September 6th, 2014

 Swift House Camp Out

Thank you so much for helping shop, pack and organize your kids for the annual Swift House Camp Out.   Students were enthusiastic throughout the two days in Grand Isle, with everything from swimming and team-building challenges to tent-site management and picnic table moving.  Everyone made new connections with each other, whether they were new students, 8th graders, returning teachers, veteran parents or new parents.   This trip starts our year off on a positive note.

A HUGE thanks to the many parents who chaperoned.   These chaperones make the trip possible.  We will be pushing earlier next year to make sure we have enough chaperone coverage.   Please join us if you can next year!  It's a great opportunity to connect with new students, other parents and with the teachers. 

There are many photos on the Swift House Photo Site.  Please check them out!  The password is flyforever.

Mr. Hunt participates in the "Rice or Ice" skit!

Joe in the middle of the "Dizzy Bat" race.

 

 

Classed and Homework Support

All classes will be up and running this week so students could have homework for literature, writing, science, social studies, math and world language (see schedule below). Parents should look for planners to come home each night and kids to work on homework for about 10 minutes per grade level (50 for fifth, 60 for 6th, etc.) per night. Homework Club is now available with Ms. Cammann on Monday and Tuesday after school until 4:30 and at least one core teacher will be available every Wednesday and Thursday until 4:30.

 

Goal Setting Conferences

If you haven't already, please use the Parent Conference link on the right to sign up for a conference with your child's core teacher.  Parents of new students have already had these conferences.  Returning families will use this conference to set goals for the new school year. 

 

Anatomy of a Greensheet

New parents, you may be wondering...  why am I signing this green piece of paper each weekend?  The "Greensheet" is a Friday check-in, printed on green paper.  On Thursday and Friday students check in with each of their teachers, then bring the Greensheet home Friday afternoon.  Here's what each part means:

• The teacher's signature on the left of the class name indicates that the student has completed all work for that class.  
• A circle to the left indicates that there is work missing for the class.  The teacher will write the missing work on the line to the right.
• Your signature at the bottom indicates that you have seen the greensheet and know that either the work is all complete or that there is work missing.
• Missing work must be made up either that weekend, after school or during core time.  We work with parents and students individually to create a work plan if this is a regular occurance.
• Personalized learning goals will appear on the top of the Greensheet once teachers have conferenced with all students to set goals.

Students return the Greensheet on Monday morning.  Core teacher's file them if they are complete, or use them to communicate with the student about missing work.

 

Intergen Reading Program

(From the School Bell) The FAP teams up with the Dorothy Alling Library to sponsor a fun book club that brings to gether WCS Middle School Students, seniors from the community and other volunteers. Each book group will read and discuss 6 books over the course of the year.

The program will kick off in October with a "Getting to Know You" luncheon. The books groups will then meet once per month to discuss books in a relaxed and fun setting. If your 5th-8th grade child is interested in being considered for this program, please register by Friday, September 12, using this online link.

 

 

Mark Your Calendars

September 18th, 6:00-8:00 Middle School Parent Curriculum Night*

*Note that the times have been corrected.  The 6:30 time listed previously was incorrect.
 
From 6:00-7:00 pm parents will meet on-house.  At this meeting, we will be discussing the Chromebook Pilot that our team is participating in this year. We highly recommend that you attend to learn more about this!!! 

From 7:00-8:00 parents are invited to attend the WSD Learning Expo to learn about the various programs available.

Saturday, December 13th- Swift House students will transform into elves again for the Polar Express in Burlington.  We're hoping to bring 70 parents and students again this year to cheer on the trains from approximately 3:30-8:00.  Sign-ups will go out in October.