Principal’s Hello!
Hey, Golden Eagle families! I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful weather!
We’ve had a nice week here at PCMS. Our Pacific Crest Community Organization helped us serve delicious coffee, snacks, and meals throughout this past week in celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Both my parents were teachers, and I think teachers just might be my favorite people in the world. Teachers make the world go around! If you have a moment, please send a three-sentence email of thanks to one of your student’s teachers. These might seem like small gestures, but they truly matter and feel so good. The letters and emails I received from my students and parents over the years are some of my most favorite possessions.
And Happy Mothers Day! Enjoy the sunshine with people you love!
Sean
DEADLINE IS MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! 8th Grade Photos
All guardians of 8th grade student have received a few emails the past couple of weeks with instructions on “how to” upload your student’s photo. Deadline (no exceptions) is midnight tonight or you will miss the opportunity to see your child, with their fellow classmates, on the big screen at Leaving the Nest Promotion Ceremony on June 15th. As of today, we have received 108 photos but we have 118 8th grade students. Hummm…who hasn’t uploaded?Contact Deb Mullen at (541) 355-7801 if you have any questions.
Math Bypass Test for 6th & 7th Graders
Is your student excelling in math or has your child talked about wanting more of a challenge in math? Maybe the class teacher has indicated your child should take a placement level test for math next year? This FAQ is designed to answer most of the questions that parents have regarding this process.
How many students are typically prepared to accelerate a level in math?
In the 22-23 school year, less than 3% of students assessed on the bypass test showed proficiency to accelerate a level in math. To skip an entire level, students should be able to justify and generalize the big math ideas in the grade level they are by passing, not simply complete formulas.
What assessment will be used or how will teachers and administrators decide if my child is ready to accelerate a level of math?
While formal assessments will play a key role in determining the appropriateness of your child being promoted a grade level in math, classroom success is a key marker as well. Your child should also be consistently receiving grades of an A or Mastery. It is appropriate to discuss with your child’s teacher if this is a recommended step.
We will use the nationally-normed screening assessment called I-Ready. This assessment is designed to compare thousands of students’ content knowledge and application from across the country and provide a rating in four math categories (Numbers and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data, . and Algebra and Algebraic Thinking) Students must show that they have knowledge of the grade level they plan to skip in all four categories.
This assessment will be given during the week of June 5th at all middle school locations and will be given the first part of their day while Ipads are still fully charged. Your child’s middle school will coordinate the testing so you do not need to do anything but be sure that their Ipad is charged the night before.
Tuesday , June 6 at Pacific Crest Middle School / 9 AM
*** Please register your student HERE to take the assessment on June 6th
The assessment will take your child approximately 60-80 minutes. The second data point that may be used is the state mathematics test, OSAS (Oregon State Assessment System.) These together, will recommend your child’s placement. Ultimately parents together with their child’s middle school teacher will make the decision based on this data.
Can students take math online through Bend La Pine this summer in order to prepare to skip a grade level in middle school? Is this recommended?
Bend LaPine Online offers many courses to students to take during the year or over the summer. While there is an option for students to take the course during the summer, it does not guarantee placement in the next course in the fall. Student schedules require a great deal of work over the summer by staff members. If your child successfully completes a Math course with a B or above, then a new course placement will be considered.
Are there any opportunities for TAG students in math outside of the math classroom, any additional programs,etc?
There is an easy to use and free web site called openmiddle.com that has some deep thinking and challenging problems for students. The program goes through Calculus so students can try problems above and below their grade level. These problems will give you a sense if your child is truly ready to skip a grade.
Is there any other information families should know about accelerating a level of math in middle school?
Parents, talk to your child and think about why they want to skip a grade level of math. What is your child’s math experience? Do they see themselves as a successful mathematician? Can they persevere when under productive struggle? Missing a year of middle school math may put students on a path that curtails their enjoyment of a subject they once enjoyed. This is a decision that parents and their child should regard carefully. We do understand that there are students truly ready to skip a grade and we want to identify those students.
If you have further questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Contact Information:
Linda Adams, Secondary Math Instructional Coach
Email: [email protected]
Kerry Morton, K-5 Math Instructional Coach
Email: [email protected]
Free Re-connected Kids Summit is coming up May 10-12 online
To attend this free event, make sure you’re registered here. If you’ve already registered, you have an email from [email protected] with how to access the virtual event. Contact us here with questions.
Use this speaker guide to help you prioritize which interviews you want to watch during the event. We release a new set of interviews each day at 9 am Eastern (NYC time) online. You have 24 hours to watch each set of speakers for free. If you’d like to watch all the interviews at your own pace, learn about upgrading to own the recordings here. We hope you love the event as much as we’ve loved putting it together for you! Click here for speaker guide.
Calendar
- May 17 | Track Meet vs. Cascade MS, St. Francis & 7 Peaks @ PCMS | 3:15pm
- May 25 | NEW DATE! 5th Grade Family Welcome Night | 6:00-8:00pm
- May 29 | No School | Memorial Day
- June 7 | NJHS Induction Ceremony @ 6:00pm | PCMS Gym
- June 14 | Full day of School for PCMS Students | 8:50 AM – 3:45 PM
- June 15 | Leaving the Nest | 8th Grade Ceremony & Reception | 6:00 – 7:15 PM | PCMS Gym
- June 16 | All School Field Day | Last Day of School |Early Release at 2:15 PM
Helpful Links