The Warrior Tribe Tribune Volume 2, Issue 1
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The Warrior Tribe Tribune Volume 2, Issue 1 We welcome our new 6th graders Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018 ● 8 a.m. to Noon Wisdom. Achievement. Respect. Dear Kekionga Families, I hope this newsletter finds you relaxing and enjoying the summer with family and friends. While I am anxious to begin the new school year, I still find myself reflecting on the many successes from 2017-18 which included: · In the regional Academic Superbowl competition, our science academic team placed third and finished in the top 15 of all science teams in the state of Indiana · Our Future Cities team, competing for the first time in 10 years, placed fourth in the state of Indiana. · Our Warriors showed an increase of 11% of students reading at or above grade level. · Kekionga became a Riley Miracle School by exceeding our fundraising goal for this worthy charity. · Marcus White-Allen was the 2018 Boy’s City Track champion in the hurdles. · Kaylor Powell-Wallace received third place in the 6th grade in the Allen County Public Library Contest which included students from all schools in the county. · For each grading period, more than 30% of our students achieved Honor Roll status When students arrive this year, they will receive instruction designed to improve academic achievement, thanks to the efforts of Kekionga’s faculty and staff, who created an improvement plan to guide student learning. During this year, Kekionga students and staff will continue to focus on: · Increasing language arts achievement by incorporating literacy activities in all classes, along with individual conferencing of students regarding the content of their daily reading. · Increasing math achievement by focusing on rigorous processing skills, including problem-solving. · Moving to deeper learning of math standards by increasing math classes to a two-period class in grades 7 and 8, with all 8th grade students taking algebra. · A school-wide positive behavior support plan (PBIS). Research has demonstrated that improved reading and writing skills benefit students in all subject areas. To this end, students will be actively involved in reading and writing in all their courses, as literacy skills are found in the Indiana State Standards. In addition to emphasizing literacy skills, teachers will also continue to offer differentiated instruction, stretching students who have previously mastered the state standards and allowing additional time and support to students who find the grade-level standards to be difficult. Student reading levels will be assessed three times per year using the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI). Teachers and administrators will analyze student assessment data to push all students to grow and expand their achievement. In addition to tests, quizzes, and projects, teachers will examine the results of teacher-designed common assessments.. Teacher- designed assessments are similar to the College and Career Ready Assessments (CCRA) found on the new ILEARN state assessment. Our goal is for all students to show growth, regardless of their starting point. Although I have enjoyed a slower pace and vacation time with my family, I do miss interacting with our Warriors and their parents. In keeping with our commitment to serving our Kekionga families, I urge you to call or e-mail whenever you have questions. I’m looking forward to meeting our new Kekionga families. Until then, have a safe, restful summer! Matt Schiebel, Principal 260-467-6602 [email protected] FAQ Who do I ask about… Transportation Parents are asked to Curriculum Issues: pick up and drop off stu- dents in the rear of the building at door #5. Curriculum Mr. Schiebel Parking lot arrows will guide parents the Textbooks Mr. Bailey route to enter and exit. When dropping off Schedules Ms. Gates students, parents should pull beyond door #5 in order to allow traffic to flow. Discipline Issues: Parents should not drop students off in the Cafeteria Mr. Bailey, Mr. Heck, bus lane at the front of the building by Ms. Fincher door #1. Detentions Ms. Fincher Transportation Ms. Fincher Financial Issues: ILEARN TESTING DATES Fees Ms. Gibson This school year, the ISTEP test will be Lunch Ms. Foster replaced by a new state assessment called Library Fines Ms. Ulfig ILEARN. The ILEARN is given during a single testing window and will be General Concerns: Mr. Schiebel, Mr. Bailey completely online. The ILEARN testing window will take place between April 22 Student Issues: and May 17, 2019 Absences Ms. Debase, Ms. Fincher Activities Lead Teachers Questions regarding ILEARN can be Athletics Mr. Bailey answered our guidance counselor, Ms. Gates. Bus Issues Ms. Fincher Extra-curricular Mr. Bailey Electronic Equipment , Purses, Backpacks Concerts Mr. Hughes Mr. Moeller ¨ Cell phones may be used until 7:10 a.m. and Discipline: Mr. Bailey (grades 7/8) after 2:15 p.m. Mr. Heck(grade 6) Family Emergencies Ms. Debase ¨ Between 7:10 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., cell Homework request Ms. Debase phones should be turned off and out of site Guidance Ms. Gates (pants pocket or locker). Lockers Mr. Heck ¨ ipads, headphones, portable speakers and Lost and Found Ms. Debase electronic games should be left at home and Medicine Ms. Ezeakudo, school nurse. may not be carried during the school day. Meetings w/ teachers Lead teachers Progress Reports Teachers ¨ Purses and backpacks may be brought to Tutoring Ms. Gates school but are to remain in lockers during Pinnacle Mr. Schiebel the day. 6th grade issues Mr. Heck ¨ Phones and electronic devices that are used Change of address/phone Ms. McGhee during school hours will be confiscated and returned to a parent. All parents/guardians must provide two proofs All School Registration Dates of residence at registration. All school registration for the 2018-19 school year at Kekionga Middle School is: Examples of proofs of registration include: Friday, July 27, 2018 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. * Letter or check from any Monday, July 30, 2018 Noon to 7 p.m. government agency. * Letter from an attorney or Students will receive their schedules, textbooks, court papers. and locker assignments at this all school * Letter or card from Allen County Office of Family and registration. We have worked very hard to Childrens Services prepare accurate schedules which reflect * Social security benefits * Medical doctor, dentist or student’s elective requests balanced with eye doctor statements required courses. * Paycheck * Utility connection notice * Utility bill less than 30 days We have expanded related arts offerings for 6th old grade students, who will be asked for their * Lease agreement printed on company letterhead with a related arts elective preferences at registration. name and contact number. Hand written or All Kekionga students, as well as incoming 6th leases printed from the internet are not permitted. grade students, need to go through pre-registration. · If you are new to the area and residing with a friend or The following items will also be available at family member, you must re- pre-registration: port to the FWCS Family and Student Engagement Gym Shirts $ 5 Center at 230 E. Douglas Street. Yearbook Order (2018-19) $ 25 · You then have 30 days to produce two proofs of Cash or check only (sorry, no credit cards). residence in your name. Checks made out to Kekionga Middle School. Kekionga spirit wear may be ordered at this time. First day of school ——–———————————– What time does school start? Where do I report on the first day of school? Classes will begin at 7:20 a.m. Upon arriving at school, students Students report to their first period should report to the commons area by classes at 7:20 a.m. doors #3 and 5 for supervision until the 7:10 a.m. bell rings. Students will not be permitted to enter the What materials do I need? building until 6:50 am. EXTENDED LEARNING PLANNED EXCELLENCE IS RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT Warriors who need assistance with one or more classes may take advantage of extended learning this year. The tutoring The annual Kekionga awards will be held sessions will be scheduled on Tuesday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at South Side High School. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from Students will be honored for academic excellence, as well as for specialty awards for 2:25 p.m. until 3:10 p.m. Students should achievement in extracurricular clubs and consult individual teachers to determine activities.. which days are available. Students who are Students who qualify for the Honor Roll car riders or walkers may leave at 3:10 p.m., will receive ribbons and will be invited to while bus riders can take the 4:15 p.m. Honor Roll Breakfasts each grading period. activity bus. We plan frequent celebrations of achievement and hard work to let students know that each Other strategies include mentors, peer assignment counts towards high achievement. Check out their planner often; it tells the story tutoring, academic counseling, and frequent about your child’s school progress just as the parent conferences. progress alerts or the report cards! EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION We encourage participation in extracurricular activities at Kekionga. Eligible students are encouraged to take advantage of athletics, clubs, dances, and other special events; participating in these activities allows students to explore interests not always available during the regular school day and promotes a positive sense of community in our school. Recognizing this, under the FWCS Code of Conduct and Middle School Athletic Code of Conduct, students must meet the following academic and behavioral expectations to be eligible for extracurricular activities: Athletics—Kekionga is a proud member of the Middle School Athletic Conference, whose eligibility policy is explained in detail in the Middle School Athletic Code of Conduct. The conference has a “no F” rule for team membership and progressive corrective responses for behavior.