2009-2010 Grading Guidelines

For background on these guidelines, refer to R. J. Stiggins et al., Classroom Assessment for Student Learning--Doing It Right, Using it Well (Chapter 10, "Assessment of Learning: Report Cards"), the ATI interactive training video, Report Card Grades: Strategies and Solutions, and Ken O'Connor, How to Grade for Learning (Skylight, 2002)

2009-2010 Grading Guidelines

Grading Scenarios

Each of the attached scenarios describes a decision a teacher has to make about assigning the report card grade. The teacher is unsure of what to do and has asked you for some advice. What issues does the teacher's situation raise? What questions ought the teacher consider before making the decision? What might be missing in the teacher's grading schemes.

After each scenario is some guidance as to how a current CSD 7-1 teacher should handle situation based upon the newly adopted Grading Policies.

Grading Scenarios

The Case Against the Zero

Even those who subscribe to the punishment theory of grading might want to reconsider the way they use zeros, Mr. Reeves suggests.

Douglas Reeves is the chairman and founder of the Center for Performance Assessment. This article origninally ran in the PHI DELTA KAPPAN in December 2004.

The Case Against the Zero

CSD 7-1 Grading Policies 2009-2010

After many years of work and the review of current research on grading the CSD 7-1 Grading/Assessment/Reporting Committee recommended several policies changes to the CSD 7-1 School Board. These changes were adopted on July 13 , 2009 and are currently in the process of being implemented district-wide. These policies can be review at:

CSD 7-1 Grading Policies

Upcoming Dates 1/5/10-1/14/10

1/5/10-Faculty Workday-Certified Staff Only
1/6/10-Classes Resume-District-Wide
1/6/10-Mitchell Area Supt Meeting-11:30 AM-Mitchell
1/6/10-K-6 Staff Meeting-3:40 PM-K-6 Band Room
1/6/10-Grade 7-12 New Teacher Mentoring-3:45 PM-High School
1/7/10-Technology Staff Development-Diane Olson-K-6 Book Room
1/8/10-Business Office Breakfast-9:00 AM-White House
1/8/10-SDSSA Executive Board Meeting-11:00 Am-SD Hall of Fame
1/8/10-COACC/LFCDC Annual Banquet-6:00 Pm-Cedar Shore
1/11/10-Regular School Board meeting-6:30 PM-High School Media Center
1/12/10-School Improvment Leadership Team Meeting-1:00 PM-High School V-Tel Room
1/13/10-Title I Meeting-3:40 PM-K-6 Conference Room
1/13/10-Technology Staff Development-John Hohn-High School
1/14/10-A-Team-7:00 AM-K-6 Conference Room

Feds Release Cyber Safety Booklet

A new booklet released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other governmental agencies helps parents and teachers steer kids safely through the online and mobile-phone worlds.

The booklet, titled "Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online" was unveiled Dec. 15. The booklet tells parents and teachers what they need to know to talk to kids about issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, mobile phone safety, and protecting the family computer.

Y0u can find a copy of this resource at:

OnGuardOnline.gov

or

http://www.chamberlain.k12.sd.us/

Defining Our Vision Forum 11-23-09

Please view the agenda for the Defining Our Vision Forum held Monday November 23, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm

The School Improvment Leadership Team will be meeting on Tuesday December 8, 2009 to review the information gathered at the Forum. Please stay tuned for more information.

School Board Meeting 11-23-09

Please view the School Board Meeting Agenda for Monday November 23, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm


Please view the School Board Meeting Minutes for Monday November 9, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Minutes.htm

Grade 7-8 Student Technology Survey

Grade 7-8 Student Technology Survey

Here is some information concerning Grade 7-8 Student technology USe. This informatuion is from a survey of students in the distrcit that was completed in the spring of 2009>

Grade 7-8 Student Technology Survey Information

How to Grade for Learning-Linking Grades to Standards

Here are the guidelines from a book by Ken O'Connor entitled "How to Grade For Learning: Linking Grades to Standards" that helped to guide the Grading/Assessment/Reporting Committee as it developed our new grading policies.

Guideline #1-Relate grading procedures to learning goals (i.e. standards)
-Grades must be linked to specific local/state learning targets (SD Content Standards)
-Alignment to standards based upon direct observation of the skills and knowledge associated with the standards

Guideline #2-Use of criterion-reference performance standards as reference points to determine grades
-Grades depend upon clear, public performance standards and the students own achievement
-Not on how the students achievement compares with other students

Guideline #3-Limit the valued attributes included in grades to individual achievement
-For grades to have real meaning, they must be pure measures of a student's achievement

Guideline #4-Sample student performance-do not include all scores in grades
-It is essential that teachers distinguish between formative and summative assessment
-Formative-to give feedback to students on progress
-Summative-used to make judgments about the amount of learning and grades

Guideline#5-Grade in pencil-keep records so they can be updated easily
-Supports learning as an ongoing process and what matters most is how much learning occurs (not when it occurs)
-Honors individual differences by recognizing the students learn at different rates

Guideline #6-Crunch numbers carefully-if at all
-Grading must be an exercise in professional judgment, rather than a simple, mechanical , numerical exercise

Guideline #7-Use quality assessment(s) and properly recorded evidence of achievement
-Grades are only meaningful when and only when they are based upon quality assessment

Guideline 8-Discuss & involve students in assessment, including grading, throughout the teaching/learning process
-When students know how they will be assessed, and especially when they have been involved in the assessment decisions, the likelihood of student success is increased greatly

Winter Weather Preparedness

In order to encourage the people of South Dakota to prepare for the upcoming winter season, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety has developed a Winter Weather Preparedness Guide. The guide is available for downloading at their website at www.oem.sd.gov. The information in the handbook can be easily printed and photocopied for distribution. It can be used to prepare your students for the upcoming winter weather season. Additional copies of the guide can be ordered by contacting Anna Oswald at anna.oswald@state.sd.us or by calling 605-773-3231.

Now is a good time to consider talking to your students about how to deal with winter storms.

Upcoming Dates 11/30-12/14

12/2-Grading/Assessment/Reporting Committee-4:00 PM-K-6 Conference Room
12/2-Grade 7-12 New Teacher Mentor Program-4:00 PM-High School
12/7-Tech Paths Teacher Leadership Meeting-1:00 PM-K-6 Conference Room
12/8-Learning Center Task Force-9:00 AM-Cedar Shore
12/8-School Improvement Leadership Team (SILT)-1:00 PM-HS V-Tel
12/8-Governor's Budget Address-1:00 PM-Pierre
12/9-SMART Board Training Session #4-4:00-6:00 PM-K-6 Building
12/10-Business Office Breakfast-9:00 AM-White House
12/11-Early Release-12:30 PM-District-Wide-Curriculum Development
12/14-Technology Committee-4:00 PM-HS V-Tel Room
12/14-Regular School Board Meeting-6:30 PM-High School Media Center

Special School Board Meeting 10-19-09

Please view the Special School Board Meeting Agenda for Monday October 19, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm


The School Board met with the Chamberlain City Commission to hear a report on the results of the City/School Facility Survey. You can view the presentation of the results of the Chamberlain School District 7-1/City of Chamberlain Facility Survey at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/City-School%20FAcility%20Survey%20Results_files/frame.htm

Both entities passed motions to proceed with developing a Request for Proposal to seek architectural services to look at building a new Auditorium and Fine Arts Center attached to the current high school.

How Do Teachers View Profession-Ed Week Survey

Survey looks at how teachers view their profession

A nationwide survey about teachers' views on their profession found that 40% are "disheartened," while a near equal amount -- 37% -- are "contented" with their jobs. The other 23% fell into the category of "idealists." Survey responses were given by close to 900 teachers about why they entered the profession and their individual schools, students and challenges, among other things. Researchers said they hope the results will be used to craft policies that help identify, help and keep the most effective educators.

Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (10/21)

Grade 9-12 Student Technology Use

Here is some information concerning Grade 9-12 Student Technology Use. This information is from a survey of students in the district that was completed by students in the spring of 2009.

Grade 9-12 Student Technology Survey Results 2008-2009

Adressing "Sexting"--Guidance from AASA

Addressing "Sexting" in Your District

This information was supplied by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). The article at the above link is by Ernie Allen, President and CEO, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. It contains key factors for districts to consider, information concerning a national campaign "Think Before You Post" and what parents and educators can do.

Discover five things parents and educators can do to address "sexting", from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Plus: A video conversation on preventing "sexting" in your district. (more ...)

For more information about "sexting" and other issues related to keeping America's children safe, please visit http://www.missingkids.com/.

Parent/Teacher Conference Information

Notice to Teachers: Staff members are asked not to take an extended supper break during the conference time. The official break time is between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. There will be food available for supper from about 5:30-6:30 p.m. Please let your Building Principal know if you have any questions.
Because you have limited amount of time, your conference must be tightly scheduled. Write down all the issues you wish to discuss with a parent. Here are several points that should be addressed with parents at the conference:

USE A PARENT CONFERENCE SHEET TO HELP PLAN YOUR CONFERENCE. I HAVE A SAMPLE FOR YOUR USE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AND I WILL GET YOU A COPY.

-Begin by sharing an example of the unique qualities of their child
-Give an update on any past problems
-Discuss academic strengths
-If appropriate, discuss academic weaknesses
-Get parental input on the child’s academic performance
-Discuss academic goals for the remainder of the year
-Present the social strengths of the student
-If appropriate, discuss the student’s weaknesses in social interactions
-Discuss your goals in the area of social development for the remainder of the year
-Get parental input regarding their child’s social behavior

Have examples of a student’s class work available for the conference. Use the work to help illustrate statements you are making to parents regarding their child’s performance in class. Place the work in a folder.

***It’s very important that parents are comfortable during the conference. Arrange to have adult-size chairs available in your room during the conference. Don’t forget to put chairs outside your room for early arrivals. Your door should be clearly labeled with your name and room number.***

The best way to learn how to get parents on your side is from teachers who already are successful at getting parents support. These teachers share four important qualities:

**They know they must have the support of parents
Parents are the most influential, important people in a child’s life. Parental love and approval are fundamental needs of each and every child. Parents have the most time to work one on one with their child. If you can encourage a parent to spend 15 minutes a night helping a child, you are tripling the amount of individual attention the child can receive. Parents can offer disciplinary backing. Realistically, you are limited in what you can do when a student chooses to misbehave.

**In every interaction with parents, effective teachers demonstrate their concern for the child
From the beginning of the school year, communicate your concern. It is never too early to show parents you care. Establish positive communication with parents. The key to showing genuine concern is to contact the parents when the child is doing something right.

**In all situations, effective teachers treat parents the way they want to be treated
Teachers who are most successful in getting parent support adhere to the “golden rule”—treat parents the way you would want to be treated if you had a child in school. This common sense approach to positive parent involvement is one of the most valuable qualities you can develop

**In every interaction with parents, effective teachers demonstrate professionalism and confidence

Involve parents and welcome the support and involvement of parents. Demonstrate your confidence in every interaction with parents. Be professional, confident and assertive. Communicate in a way that says “I know what I’m doing”—is vital to working effectively with parents. You have to learn to project the attitude of self-assurance that earns respect and promotes confidence.

School Board Meeting 10-12-09

Please view the School Board Meeting Agenda for Monday October 12, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm

Please view the School Board Meeting Minutes from Monday September 28, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Minutes.htm

H1 N1 Update 10/9/09

H1N1(A) Influenza – South Dakota Department of Health Weekly Backgrounder
Friday, October 9, 2009 – as of 10 a.m. (Central)

Provided every Friday to update partners about H1N1 flu preparedness and prevention and archived at http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/.

General Information
H1N1(A) continues to present as moderate illness
Pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions most at risk; elderly less affected, may have immunity due to previous exposure to similar viruses
CDC H1N1 website – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

SD Case Information (updated every Friday at http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/surveillance.aspx
For the week ending Oct. 3, SD’s flu activity increased to “widespread”:128 new H1N1 cases, 4 hospitalizations, 2 deaths (1 death occurred between 4 Oct 09 – 9 Oct 09) (cumulative since 9/1: 333 cases, 29 hospitalizations, 1 deaths) (40 counties)
4% of school children absent due to illness (244 schools reporting data, 81,098 total students)
73% of confirmed cases & 49% of hospitalizations are younger than 19

Nationally, as of Oct 6, 27 states reported widespread influenza activity and influenza-like illness (visits to doctors) were above baseline for 7th consecutive week. This level of activity is very unusual for October.

New Guidance & Resources from the Centers for Disease Control
H1N1 Vaccine Information Statements: Inactivated Vaccine Live, Intranasal Vaccine
Questions and Answers about 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Seniors
Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Q & A (Should I get H1N1 vaccine if I’ve had flu-like illness since spring?)
H1N1 & Pregnant Women: Information for Healthcare Providers Q & A for Patients (Why should pregnant women receive H1N1 vaccine?)

Vaccine Information
SD received first doses (5,000 FluMist) Oct 5 & shipped out to hospitals to start vaccinating health care workers with direct patient contact. This week ordered second allocation of vaccine, 4,500 doses of nasal mist and 5,300 doses of injectable
CDC expects almost 6 million doses of H1N1 vaccine to be allocated & available for order this week, an increase of 2.3 million over original forecast.
Dept. will continue to order every allocation of H1N1 vaccine made available to SD; expect to receive more doses each week.
Goal – distribute vaccine as soon as it comes in to start protecting people as soon as possible. First few weeks will be bumpy but situation will get easier as vaccine amounts increase. Significant amounts of vaccine expected by end of month – be patient.

Initial doses targeted to groups at highest risk for H1N1:
First Tier (Oct – Nov)
-Pregnant women
-People who live with or care forinfants younger than 6 mos
-Kids 6 mos to 4 years
-Kids 5-18 years with chronic health conditions
-Health care and emergency medical services workers

Second Tier (Nov-Dec)
-Kids 5-18
-Adults 15-64 with chronic health conditions
-Young adults 19-24

As more vaccine available, it will be administered beyond priority groups
Federal govt will purchase vaccine, supplies to administer it and distribute to states
Vaccination is voluntary
Vaccine is free but some providers may charge an administration fee
Seasonal flu vaccine should be given as soon as available to appropriate target groups; SD reported 525 hospitalizations for seasonal flu last year and 4 deaths

Upcoming Dates 10/12-10/26

10/12--Native American Day--District-Wide
10/12--ACT Test Prep--High School
10/12--Regular School Board Meeting--6:30 PM--HS Media Center
10/13--Grade 7-12 Staff Meeting--7:30 AM--High School
10/13--School Improvement Team--1:00 PM--HS V-Tel Room
10/14--Native American Day Assemblies--District-Wide
10/14--Title I Staff Meeting--K-6 Conference Room
10/15--A-Team--7:30 AM--K-6 Conference Room
10/15--Early Dismissal--2:00 PM--District-wide
10/15--P/T Conferences--2:30--8:30 PM--District-wide
10/16--End of First Quarter--District-wide
10/16--No School-Count as Day--District-wide
10/19--ACT Prep--High School
10/19--Technology Committee--4:00 PM--HS V-Tel Room
10/19--School Board Meeting w/City--7:00 PM--City Offices
10/21--Technology Staff Development--4:00-6:00 PM--High School
10/22--K-6 Team Leader Meeting--3:45 PM--K-6 Conference
10/23--Business Office Breakfast--9:00 AM--White House
10/26--Regular School Board Meeting--6:30 PM--HS Media Center

Inclement Weather and Emergency Notification

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
DR. TIM MITCHELL, SUPERINTENDENT
CHAMBERLAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 7-1
2009-2010 School Year

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCIES
All decisions regarding school closings or early dismissal will be based upon the personal safety of students and employees. The superintendent, or designee, shall be responsible for dismissing school.

All inclement weather announcements concerning school closings, late starts, or early dismissals will be made through the following media:

KWYR-Radio 93.5 FM Winner
KPLO-Radio 94 Country FM Chamberlain/Pierre
KMIT-Cool 98 98 FM Mitchell

KELOLAND-Television Sioux Falls
KELOLAND Closeline-www.keloland.com
KSFY-Television Sioux Falls
KSFY Dakota First Closings-www.ksfy.com

KDLT-Television Sioux Falls

First Alert Weather-www.kdlt.com/weather.htm

KTTW Fox 17-Television

Chamberlain School District 7-1 will utilize SchoolReach, a parent notification calling service. The program allows us to contact thousands of households within a short amount of time. While this system will be used to contact parents during emergency situations, its primary use is for regular announcements. Routine phone calls typically are made between 6-8 PM to the student’s home or primary number. In the event that school will be closed for inclement weather or any other reason, CSD 7-1 will begin calling homes at 6:30 AM. If you are not receiving the notification by phone or would like to change or add numbers in which you are being notified, please contact Nancy Hansen at nancy.hansen@k12.sd.us or 234-4460.

An attempt will be made to announce school closings by 6:30 AM. If a “late start” is called and then revised to a “no school” announcement, that will occur no later than 8:30 AM.

If weather conditions deteriorate during the school day, it may become necessary to dismiss school early. An early dismissal time will be announced through the previously noted media and SchoolReach as soon as the decision has been determined. Parents should be aware of deteriorating weather conditions and listen to the media and watch for telephone notification for early dismissal on days when poor weather conditions are predicted.

Parents or guardians have the ultimate authority in making the decision of sending their student(s) to school or keeping them home during adverse weather conditions. If a student is kept at home due to adverse weather conditions, a telephone call to the school principal will allow an excused absence for the missed day of school

It is expected that each student will be met at the rural bus stop or be able to enter the home when delivered by the bus. Develop a plan for inclement weather conditions and early dismissal. Parents of bus students who desire to pick up their student(s) on days of early dismissal should do so at the school building and notify the school principal.

If weather deteriorates rapidly and the buses are unable to return students, each bus student should have an alternate location in the Chamberlain City limits where the student can stay. Parents with special instructions concerning their student(s) on days of early dismissal should state those, in writing, to the principal.

On days when weather is deteriorating, please do not call the school. All the phone lines will be needed for internal communication of dismissal procedures. The Superintendent or designee will be contacting the Transportation Supervisor who will be traveling area roads to access conditions. Appropriate technology resources are available and will be used to get information on current weather conditions, road reports and weather radar.

Upcoming Dates 9-28-10-9

9/27-9/28--6th Annual Indian Education Conference--Rapid City
9/28--Next Regular School Board Meeting--6:30 P--HS Media Center
9/30--Grading/Assessment/Reporting--4:00 PM--K-6 Conference Room
10/1--A-Team--7:00 AM--K-6 Conference Room
10/3--1st Annual Chamberlain/Oacoma Fall Festival--Chamberlain/Oacoma
10/4-10/5--Teacher Leadership Conference--Pierre
10/5--ACT Prep Class--High School
10/6--Senior Post High School Planning--Mitchell
10/6--K-6 Staff Meeting--3:35 PM--K-6 Band Room
10/7--Grade 7-12 New Teacher Mentoring--4:00 PM--High School
10/7--SMART Board Training-John Hohn--4:00 PM--High School
10/8--Grade 7-12 Building Leadership Team--7:30 AM--High School
10/9--Business Office Breakfast--9:00 AM--White House

School Board Meeting 9-28-09

Please view the School Board Meeting Agenda for Monday September 28, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm

Please view the School Board Meeting Minutes from Monday September 14, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Minutes.htm

ASCD Back to School Poll

Poll: Should student test scores be linked to teacher evaluations and pay?

No, it would not be fair to do so--55.25%

Yes, but provisions should be made to ensure it is done fairly--34.72%

Yes, absolutely--7.23%

I'm not sure--2.80%


Poll: Will the development of national curriculum standards help your students?

Yes, but the standards need to be high-quality--33.03%

Yes -- it would create an equal playing field for students and teachers--21.75%

No -- curriculum should match student needs--21.29%

No -- there need to be variables in curriculum for different areas of the country--12.66%

No -- I don't think a common curriculum will ever come to fruition--7.36%

I'm not sure--3.91%

Poll: What is the biggest obstacle your school is facing as you go into the new school year?

Pressure on students and teachers to improve test results--40.86%

A lack of resources because of budget cuts--29.86%

Greater numbers of students facing economic stress and upheaval--19.25%

Fewer teachers because of layoffs--5.30%

Other--4.72%

H1 N1 Update 9-18-09

H1N1(A) Influenza – South Dakota Department of Health Weekly Backgrounder
Friday, September 18, 2009 – as of 1 p.m. (Central)

The Department of Health provides this weekly backgrounder to update partners about H1N1 influenza preparedness and prevention efforts. It is distributed every Friday and is archived on the web at http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/.

General Information

H1N1(A) continues to present as moderate illness
Pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions most at risk; elderly less affected, may have immunity due to previous exposure to similar viruses

SD Case Information (updated every Friday at http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/surveillance.aspx)

2009-2010 flu season reporting period began Aug 31; SD now reporting cumulative flu activity, both seasonal and H1N1, from that date forward this week flu activity in SD increased to “LOCAL”
48 new confirmed influenza cases reported this week (47 A-H1N1 Novel, and 1 A unspecified). 77 total influenza A cases confirmed since Aug 31 (no confirmed B yet)
4 flu-associated hospitalizations reported this week, 5 cumulative for 2009-1010 season
3% of school children absent due to illness (152 reporting schools, encompassing 52,561 children); the more schools that report, the more complete and accurate the data; if your school not reporting, report online at http://doh.sd.gov
0% of confirmed influenza cases in children <30 years old.
No influenza-associated deaths reported in SD

New Guidance & Resources

9/14--H1N1 vaccine safety Q&A - http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm
9/14--H1N1 preparedness for small business -http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/smallbiz.html
9/13--school-based vaccination planning materials & templates - http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/slv/
SD H1N1 news releases - http://doh.sd.gov/News/2009.aspx
CDC H1N1 website – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Vaccine Information

9/15--FDA approved four vaccines against 2009 H1N1 flu virus (made by CSL Limited, MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and sanofi pasteur Inc.)
H1N1 vaccine manufactured using same processes as seasonal flu vaccine, under same FDA manufacturing oversight, product quality testing and lot release procedures.
Seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines both produced in formulations with and without thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative.

Potential side effects of H1N1 vaccine similar to seasonal flu vaccines. For injected, soreness at injection site most common. Others may include mild fever, body aches, fatigue. For nasal spray, runny nose, nasal congestion most common for all ages; sore throats in adults, and fever in kids 2-6 years old.

SD to receive about 110,000 doses by mid-October, 48,000 doses weekly thereafter
Initial doses targeted to groups at highest risk for H1N1
o Pregnant women
o People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months
o Children 6 months to 4 years
o Children 5-18 years with chronic health conditions
o Health care and emergency medical services workers (hospitals manage distribution of vaccine to health care workers; ambulance services for EMS)

As more vaccine available, it will be administered beyond priority groups

Federal govt will purchase vaccine, supplies to administer it and distribute to states
Vaccination is voluntary
Vaccine is free but some providers may charge an administration fee
Seasonal flu vaccine should be given as soon as available to appropriate target groups; SD reported 525 hospitalizations for seasonal flu last year and 4 deaths

Family Day-Monday September 28, 2009

CHILDREN WHO HAVE FREQUENT FAMILY DINNERS LESS LIKELY TO USE MARIJUANA, TOBACCO, AND DRINK ALCOHOL
SEPTEMBER 28 MARKS 9TH ANNUAL FAMILY DAY

Chamberlain School District 7-1 to Celebrate Event

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse launches new tools to help celebrate
From 2003 to 2008 research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has consistently found that children who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use marijuana, tobacco and drink alcohol.

CASA research reveals that compared to children who have frequent family dinners (five or more per week), children who have infrequent family dinners (less than three per week) are two and a half times likelier to have used marijuana and tobacco, and one and a half times likelier to have drunk alcohol.

Teens Who Have Used Substances
By Frequency of Family Dinners
(Average over 6 years: 2003-2008)

0-2 Dinners/Week
Ever Used Alcohol--48%
Ever Used Tobacco--29%
Ever Used Marijuana--27%

5-7 Dinners/Week

Ever Used Alcohol--30%

Ever Used Tobacco--13%

Ever Used Marijuanna--11%

Monday, September 28th will mark the 9th annual Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenTM celebration. Family Day is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s children substance free and reminds parents that “Dinner Makes A Difference!”
“If you asked me based on 16 years of intensive examination of substance abuse and addiction in our nation what’s the most effective thing we can do to curb this scourge and protect our children, I would say parental engagement. And there is no more effective example of this than frequent family dinners,” said Joseph A. Califano, Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. “Years of surveying teens have consistently shown that the more often they have dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use drugs.”
This year a major call to action for parents--the Family Day STAR Pledge--which encourages parents all across the nation to take back their seats at the dinner table.

To pledge to be a Family Day STAR commits to:

S - Spend time with my kids by having dinner together. T - Talk to them about their friends, interests and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. A - Answer their questions and listen to what they say. R - Recognize that I have the power to help keep my kids substance-free!

Parents who make every day Family Day are taking a positive step toward raising children, who are emotionally and physically healthy, academically successful, and drug and alcohol free. Family dinners do make a difference. America's drug problem is not going to be solved in courtrooms or legislative hearing rooms by judges and politicians. It will be solved in living rooms and dining rooms and across kitchen tables – by parents and families. It has less to do with the food on the plate and more to do with what is happening at the table. Gathering each night lets children know that their parents are available to them and it serves as a simple and powerful way to foster an excellent parent/child relationship.”

7 Secrets to Successful Family Dinners

1. Start the pattern of family dinners when children are young
2. Encourage your children to create menu ideas and participate in meal preparation
3. Turn off the TV and let your answering machine answer calls during dinnertime
4. Talk about what happened in everyone’s day: school, work, extracurricular activities or current events
5. Establish a routine to start and end each meal. Light candles or tell a story
6. After dinner play a board game or serve dessert to encourage the family to continue the conversation
7. Keep conversation positive and make sure everyone gets a chance to speak

For more information about Family Day, visit www.CASAFamilyDay.org.

Did You Know? 4.0

In case you have not seen the latest version of the "Did You Know" videos on you tube here it is. As you watch this: Is our school district preparing students for this world? Think about it. If accessing the Blog through state e-mail the link will be block. You can go to my Blog outside of state e-mail and the link will work or you can go directly to you tube and search for Did You Know? 4.0 and play the video.

Did You Know? 4.0

Malcolm Gladwell-Outliers

I read all the time but this summer I came across a very interesting book by Malcolm Gladwell called "Outliers". I had already read his two previous works "Tipping Point" and "Blink" and also found them very enlightening . I will get the opportunity to hear him in person in February when I travel to Phoenix, AZ to the National Conference on Education. He recently was featured on AASA Radio and his remarks entitled Culture Shock: Stimulating Educational Success can be heard online. He says that if you want to transform educational outcomes, culture is the key. He shares insight from research that makes a strong case for robustly experimenting with changing school cultures.

If your interested in "Outlilers" here is the introduction from the front cover:

Why do some people succeed far more than others?

There is a story that is usually told about extremely successful people, a story that focuses on intelligence and ambition. In "Outliers" Malcolm Gladwell argues that the true story of success is very different, and that if you want to understand how some people thrive, we should spend more time looking at such things as their family, their birthplace, or even their birth date. The story of success is more complex and a lot more interesting than it initially appears.

Constitution Day-September 17

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. The law establishing the holiday was created in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day. In May 2005, the United States Department of Education announced the enactment of this law and that it would apply to any school receiving federal funds of any kind.

Upcoming Dates 9/14-9/28

9/14 Next Regular School Board Meeting 6:30 PM HS Media Center
9/15 Public/Private Collaboration Meeting 11:30 AM St. Joe's
9/16 Mid-term 1st Quarter District-Wide
9/16-9/17 Infinite Campus Workshop Cedar Shore
9/16 Technology Staff Development-John Hohn 4:00-6:00 PM High School
9/17 Constitution Day District-Wide
9/19 33rd Annual St. Joseph’s Indian School Pow wow St. Joe's
9/21-9/25 Homecoming Week District-Wide
9/21 Technology Committee 4:00 PM HS V-Tel
9/22 Bully Prevention Task Force 4:00 PM High School
9/22 Coronation 8:00 PM Armory
9/23 SMART Board Training 4:00-6:00 PM High School
9/27-9/28 6th Annual Indian Education Conference Rapid City
9/28 Next Regular School Board Meeting 6:30 PM HS Media Center

School Board Meeting 9-28-09

Please view the School Board Meeting Agenda for Monday September 28, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm

Please view the School Board Meeting Minutes from Monday September 14, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Minutes.htm

H1N1 Update

H1N1(A) Influenza Update

South Dakota Department of Health
Friday, September 11, 2009

The Department of Health provides this weekly update about H1N1 influenza preparedness and prevention efforts. It is distributed every Friday and is archived on the web at http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/.

General Information
H1N1(A) continues to present as moderate illness
Southeastern US seeing most cases but pattern is same- affecting younger age groups, few hospitalizations, no change in virus
Pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions most at risk; elderly less affected, may have immunity due to previous exposure to similar viruses

SD Case Information
135 total cases reported in 27 counties; 3 total hospitalizations updates posted every Friday at http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/surveillance.aspx

New Guidance & Resources
CDC guidance for antiviral use - http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm antivirals should be reserved for those at high risk overuse is a concern
Chart illustrating which groups should get H1N1 vaccine and which should get seasonal flu vaccine - http://doh.sd.gov/H1N1/PDF/H1N1targetgroups.pdf
SD H1N1 news releases - http://doh.sd.gov/News/2009.aspx
CDC H1N1 website http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Vaccine Information
CDC indicates preliminary data shows H1N1 flu vaccine is producing immunity in adults after 1 dose. If confirmed and FDA-approved, this is good news and means we can cover more people more quickly and conveniently. Results in children not yet available; vaccine-induced immunity after a single dose of seasonal flu vaccine is limited for kids under 9, making it more likely that they may need two doses of H1N1 vaccine.
SD to receive about 110,000 doses by mid-October, 48,000 doses weekly thereafter
Initial doses targeted to groups at highest risk for H1N1
o Pregnant women
o People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months
o Children 6 months to 4 years
o Children 5-18 years with chronic health conditions
o Health care and emergency medical services workers (hospitals manage distribution of vaccine to health care workers; ambulance services for EMS)
As more vaccine available, it will be administered beyond priority groups
Federal govt will purchase vaccine, supplies to administer it and distribute to states
Vaccination is voluntary
Vaccine is free but some providers may charge an administration fee
Seasonal flu vaccine should be given as soon as available to appropriate target groups; SD reported 525 hospitalizations for seasonal flu last year and 4 deaths

Fine Arts/Event Center Survey

For Immediate Release 8/14/09

Contact Person: Dr. Tim Mitchell, Superintendent, Chamberlain School District 7-1
Phone: 234-4477
E-Mail: tim.mitchell@k12.sd.us

Chamberlain City Commission and Chamberlain School Board Seek Your Input on Facility Development

The 2007 Community Resource Team Assessment sponsored by Chamberlain/Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Francis Case Development Corporation identified the need for additional community facilities to host fine arts events and other community events. The Chamberlain City Commission and Chamberlain School District Board of Education have been exploring options to meet those needs for the patrons of our community and school district. Those discussions have resulted in several options.

Options being discussed and considered include:

A Fine Arts Center, which would accommodate theatre style seating for approximately 500 people. The primary use for this facility would be for music and theatrical performances. However, we anticipate that it would also be used for training seminars, community education, events like the high school senior awards night, and other community events. Estimated costs range from $2.5 million to $4.0 million. Funding could be accomplished through donations, school funds, city funds, grants, and taxes. Potential location could include a renovation of the Chamberlain City Hall or new construction attached to the Chamberlain High School.

An Event Center, which would contain athletic facilities and seating for 2,000-3,000 people. It could be used for athletic practices, youth sporting events, high school district and regional tournaments, sports shows, fine art performances where large seating capacity is required, and other community events. Estimated costs range from $8.0 million to $10.0 million. Funding could be accomplished through private donations, school funds, city funds, grants, and taxes. Probable location would be attached to the Chamberlain High School.

One potential funding option (for either of the options above), that the citizens need to consider, is the passing of a bond issue. In 2012, the taxpayers of the Chamberlain School District will complete payment of the 12 million dollar bond issue passed to pay for the construction of the current high school. If the taxpayers passed a new bond issue of a similar amount, approximately 12 million dollars of facilities could be constructed without the taxpayers seeing any increase in the property tax mill levy over what they are currently paying.

To continue this process and make this important long-term decision, we feel that it is important to gather a better understanding from the taxpayers. You can do that by helping complete a short survey.

The survey can be completed online at any of the following websites:
CSD 7-1 Website: www.chamberlain.k12.sd.us
COACC/CVB/LFCDC Website: http://www.chamberlainsd.org/
Chamberlain Oacoma Sun Website: http://www.chamberlainsun.com
Chamberlain-City-www.chamberlainsd.net
Printed copies can be obtained:
Chamberlain School Administration Building
Chamberlain High School
Chamberlain Elementary School
City Offices
COACC/CVB/LFCDC Office
Cozard Memorial Library
Request by Mail-301 East Kellam Ave
Request by E-mail-tim.mitchell@k12.sd.us
Central Dakota Times-Insert in Paper
Chamberlain Oacoma Sun-Insert in Paper

All surveys should be returned to the Chamberlain School District Administration Building, 301 East Kellam Ave no later than September 18, 2009 for final tabulation of results.

Once the results have been tabulated the Chamberlain School Board and Chamberlain City Commission will schedule a Joint Meeting to review the results and take further public input.

School Board Meeting 8-24-09

Please view the School Board Meeting Agenda for Monday August 24, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Agendas.htm

Please view the School Board Meeting Minutes from Monday August 10, 2009 at:

http://tm026.k12.sd.us/2009-2010%20School%20Board%20Minutes.htm

Upcoming Dates 8/24-9/7

8/24 Tech Paths Teacher Leadership Team 2:00-3:30 PM K-6 Conference Room
8/24 Regular School Board Meeting 6:30 PM HS Chorus Room
8/25 A-Team 7:00 AM White House
8/26 School Improvement Leadership Team 4:00 PM HS V-Tel Room
9/1 Pandemic Flu Community Planning 9:00 AM Mid-Dakota MC
9/1 Administration & Ministerial Assn Meeting 12:00 PM High School
9/2 Mitchell Area Supt Meeting 11:00 AM Mitchell
9/3 Early Release-Data Retreat 12:30 PM District-Wide
9/4 No School District-Wide
9/7 No School-Labor Day District-Wide

1st Day of School

I love the first day of school! This will be my 26th since entering education. I still get the same feeling of excitement the night before. My wife shared with me that she was awake most of the night because she was anxious to get to her classroom with her new 5th graders.

I started the day on 7th & 8th grade transfer bus duty at the Armory. All the communication that I monitored from the buses was positive and everything seemed to go as planned. I am sure there will be some minor bumps today, but so far the day seems to be turning out quite well. The cooler weather helps!

I hope I never lose that excitement for the 1st day. Here's to a great start of the school year!

Preservice Agenda Tuesday August 19

Tuesday--August 18, 2009

7:30 AM-8:00 AM Continental Breakfast (Dice Financial-Dakota Care)
High School Multi-Purpose Room

7:45 AM-8:30 AM Health Insurance Update—Dice Financial
2009-2010 Negotiated Agreement Update
High School Multi-Purpose Room

8:30 AM-10:00 AM Grade 7-12 Staff-What Great Teachers Do Differently, T. Whitaker
Facilitators: D. Johnson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6-Team Meetings
Topics: Professional Learning Communities Agenda
Location: Selected Locations in Grade K-6 Building

Grade K-12 Regular & SPED Instructional Aides
Topics: Professionalism and Confidentiality
Facilitator: D. Olson
Location: High School B-7

10:00 AM-10:15 AM Break

10:15 AM-11:30 AM Grade 7-12 Staff-Professional Development Plans
Facilitators: D. Johnson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6-Team Meetings
Topics: Professional Learning Communities Agenda
Location: Selected Locations in Grade K-6 Building

Grade K-12 Regular & SPED Instructional Aides
Facilitator: D. Olson
Location: High School B-7

11:30 PM-12:30 PM Lunch provided for all staff
High School Multi-Purpose Room
(Sponsored Chamberlain School District 7-1)

12:30 PM-2:15 PM Grade 7-12 Staff-Department Meetings

(Professional Learning Communities Agenda)
Facilitators: A. Bertram, D. Johnson, D. Olson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6 Staff-Motivating the Unmotivated Student-Part 2
Facilitator: T. Mitchell
Location: High School Room B-7

Grade K-12 SPED Staff-Staff Meeting
Facilitator: Valerie Johnson
Location: High School Room B-4

2:15 PM-2:45 PM Break-Ice Cream Social-Sponsored by Wells Fargo

2:45 PM-3:15 PM Grades 7/8-Laptop Cart Training
Facilitator: B. Peterson
Location: Middle School Science Room-E13

Grade 9-12 Staff-Follow-Up from Previous Sessions
Facilitators: D. Johnson/D. Olson
Location: High School Room B-6

2:45 PM-4:00 PM Grade K-6 Staff-Work in Classrooms

3:15-4:00 PM Grade 7-12 Staff-Work in Classrooms

4:00 PM-5:00 PM Science Committee Meeting
Facilitator: T. Mitchell
Location: High School V-Tel Room

New Staff Orientation

It was energizing today for me to meet new staff and then present an introduction to the district to the 1st and 2nd year staff in attendance. As these staff members progress through their 1st and 2nd year, I hope that we will all take the opportunity to welcome and help them to be successful.

I also look forward to seeing all the staff return on Monday morning for Preservice. Please review your schedule. A copy was e-mailed to you and you will also find a printed one in your Preservice Folder. I have also posted Monday's schedule on this Blog. I will also post Tuesday.

My 2009-2010 Goal:

To create conditions for you to succeed by helping you find meaning, increased skill development and personal satisfaction in making contributions that simultaneously fulfill your own goals and the goals of the organization!

Welcome New Staff

K-6
Katherine Padilla-Grade 5-8 Instrumental Music w/Marching Band
Amanda Audiss-Project PAWS Coordinator and Title I Teacher
Larry Morman-Grade K-6 Physical Education & Technical Support w/ 7/8 FB
Doug Carlson-7/8 Football
Joel Bergeson-Grade K-6 Principal

7-12
Timothy Baustian-8th Grade Social Science
Sarah Iverson- Grade 7-12 Special Education Teacher

K-12
Valerie Johnson-K-12 Special Education Director

Staff Changes
Holly Pusch-Grade 9-12 Instrumental Music w/Marching Band
Judy Jones-Grades 7-12 Detention Supervisor
Allan Bertram-Full-time Assistant Grade 7-12 Principal
Jeff Steckelbberg-.71 FTE Social Science Teaching
Holly Evans- Asst. Track Coach

Preservice Agenda Monday August 17, 2009

Pre-Service Days-Fall 2009
Chamberlain School District 7-1
August 17-18, 2009
“Building a Professional Learning Communities”

Monday - August 17, 2009

8:00 AM-8:30 AM Continental Breakfast (First Dakota National Bank)
Chamberlain High School Multi-Purpose Room

8:15 AM New Staff Pictures
Chamberlain High School Multi-Purpose Room

8:20 AM-9:15 AM Welcome by Mr. Mitchell
Introduction of new staff-Building Principals
Announcements/Agenda Review/Review Handouts & Folders
Presentation: “The 3 Big Ideas of PLCs”
H1N1 Update
Sheryl Larson-21st Century Skills Teacher Academy-Thinkfinity
Chamberlain High School Multi-Purpose Room

9:15 AM-10:15 AM Grade 7-12 Staff-Project Sharing (Tier II Evaluation)
Facilitators: Tier II Staff/D. Johnson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6-Staff-School-Wide Meeting
Facilitators: Joel Bergeson
Location: High School Room B-7

10:15 AM-10:30 AM Break

10:30 AM-11:30 PM Grade 7-12 Staff-Anti-Bullying/Teen Biz/Writing to Win
Initiatives
Facilitators: A. Bertram, D. Johnson, D. Olson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6-Staff-School-Wide Meeting
Facilitator: Joel Bergeson
Location: High School Room B-7

11:30 PM-12:30 PM Lunch-provided (Sponsored by Chamberlain School District)
Chamberlain High School Multi-Purpose Room

12:30 PM-2:15 PM Grade 7-12 Staff-Staff Meeting (Handbooks, etc.)
Bring your favorite book (that you read this summer) to the meeting!
Facilitators: A. Bertram, D. Johnson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6 Staff-SD Discovery Center & Introduction to FOSS
Interactive Science
Facilitator: SD Discovery Center Staff
Location: High School Room B-7

2:15 PM-2:30 PM Break (Sponsored by Thrivent)


2:30 PM-4:00 PM Grade 7-12 Staff-Staff Meeting continued.
Facilitators: A. Bertram, D. Johnson
Location: High School Room B-6

Grade K-6 Staff-Motivating the Unmotivated Student-Part 1
Facilitator: T. Mitchell
Location: High School Room B-7

3:30 PM-4:00 PM Grade K-12 Staff that Distribute Medications
Medication Administration Changes for 2009-2010
Facilitator: L. Johnson
Location: High School V-Tel Room

4:00 PM-5:00 PM School Improvement Leadership Team Meeting
Facilitator: T. Mitchell
Location: High School V-Tel Room

5:30 PM-7:00 PM 6th Annual School Board Supper & Social
High School Multi-Purpose Room

New School Year 2009-2010

August 17-18, 2009 Preservice Days
“Becoming a Professional Learning Community”

All employees are invited to breakfast and the 1st session on Monday August 17, 2009. The breakfast is from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM at Chamberlain High School Multi-Purpose Room and will once again be sponsored by First Dakota Bank of Chamberlain. They are also sponsoring door prizes so don’t forget to sign-up!!! We will use 8:20 AM to 9:00 AM for introductions and announcements. A final agenda for the Preservice days will be included in your employee folder that you can pick up at the breakfast on Monday morning.

***Please note that lunch for both days of Preservice will be provided for everyone on-site at the workshop and will be sponsored by the Chamberlain School District 7-1***

One hour of graduate credit is available through Dakota Wesleyan University at a cost of $55.00
Course Title: “Becoming a Professional Learning Community”
Sign-up and Information: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM at Chamberlain High School Multi-Purpose Room-August 17th
Contact: Debbie Johnson 234-4467 or deb.johnson@k12.sd.us