaking. And it gives me a break and some guaranteed entertainment. Usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it to school and talk about it, they're welcome.
Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant.
"This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday. First, Mommy and Daddy made him as a symbol of their love, and then Daddy put a seed in my mother's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord."
She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had a video camera rolling. The kids are watching her in total amazement. "Then, about two Saturdays ago, my mother starts going, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, "Oh, oh, oh!'" Now the kid is doing this hysterical duck-walk, holding her back and groaning. "My father called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my mother to lie down in bed like this." Erica lies down with her back against the wall.
"And then, pop! My mother had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!"
"Then the middle wife starts going push, push, and breathe, breathe. They start counting, but they never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother . He was covered in yucky stuff they said was from the play-center, so there must be a lot of stuff inside there."
Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, if it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder - just in case another Erica comes along.
Have a great weekend!
from PA
I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back.
When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and experience a little public speaking. And it gives me a break and some guaranteed entertainment. Usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it to school and talk about it, they're welcome.
Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant.
"This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday. First, Mommy and Daddy made him as a symbol of their love, and then Daddy put a seed in my mother's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord."
She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had a video camera rolling. The kids are watching her in total amazement. "Then, about two Saturdays ago, my mother starts going, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, "Oh, oh, oh!'" Now the kid is doing this hysterical duck-walk, holding her back and groaning. "My father called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my mother to lie down in bed like this." Erica lies down with her back against the wall.
"And then, pop! My mother had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!"
"Then the middle wife starts going push, push, and breathe, breathe. They start counting, but they never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother . He was covered in yucky stuff they said was from the play-center, so there must be a lot of stuff inside there."
Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, if it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder - just in case another Erica comes along.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Slippery Slope?
Florida has approved teacher pay and bonuses based upon standardized test scores. Article here.
Most people know I have no problems with the limited use of standardized testing to evaluate changes in student performance patterns in a school district. But I limit their use to trying to decide if our teaching interventions are changing the patterns of student achievement. I think tying employee pay directly to these results may prove to be a slippery slope.
Why? In all social science research, isolating the independent variables that affect student learning is very problematic. It would be hard to implement such a plan fairly and consistently across the state. Denver, CO had a plan that was based more on teachers accomplishing various training programs and skill sets. That sounds like it would be a little fairer.
Just my .02.
Most people know I have no problems with the limited use of standardized testing to evaluate changes in student performance patterns in a school district. But I limit their use to trying to decide if our teaching interventions are changing the patterns of student achievement. I think tying employee pay directly to these results may prove to be a slippery slope.
Why? In all social science research, isolating the independent variables that affect student learning is very problematic. It would be hard to implement such a plan fairly and consistently across the state. Denver, CO had a plan that was based more on teachers accomplishing various training programs and skill sets. That sounds like it would be a little fairer.
Just my .02.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Carnival of Education Week 55
Take a stroll down the midway of the Carnival of Education. It's a who's who of the Educational Blogosphere. Click here or click on the link on the side bar called The Education Wonks to sample a variety of offerings from teachers who blog and other bloggers who submit their posts to Ed Wonks.
Enjoy the weather and sunshine this afternoon/evening. What a beautiful day! Sometimes I forget what the sun looks like.
Enjoy the weather and sunshine this afternoon/evening. What a beautiful day! Sometimes I forget what the sun looks like.
Teacher shortage looming across America?
From the Des Moines Register:
I have seen first hand Kosciusko county teachers doing more for kids under more difficult circumstances than ever before in our profession. My hats off to them.
Teaching is one of the most honorable and yet difficult professions there is. I hope our young people do not give up on entering the profession as appears to be the trend in this news article.
Our students need dedicated and caring professionals now as much as they ever did.
Fewer people are choosing teaching as a profession in Iowa. A trend that educators say stems from low pay, increases in college tuition, negative publicity about schools and pressures brought on by the federal No Child Left Behind law, which demands steady school improvement. New teacher licenses decreased 23 percent from 5,831 to 4,508 between fiscal 2000 and 2005, according to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The state is bracing for an even greater drop this fiscal year, with only 2,166 initial licenses granted so far.
I have seen first hand Kosciusko county teachers doing more for kids under more difficult circumstances than ever before in our profession. My hats off to them.
Teaching is one of the most honorable and yet difficult professions there is. I hope our young people do not give up on entering the profession as appears to be the trend in this news article.
Our students need dedicated and caring professionals now as much as they ever did.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Warriors win sectional, Karns - Coach of the Year!
The Wawasee Warriors won the 2006 IHSAA Sectional Championship at Wawasee Middle School on Saturday, February 18. The Warriors advance seven athletes to the State Championships, including all three relay teams.
Warrior Coach Roger Karns was named Indiana Swim Coaches Association Sectional Coach of the Year.
Times-Union article here.
Warrior Coach Roger Karns was named Indiana Swim Coaches Association Sectional Coach of the Year.
Times-Union article here.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Shanna Zolman article in Gazette
Most Shanna watchers already know this. Story in Fort Wayne Gazette on ex-Wawasee star now playing for Tennessee.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Friday's Funnies
Things I learned after my very first Valentine's Day Party in Kindergarten:
1. Never attempt to have a Valentine's Day party with 5 year olds without a slew of parent volunteers present.
2. Never plan a craft activity AND passing out Valentines. It might take all day.
3. Never try to stick to Weight Watcher's when 19 kids bring you in your weakness: chocolate.
Karri at Milford
True Story unrelated to Valentines Day:
My first year of teaching I had a little girl named Pam in the third grade. She had a new illness of some kind every day. One day on the way to Phys. Ed. class she developed a sudden and severe limp about 50 yards from the gymnasium doors. "I can't take gym today Mr. Stock, I have 6 stitches in my foot," she groaned. By now, I knew her well so I patted her on the shoulder, smiling to myself and said, "You'll need to tell Mr. Lintz all about it." She limped into class. "Mr. Lintz, Mr. Lintz," she blurted out, "I can't take gym today I have 6 stitches in my foot." He said, "Sit down on the bleachers Pam and take your shoes off." He got the class started on warm-ups and sat down beside her. She had loosened her laces but had not removed her shoes. He told her again to take off her shoes and turned back to the class. He changed their calisthenics routine and turned back to Pam. She had her shoe off finally, but did not remove her sock. "Pam, Pam, please take off your sock now so I can see your foot," he requested. She carefully and painstakingly slid off her sock. Mr. Lintz lifted her foot up and looked it over carefully. "Pam, I don't see any stitches."
"They ain't put 'em in yet!" she replied.
Have an " ice" weekend!
1. Never attempt to have a Valentine's Day party with 5 year olds without a slew of parent volunteers present.
2. Never plan a craft activity AND passing out Valentines. It might take all day.
3. Never try to stick to Weight Watcher's when 19 kids bring you in your weakness: chocolate.
Karri at Milford
True Story unrelated to Valentines Day:
My first year of teaching I had a little girl named Pam in the third grade. She had a new illness of some kind every day. One day on the way to Phys. Ed. class she developed a sudden and severe limp about 50 yards from the gymnasium doors. "I can't take gym today Mr. Stock, I have 6 stitches in my foot," she groaned. By now, I knew her well so I patted her on the shoulder, smiling to myself and said, "You'll need to tell Mr. Lintz all about it." She limped into class. "Mr. Lintz, Mr. Lintz," she blurted out, "I can't take gym today I have 6 stitches in my foot." He said, "Sit down on the bleachers Pam and take your shoes off." He got the class started on warm-ups and sat down beside her. She had loosened her laces but had not removed her shoes. He told her again to take off her shoes and turned back to the class. He changed their calisthenics routine and turned back to Pam. She had her shoe off finally, but did not remove her sock. "Pam, Pam, please take off your sock now so I can see your foot," he requested. She carefully and painstakingly slid off her sock. Mr. Lintz lifted her foot up and looked it over carefully. "Pam, I don't see any stitches."
"They ain't put 'em in yet!" she replied.
Have an " ice" weekend!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Another Wawasee grad makes good!
In yesterday's issue of USA TODAY, they published lists of their 2006 All-USA Academic Teams. One of our former students, Lucas Speakman, made their 2nd team! This means that they consider him among the top 40 college students in the country!
Luke, now a college senior, has already published two articles. One is titled "Computational chemistry research on benzaldehyde molecule and gallium pentahydride."
Yeah - what he said!
Way to go Luke.
Thanks to Stephanie Szynal for the info.
Luke, now a college senior, has already published two articles. One is titled "Computational chemistry research on benzaldehyde molecule and gallium pentahydride."
Yeah - what he said!
Way to go Luke.
Thanks to Stephanie Szynal for the info.
Five facts about IQ
Here are five interesting facts about IQ. Click here for the article.
1. Staying in school makes you smarter.
2. Your birthdate could affect your IQ.
3. That book-smarts-vs.-street-smarts thing is true
4. You're probably "smarter" than your grandpa.
5. What you put in your mouth can affect your brain.
Thanks to Cheryl Conroy, teacher at North Webster, for the link.
1. Staying in school makes you smarter.
2. Your birthdate could affect your IQ.
3. That book-smarts-vs.-street-smarts thing is true
4. You're probably "smarter" than your grandpa.
5. What you put in your mouth can affect your brain.
Thanks to Cheryl Conroy, teacher at North Webster, for the link.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Spring ISTEP bill is dead
The Indy Star says spring ISTEP testing is not going to happen this year. Article here.
Poll: Adults scoff at homework complaints
What do parent surveys reveal about homework? Here is a short article on the subject.
A few points were:
• Less educated parents spend more time helping kids with take-home assignments.
• The most affluent parents spend the least time helping their kids with homework.
• Women spend an average 46 minutes a day helping with homework. Men spend 35 minutes.
• Black parents spend more time than Hispanics or whites on homework help.
• Public school students spend less time on homework than kids in other schools
Across the nation, a majority of parents feel the amount of homework is about right.
My personal observations of my own children's homework patterns show that they mostly are finishing up math problems and the miscellaneous extra assignment. However, I have relatives in other states who live in large suburbs of major cities who report tremendous amounts of nightly homework on a regular basis even in their elementary schools. They thought it was too much but they went to a PTO meeting and the parents were arguing for MORE homework. Hmmmm.
A few points were:
• Less educated parents spend more time helping kids with take-home assignments.
• The most affluent parents spend the least time helping their kids with homework.
• Women spend an average 46 minutes a day helping with homework. Men spend 35 minutes.
• Black parents spend more time than Hispanics or whites on homework help.
• Public school students spend less time on homework than kids in other schools
Across the nation, a majority of parents feel the amount of homework is about right.
My personal observations of my own children's homework patterns show that they mostly are finishing up math problems and the miscellaneous extra assignment. However, I have relatives in other states who live in large suburbs of major cities who report tremendous amounts of nightly homework on a regular basis even in their elementary schools. They thought it was too much but they went to a PTO meeting and the parents were arguing for MORE homework. Hmmmm.
Board Meeting Highlights
Last night the WCSC Board of School Trustees:
- Accepted a $1,000 donation from the Knights of Columbus for Milford School
- Accepted $750 donation from the Syracuse Lions Club for the Academic Super Bowl
- Approved retirement letters as of June 2006 for Randy Aalbregtse, Dena Chapman, Linda Harkleroad, Jane Modesitt, and Garry Ringler
- Approved resolution to begin the process for replacing the WHS press box
- Heard a report from Dr. Cockburn on the duties of the Data Technician
- Heard a report from Dr. Stock highlighting teacher training on "Classroom Data," The HS Civil Rights Audit, the writing coach position and the All Write Consortium, and heard a report on The Wawascene blog site. The site is averaging almost 90,000 hits a month now. The Wawascene will soon feature it's first "podcast." It will be a short 2-3 minute audio explanation of student progress on ISTEP.
- Heard a report from Ms. Swartzentruber on Reading Committee meetings, Writing Committee Meetings, and an Alternative School Program update. In addition to attendance, the Alternative School will now require progress towards credits in order to remain enrolled. The Calendar Committee report will wait until the General Assembly finishes this spring because there are several bills that could affect school calendars.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Valentine's Day Funnies
Calling all readers. Do you have any funny Valentine's Day stories?
Our Friday Funnies this week will focus on Valentine's humor.
Click on the link on the sidebar where it says "E-mail Doc Stock" and send me your story. If you want to be anonymous remember to say so!
PS: Announcement to ALL Males!!!!! THIS is Valentine's Day. Today!! Have you seen all those hearts and flowers? Does it remind you of anything? Just trying to save you some grief!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Now Recruiting - SUPER PEOPLE!
At Wawasee Middle School Mentoring we believe our Mentors aren't SUPERHEROES, but they're SUPER PEOPLE doing HEROIC things! And we need you to be a SUPER HERO too! Adult volunteers are needed to meet with WMS students for only 1/2 hour per week! Call us today and learn how you can make a big difference in the life of a child and your community! Contact Katie Jones: jonesk@wawasee.k12.in.us and visit our website by clicking here.
Snow Make-Up Day Announcement
Snow Day Reminders:Friday, February 17th and Monday, February 20th are both snow make-up days now. Any additional cancellation days this year will be added on to the end of the year. That means June 1 and June 2 would be the next available days. Sorry to ruin your Monday morning! :-(
Let's keep our fingers crossed.
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