Thursday, October 18, 2012

AR Lunch Bunch

Reading is such an important skill for our students to develop and to continue developing as they progress in school.  The more a student reads, the more their vocabulary is developed.  The new STAAR requires our students to think critically about what they are reading.  Additionally, students are asked to apply what they read to problem solve across different content areas such as math, science and social studies. 

In an effort to encourage more students to read, Lorena Middle School has started a new incentive program.  Each six weeks for the first 5 six weeks, students who reach 100% of their AR goal will be entered into a drawing to travel off campus for a pizza lunch.  Two students from each grade will have their names drawn and travel with the principals for lunch.

At the end of the year, students who have reached 100% of their goal for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th six weeks grading periods will be entered into a drawing for a Nook or a Kindle.

Another way Lorena MS encourages students to read and challenge themselves is to reward all students who have earned 50 points in December with a Coke Float Party.  Students who earn 100 points in the school year are rewarded with a picnic at the end of the year.

All students who reach 100% of their AR goal each six weeks will have their name posted on the AR STAR Wall. Thank you in advance for encouraging your student to Read More and Learn More.

Accelerated Reader (AR) Helpful Hints


What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?
AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children's independent reading practice.  Your child picks a book at this own level and reads it at his own pace.  When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer.  (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.)  AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.

Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them.  This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them.

Teachers and librarians help your child choose books at an appropriate reading level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and experience success.

If your child does not do well on the quiz, the teacher may help him:
* Choose another book that is more appropriate.
* Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before he takes a quiz.
* Pair your child with another student, or even have the book read to your child.

How can I help my child become a better reader?
As with anything, performance improves with practice. Encourage your child to read at home. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local library or bookstore on a regular basis, letting your child see you reading, and discussing books that each of you have read. When reading with your child, stop and ask questions to be sure your child comprehends what is read. Reading with your child, no matter what the child’s age, is an important part of developing a good reader, building a lifelong love of reading and learning, and creating a loving relationship between you and your child. Make learning a family affair!

What if my child doesn't like reading?
Using Accelerated Reader, your child will choose the books he wants to read.  The teacher will make certain the book is at the right level so that after completing the book, your child should do well on the AR Reading Practice Quiz.  Success on the quiz will encourage your child to read more.  With guidance from the teacher, and success, even students who say they don't like reading can develop a love of reading.

How do I use the Parent Portal?
To find out what your child is reading and/or how they are doing in AR you can check the parent portal.  https://hosted268.renlearn.com/304436/homeconnect/login.aspx
The picture to the right is the screen you will see. The User Name is your child’s first and last name with no spaces.  Then enter your child’s password which is usually the last four digits of their social security code. 
Parent Portal After Logging In

This screen will let you know how your child is currently doing on each test and for the entire school year.  It also will tell you what books your students are reading.

Up at the top of the screen there are options you can choose.  These are the options and how they will help you.

The Espanola link will change everything on the page to Spanish.



The Email Setup link, once created, will send you an email automatically as soon as a student's test is submitted.  It is a great resource to keep you informed of when they test and how they perform. 

The Help link will give you information on Reading Practice Quizzes, Vocabulary Practice Quizzes, My Overall Progress, My Last Quiz and Book Details, Reader Certifications, how to Find Books, and a Parent’s Guide to Accelerated Reader.


My child already does well in school.  Why does she need this?
Even if a child is gifted at playing a musical instrument, she has to practice to develop her talent.  Bright children, like all children, need to be challenged.  Teachers using AR software in their classrooms find it easy to guide each student to books that give the child both challenge and success, regardless of the child's level.


My child is not a strong reader.  Can she still use Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader helps all children become better readers, from students with special needs to those who are gifted and talented.  When children read books at an appropriate level, they experience success.  Furthermore, teachers work with children to set appropriate goals based on each child's reading level.




Monday, October 1, 2012

October Teacher of the Month

Congratulations to Coach Pierce! He has been nominated and selected for the honor of Teacher of the Month for October.  Coach Pierce is starting his 13th year at Lorena I.S.D.  He coaches boys' P.E. and Athletics.  Coach Pierce helps facilitate the D.A.R.E. program with our McLennan County Sheriff's Department, recognizes students for the Leopard Marathon and helps organize the Leopard Olympics.


Coach Pierce and the
Coveted Leopard Paw Chair
Coach Pierce is most excited about having the Leopard Paw Chair for the month of October.  Because he parks in the back of the school, he wanted Mrs. Cargill, September's Teacher of the Month, to keep the reserved front Teacher of the Month parking space.

Below is the letter of nomination Coach Pierce received:

Coach Pierce is dedicated! I do not think I have ever been to school, 6:30 a.m. to way after hours, that he is NOT there.  Coach Pierce communicates.  He sends letters home with information on his expectations. He also sends the kids letters during the summer and a note to the parents when they do something exceptionally well. This is motivating and encouraging to the student.  He loves the kids.  Coach Pierce may expect a lot, but my children have all learned respect and responsibility from him.  These are life long traits.  I am so glad he cares enough to have high expectations and make the kids responsible. Coach Pierce includes EVERYONE no matter their ability. 

I have watched Coach Pierce for many years take the "underdog" and allow him a chance to succeed.  Whether the student gets to play a sport or be the water boy, Coach Pierce creates a job/situation that the child can gain confidence and the support of his teammates.  This is a VERY hard task to achieve ad I have watched him foster many students over the years.  Coach Pierce is ORGANIZED!! He keeps the gym, storage building, and locker room in perfect order.  I often wonder how he keeps up with uniforms, water bottles, and equipment so well.  He uses our money wisely.  Coach Pierce makes do with what he has and even creates a training tool out of things that are broken. 

Coach Pierce goes above and beyond EVERY day and he should be honored for that.

Congratulations Coach Pierce!

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for Teacher of the Month, please go to the following link LMS Teacher of the Month Nomination Form or contact the front office at 254-857-4621.

After School Math Tutoring

Math tutoring is available at Lorena Middle School each Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.  Students in grades 5 through 8 are encouraged to bring any math homework with which they are struggling.  Math tutoring takes place in the LMS Math Lab and is facilitated by our Math Interventionist, Mrs. Jeffrey.  If you have questions, you may click here to email Mrs. Jeffrey

There is no fee to attend after school math tutoring, however, transportation is not provided.  Students may be picked up in the front of the building.