Items discussed:

Dr. Conroy discussed:

PBIS: Our January meeting was pushed back a few weeks so that we could complete first Semester and get started with second Semester.  Upon our return from winter break, we did a "reset" of our McCormick behavior expectations by creating a few Powerpoint presentations for advisory teachers to present.  These presentations focused on the 3 B's... Be Safe. Be Responsible. Be Respectful.  Teachers asked their students their thoughts on why these rules are important and to give examples. Students have also been randomly stopped in the hallway by administrators, asked to name one of the 3 B's and if they were able to answer correctly, they were given a reward.  We also had a spirit week and were pleased with the participation.

Other rule reminders have been mentioned during our afternoon announcements.  These have included:  no headgear in the school building, including hoodies and hats,  no technology items (except for school issued iPads) are to be out during the school day, reminder that hall passes are required when out of class, to follow the directional arrows when moving around in the hallways, and what times during the day that lockers can be accessed.

Principal Advisory Cabinet: A group of students met as an advisory cabinet last week with the principals.  Students identified things that they considered positives here at McCormick.  They liked:  being greeted by teachers as they come to school in the morning, Networks of Support activities, after school clubs and athletics, free lunches, going outside each day / mask breaks, spirit days, and feeling safe.

Things to improve on:  Students would like more time during advisement for homework, they  mentioned that the lunch lines are too long and 3rd lunch runs out of food options, they want to be able to play basketball during their lunch recess, would like a "hat day" and a "field day".

Networks of Support:  For the January activity, 8th grade students met through their science classes and participated in trust activities.  Students are really beginning to feel comfortable interacting and participating.  More details can be found on the Networks of Support section of our website.

Mrs. Troudt discussed:

Athletics: Boys basketball is going well.  We have approximately 120 boys out.  All of our home games are being played here at McCormick except for a few Saturday games at Storey Gym.  Our Covid procedures are running smoothly.  Each athlete may have 2 spectators and must wear a mask while in the building.

Swimming sign-ups begin today, February 1, 2021.

Advisement: Students have received iPad training on Keynote and the dictation (Speech to Text) features.  These training modules will continue throughout the remainder of the year.

Course Selection for 2021-2022 School year: All details can be found on the course selection block on our website.

Mrs. McClinton discussed:

Wy-Topp testing: The Wy-Topp assessments were given to students on Tuesday, 1/26 and Wednesday, 1/27.  For the Winter administration, students were grouped with their advisement classes and tested for most of the day.  Snacks and breaks were provided and students were given time to complete their tests at their own speed.  This is a change from our previous testing schedule.  It allowed for less missed instructional class time and decreased the number of make-up tests that needed to be done.  Preliminary data shows an increase in proficient and advanced scores and a decrease in student scores that are basic and below-basic.  We are anxious to receive feedback from our teachers at the next faculty meeting.

Items discussed:

Dr. Conroy discussed:

The McCormick faculty and staff are doing an outstanding job teaching in the classroom and keeping their Canvas pages up-to-date for those students that are learning from home due to illness or quarantine.  IPads are being used daily and are working well for students. 

The School District is working closely with the Laramie County Health department and senior leadership meets with them often to make decisions and go over procedures in regards to COVID-19.  Thank you for reminding your students to wear their masks correctly and to wash their hands regularly.

Olweus Survey:  498 students took the Olweus survey which gives us feedback on how students view bullying. Verbal bullying (name calling and teasing) were the most reported type of bullying (6-7%) followed by exclusion (4-6%), physical (1-3%), and rumors (1%).

We did see that 69% of students surveyed would try to stop bullying if they witnessed it happening to one of their peers.

Wendy Dryden discussed:

Networks of Support:  8th grade students participated in their first Warrior Rendezvous in October focusing on connections at McCormick.  Our Networks of Support team planned this event which was done through English classes and consisted of a 15 minute activity, small group conversation, a time for sharing ideas, and a closing activity. 

November's Warrior Rendezvous will focus on the question:  What are the characteristics of a trusted adult and who are your trusted adults at school.  This will take place during a social studies class.

December will focus on identifying trusted adults outside of the McCormick community.

The Networks of Support group will be looking for student leaders and applications will be going out soon to 8th grade students that might be interested.

Mrs. Troudt discussed:

In advisory classes, 7th grade students are learning and thinking about personal road blocks, adversity, and ways to achieve personal goals.  8th grade classes are looking at plans for the future and how they might acquire the skill set needed to be successful.

On Friday, November 6th, students took part in a lesson focusing on diversity, prejudice, and stereotypes.

Athletics:  Currently we have girls basketball and wrestling going on at McCormick.  We are using an online ticketing reservation process for spectators. That link was sent to athletes by their coaches. 

Mrs. McClinton discussed:

PBIS:  We invited you to participate in completing the School Climate Survey. This survey included questions about your student’s learning, school safety, and interpersonal relationships, as well as your attitudes about the institutional environment and your personal involvement in school. From your responses, we learned that one area we need to improve upon is student recognition.  We are planning a new school wide program called "Warrior Wins" and will be focusing on respect and thankfulness for this first incentive.  The PBIS committee is also working to align our school documents with district documents for consistency. 

AVID:  November's focus is writing and we will be using graphic organizers and focused note taking strategies.

WY-TOPP:  Advisory teachers will received individual student reports and goal setting documents and will be meeting with students to have a mini-conference to review strengths and areas for growth.