Welcome- 6 GreenWelcome- 6 GreenWhen you enter, please sign in

with your child’s homebase teacher. Student envelopes will

be distributed.

Team TeachersMr. Allen - Math and Science• Phone:716-492-9300 Ext. 2205• E-mail: wallen@pioneercsd.org Miss Schaper- ELA and Social Studies• Phone: 716-492-9300 Ext. 2203• E-mail: aschaper@pioneercsd.org

• Mr. Setter- ELA and Math Resource

Exploratory Teachers• Mrs. LoBianco – FACS• Ms. Gizzarelli - FACS• *Ms. Stabell – Music*• Mr. Reagan - Music• Mr. Burch – Music• Mrs. Catalano – Music• Mrs. Higgins – Music• Mr. Necci – Art• Mr. Daggett - Art

• Mr. Root – Tech• Mr. Tackett – Tech• Mrs. Moore – P. E.• Mrs. Cashmore – P.

E.• Mr. Pukalo – P. E.• Mr. Asquith – P. E.

Support Services• Guidance Counselors

– Mrs. Boberg A - K– Ms. Roth L - Z

• Social Worker – Ms. Koser• School Psychologist – Ms. Cooney• Nurse – Mrs. Strait• Media Specialist – Ms. Muhlbauer• Attendance – Mrs. Law (please

remember to send an excuse for your child’s absence)

Important Dates• September 4th Students First Day of School

• October 3rd Picture Day (Make ups November 7th)

• October 10th 5-Week Progress Reports

• October 13th Columbus Day Observed (No School)

• October 23rd Numeracy Night

• November 11th Veterans Day (No School)

• November 14th End of Marking Period #1

• November 25th Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

12:00pm to 7:00pm

• November 26th Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

7:30am to 2:00pm

• November 27th – 30thth Thanksgiving Break

Common Core• The Common Core is an effort to develop

consistent academic standards across the country.

• “The new standards are more rigorous, involving more writing across all subject areas, a greater emphasis on non-fiction and a different approach to math that requires students to work through complex, multistep math problems.”

• *The Buffalo News- August 20, 2014

ELA Workshop• Miss Schaper -60 minute blocks• Workshop model includes students

reading books within their individual reading levels as well as Module texts.

• Writing instruction includes conferencing and setting and meeting writing goals.

• Book baggies will be coming home!

2014-2015Module Implementation for

ELA• NYS has introduced “Module” units as a way of successfully

implementing all of the Common Core Shifts.• A “Module” is an 8 week unit of study which incorporates a

fictional text and several corresponding informational texts. • These “Modules” stress high-level analysis and text dissection. • In other words, this work will be extremely challenging and require

persistence in the classroom and at home. • Content areas will begin applying these modules this year.• These modules emphasize rigor, complex informational texts, close

reading, and analytical response to literature. • In addition to the Module, ELA classrooms will continue with the

Reading and Writing Workshop Philosophy, maintaining a focus on student accountability.

First Module Text The Lightning Thief

Reading Log

Writer’s Workshop• Units of study include: narrative,

informational/essay and argument.• Writing notebooks are

“containers” of ideas and possible stories. We encourage you to communicate with your child about his or her notebook…ask to see it!

• Through the writing process and conferring a final piece will be

created and shared.

Writer’s Celebration • At the end of each writing unit we

celebrate finished writing pieces by sharing and displaying student work.

• We will let you know in advance.

Summer Reading Novels

• Organizer and Post-It Notes are due by September 8th

• If you need the forms they are available on the LMC Middle School website.

Math• Mr. Allen- 60 minute blocks• Focus on being fluent with

operations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals

• Units of study- decimals, fractions, expressions, equations, ratios, geometry, and statistics

Sample Word Problem

Past• Mr. Allen is replacing his kitchen

counters. One section measures 3 by 5 feet. What is the total surface area of that section?

The New Common Core

• Mr. Allen is replacing his kitchen counters. One section measures 3 by 5 feet. Another section measures 3 by 6 feet. What is the total surface area of Mr. Allen’s kitchen counters?

• Most of our kids can do this!

The New Common Core

• If the counter top material is sold in 4 feet by 8 feet pieces, how many pieces will Mr. Allen need to buy?

• Will there be any material left over?• Many of our kids find these last parts of

the problem challenging!

One more sample problem!

• Evaluate

The Common Core Standardsfor Math and ELA

• Are aligned with college and work expectations;• Are clear, understandable, and consistent;• Include rigorous content and application of knowledge

through high-order skills;• Build on strengths and lessons of current state

standards;• Are informed by other top-performing countries, so that

all students are prepared to succeed in a global economy and society;

• Are evidence-based.

Math Resources• https://learnzillion.com/

• https://www.khanacademy.org/• (Khan Academy is also available through You-Tube)

• http://www.watchknowlearn.org/Category.aspx?CategoryID=81

• http://www.pioneerschools.org/Page/6220

Science & Social Studies

• Science units are based around physics and earth science.

• Social Studies is an introduction to world history from early man up to and including the Middle Ages!

Team Homework Policy• Late Homework is accepted in Math

and ELA until a certain deadline- usually at the end of the quarter.

• Corrections on math homework are expected.

• Homework is always posted in the classroom.

• Check your child’s agenda daily.

Team Supply List

Backpack and Draw String Bag Policy for 2014-15!

Backpacks and draw string bags are allowed to be carried to and from school, but will not be allowed to be carried from class to class throughout the school day.  Thank you!

Field TripPrevious trips have included a Buffalo Bisons game and the Buffalo Museum of Science

After School ProgramBEGINS SEPTEMBER 4th, 2014

Is composed of two components:

Academic Program:• Work on homework, project or a quiet place to read.

Recreation Program:• Various athletics, crafts, or hands-on activities.

*Permission slips are necessary for all after school activities.

Forms will be available at the Main Office, the Greeter’s Desk or on the Pioneer homepage.

Student Involvement Opportunities

• Science Olympiads• Chess Club• Certified Babysitting Training• Dance Class• Panther Productions• Musical• Junior FFA

• Marching Band• Yearbook Club• Leo Club• Recreation Program• Student Council• Newspaper Club• Safe School

Ambassadors• Running Club

Agenda/ID Card Use

• Important pages in the agenda and go over important information

• New Agendas every 10 weeks• ID Card required to borrow books

from LMC• ID Card required to buy lunch

Forms• The following are forms in your packet

– *Emergency Card*– Introducing Your Child– After-School Program– Student Residency Form– Media Consent Form– Parent Volunteer Form– Free and Reduced Lunch Form– Right to Know Form (Asbestos, Pesticides, etc.)

• Please complete the emergency card before you leave

• Please turn in completed forms to homeroom teacher as soon as possible.

PowerSchool

• “PowerSchool Portal” is now available

• Parents are able to check student’s grades at home

• See Counseling Center for details

How You Can Help Your Child at Home

• Learning does not end in the classroom.

• Children need help and support at home to succeed in their studies.

• Try to create a quiet place for your child to study and devote time every day when your child can concentrate on academics uninterrupted by friends, siblings or other distractions.

Some Activities You Can Do to Support Learning at Home

ELA• Ask your child…”Tell

me what you read today?”

• Sign reading log• Ask to see your child’s

writing notebook• Have conversations

about reading and writing…

Math• Look for word-

problems in real-life (recipes)

• Arithmetic with decimals (balancing check book)

• Using area and volume to solve landscaping questions (garden size, topsoil requirements, etc.)*See “At Home” & “In

School” Strategies handouts

What is PBIS?• Positive Behavioral Interventions

and Support• It is PBIS’s goal to improve student

academic performance and behavior by focusing on positive behaviors

• Homebase connection with teachers, CICO, Targeted Learning Labs, CBG Cards, School Spirit, Behavior Incentives

How can PBIS help?• Identify target areas for

improvement• Improve processes and

procedures• Decrease Problem Behavior• Increase attendance and

academic achievement • Boost staff and student morale

DASA• The Dignity for All Students Act

(The Dignity Act) was established with the broad legislative intent to provide a school environment free of discrimination and harassment.

• Harassment is defined as “creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being;…”

• New for this year: “Cyber bullying” – school must deal with it even if occurred “off campus.”

D.A.S.A. (continued)• School employees must notify

principal within one day of knowledge of event.

• If a response is made, authorities can be involved.

• Instruction must be given on safe and appropriate use of electronics.

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

Thank you for coming!