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January 20, 2015 -- Seventh grade English students have been busy reading and writing. Students have read The Outsiders, 10 Days: Martin Luther King Jr. and many shorter pieces of fiction and nonfiction. They have written several essays as well as shorter writing pieces. The regular English classes are currently reading Call It Courage. This is a story in which a young boy decides to face and conquer his worst fear. It is a story of survival and courage. Students will be creating character selfies for an Instagram bulletin board. The advanced class is currently reading To Kill a Mockingbird. We will specially look at the issues of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles during this time period. All seventh grade students will write a response to literature essay upon the completion of their novel.
Salem Upper Elementary Winter Music Program
December 17, 2014 -- On Tuesday, December 9th the 4th & 5th grade classes of Salem Upper Elementary and “Mallet Madness” presented their Winter Music Program. The students sang and performed choreography to several traditional and contemporary songs. In addition they played recorders, hand bells and xylophones. The final song of the evening, “Let it Go,” was performed by all 130 students and featured several soloists. The students’ performance spread holiday cheer and delighted all those in attendance.
Newton in Action-Reaction
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Julien Wins First Place in Editorial Competition by Rob Wofford
November 6, 2014 -- Nicholas Julien is the first place winner of AT&T’s “It Can Wait” statewide editorial competition. The Missouri Press Association in partnership with AT&T challenged students to write an article urging others to take the “It Can Wait” pledge, a pledge to abstain from distracted driving. The following is his winning article:
A Text or a Life
By Nicholas Julien
Nicholas Julien
American Telephone and Telegraph was incorporated as a subsidiary of American Bell in 1885 with the original goal of establishing a long distance phone network. By 1915 they had a network that ran from New York to San Francisco. Since then we've progressed from home telephones to cell phones, from phone calls to text messages. With that progress, as with all progress, peril has followed. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 11 teenagers are killed every day in texting and driving accidents. Don’t become a statistic, stay safe on the road.
How does one justify texting and driving? Many people don’t. A lot of people who text and drive only do it because it’s expected that they be available at all times. Others think of themselves as the special exclusion, as if they’re immune to accidents because they've never been in one. Still others think that driving is easy enough they don’t need to pay attention to the road, but do any of those reasons really make the reward greater than the risk?
What do you get from texting and driving? The reward is that your friend gets that text five minutes earlier, or your spouse gets that one more “I love you” than you would've been able to send without texting and driving.
Is all that really worth it though, when you look at the risk? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2010 over 400,000 people were injured and over 3,000 people were killed in texting and driving accidents. What makes you think that you’re somehow safer than those hundreds of thousands of people? Maybe you think that driving is easy for you so you don’t have to focus on the road, but a car is a lethal weapon. Texting and driving makes about as much sense as shooting a gun blindfolded.
Perhaps you realize the risks of texting and driving, but you think that your text is important enough to make it worth it. Chandler Gerber did, but he certainly doesn't anymore. Chandler’s story, along with three others, was told in the short documentary “From One Second To The Next” by Werner Herzog. He was texting his wife while driving when he crashed into the back of an Amish buggy. “I love you” was the last text he sent before the crash. The accident killed three children. “It is a big deal, please don’t do it. Don’t ever text and drive,” Chandler said with a haunted and faltering voice.
Are the texts you’re sending really worth your life and the lives of the people around you? Your car is a lethal weapon, treat it like one. Please pledge to never text and drive at itcanwait.com. The next time you hear that text tone, ask yourself if the text you’re about to send is worth losing your life over. I think you’ll find that it can wait.
How does one justify texting and driving? Many people don’t. A lot of people who text and drive only do it because it’s expected that they be available at all times. Others think of themselves as the special exclusion, as if they’re immune to accidents because they've never been in one. Still others think that driving is easy enough they don’t need to pay attention to the road, but do any of those reasons really make the reward greater than the risk?
What do you get from texting and driving? The reward is that your friend gets that text five minutes earlier, or your spouse gets that one more “I love you” than you would've been able to send without texting and driving.
Is all that really worth it though, when you look at the risk? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2010 over 400,000 people were injured and over 3,000 people were killed in texting and driving accidents. What makes you think that you’re somehow safer than those hundreds of thousands of people? Maybe you think that driving is easy for you so you don’t have to focus on the road, but a car is a lethal weapon. Texting and driving makes about as much sense as shooting a gun blindfolded.
Perhaps you realize the risks of texting and driving, but you think that your text is important enough to make it worth it. Chandler Gerber did, but he certainly doesn't anymore. Chandler’s story, along with three others, was told in the short documentary “From One Second To The Next” by Werner Herzog. He was texting his wife while driving when he crashed into the back of an Amish buggy. “I love you” was the last text he sent before the crash. The accident killed three children. “It is a big deal, please don’t do it. Don’t ever text and drive,” Chandler said with a haunted and faltering voice.
Are the texts you’re sending really worth your life and the lives of the people around you? Your car is a lethal weapon, treat it like one. Please pledge to never text and drive at itcanwait.com. The next time you hear that text tone, ask yourself if the text you’re about to send is worth losing your life over. I think you’ll find that it can wait.
Salem Upper Elementary Fall Music Program By Lori Beasley
Lori Beasley,Music Teacher
November 3, 2014 -- On Tuesday, October 28th the Salem Upper Elementary 2nd and 3rd grade classes presented a Fall Musical Program in the Salem High School Gymnasium under the direction of Lori Beasley. Both groups of students dressed according to the theme of their songs. The 2nd graders sang pirate songs, while the 3rd graders kicked up their heels to cowboy tunes. Also performing on the program was “Mallet Madness,” a club comprised of students in grades 3-5 playing xylophones and metallophones. The talented students of Salem Upper Elementary School delighted all those in attendance. The Salem Upper Elementary Winter Program for 4th and 5th grades is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9th, 2014.
RTI
by Hazel Krewson
Hazel Krewson, MS Teacher
October 23, 2014 -- What does it stand for? Response to Intervention What does it mean? It is a multi-tiered approach to help struggling learners. Salem R-80 has been using the RTI approach with our students at the Lower and Upper Elementary schools. This year the Middle School and High School are using this approach also. Tiger Time is utilized Tuesday-Thursday for 26 minutes each day. Friday provides a time of Advisory for teachers to get to know their students.
RTI (Response to Intervention) allows students of all learning abilities to be academically successful. At SMS, teachers meet every four weeks and discuss the following: What subject(s) is the student struggling in and why and which teacher would the student benefit most, academically, from this cycle? Students are then divided up into three tiers. Primarily Tier 1 is made up of students with A/B grades. Tier 2 is made up of students with C grades. Tier 3 is made up of students with D/F grades who need the extra encouragement and instruction to complete the assignments.
All students are given the opportunity to complete work from the core class they are currently assigned to. Students are also given missing/incomplete assignments from other classes to work on as well. Tier 1 students who might “forget” an assignment are also able to get a Tiger Time Pass. This pass allows a specific teacher to request the student come to their room to complete an assignment. The progress students make at each stage of intervention is closely monitored. During each four week cycle, teachers re-access each student’s progress and placement. Teachers have been given the discretion of points earned for work completed during Tiger Time.
The simple thought for RTI is it is in-school tutoring. Tutoring is offered throughout SMS, both before and after school. RTI is an added chance to reach out to those students who are struggling.
Teachers are encouraged to examine their teaching practices and to differentiate instruction to enhance student learning.
RTI allows every student to succeed. Some students feel that once they are behind academically there is no way to recover. RTI allows students that opportunity. Remember, by becoming academically successful, our students are also becoming productive and successful members of society!
RTI (Response to Intervention) allows students of all learning abilities to be academically successful. At SMS, teachers meet every four weeks and discuss the following: What subject(s) is the student struggling in and why and which teacher would the student benefit most, academically, from this cycle? Students are then divided up into three tiers. Primarily Tier 1 is made up of students with A/B grades. Tier 2 is made up of students with C grades. Tier 3 is made up of students with D/F grades who need the extra encouragement and instruction to complete the assignments.
All students are given the opportunity to complete work from the core class they are currently assigned to. Students are also given missing/incomplete assignments from other classes to work on as well. Tier 1 students who might “forget” an assignment are also able to get a Tiger Time Pass. This pass allows a specific teacher to request the student come to their room to complete an assignment. The progress students make at each stage of intervention is closely monitored. During each four week cycle, teachers re-access each student’s progress and placement. Teachers have been given the discretion of points earned for work completed during Tiger Time.
The simple thought for RTI is it is in-school tutoring. Tutoring is offered throughout SMS, both before and after school. RTI is an added chance to reach out to those students who are struggling.
Teachers are encouraged to examine their teaching practices and to differentiate instruction to enhance student learning.
RTI allows every student to succeed. Some students feel that once they are behind academically there is no way to recover. RTI allows students that opportunity. Remember, by becoming academically successful, our students are also becoming productive and successful members of society!
Character, Competence and
Commitment-Part 1 by Richard Parks
Richard Parks,HS Supervisor
October 15, 2014 -- Character, competence and commitment are three words that describe graduates of Salem High School. During my 14 years of being an educator at the high school I have seen students grow and mature. One of the many trademarks of the SHS students is their character. When students first come to high school they are a little intimidated. But, during high school they find out who they are. The students start to realize that their actions have reactions. They start to make plans for their future and develop critical thinking skills that will guide them thru life.
Salem Upper Elementary
PBS Celebration by Melanie Wisdom
Melanie Wisdom,UE Principal
October 9, 2014 -- Salem Upper Elementary students have, once again, shown their safe, respectful and responsible behavior in earning another PBS celebration. This celebration was tied into the Tiger Trail here on campus. Students and their teachers were provided with a scavenger hunt full of nature items to find along the 1.5 mile walking trail. Students not only found the items on the scavenger hunt list, but also saw deer, frogs, and other wildlife along the way. What a great way to spend the afternoon by being outside and incorporating some science at the same time!
Salem Upper Elementary Read "Out"
by Melanie Wisdom
Melanie Wisdom,UE Principal
October 2, 2014 --Salem Upper Elementary students and teachers recently enjoyed a read “out” on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Students received this fun celebration due to their safe, respectful and responsible behavior and earning Tiger tickets for PBS. Students and teachers took blankets and towels out under the shade trees and read their favorite books. It was a fun sight to see students reading to each other, teachers reading and relaxing with their own books, and everyone enjoying the weather and learning at the same time.
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Salem Upper Elementary Teams Up with Sakelaris Ford
January 13, 2015 -- Salem Upper Elementary students and families recently participated in Sakelaris Ford’s “Fill Fords for the Holidays” campaign. Students brought in non-perishable or canned food items to their classroom before the holiday break. Donations from our school were made to five of our food pantries in Dent County. Mrs. Nash’s 5th graders collected 212 of the 473 non-perishable or canned food items. A special thanks to our students and parents for paying it forward this holiday season.
Salem Upper Elementary Teams Up with Healthy Schools Healthy Communities
December 11, 2014 -- Salem R-80 School District is one of 25 districts across the state of Missouri selected to receive a grant from the Missouri Foundation of Health to implement an initiative called Healthy Schools Healthy Communities. The funding allows staff, community and students to work together to increase opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating to ultimately reduce childhood obesity and keep students on the right track to feeling better about themselves. Salem Upper Elementary 5th grade students are being asked to wear a pedometer to track the amount of activity time they get in a week’s time. Melissa Dubois, District Wellness Coordinator, tested the pedometers with our 5th graders and the data collection will begin on Monday, December 15th. This is not only a physical activity booster for our students, but also a responsibility booster, as they have to be responsible for their pedometer at all times and record their steps for data collection.
Christmas Break is just around the corner
by Steve Carvajal
Steve Carvajal,Superintendent
December 9, 2014 -- Hard to believe that we are heading into Christmas break. I think the newness and excitement has started to wear off from all of the building improvements that have been done but everyone loves the improvements. Especially the restrooms! Everything still looks great and the custodians are doing a good job of taking care of all the extra space. Having the new cafeteria in the middle school has really helped curb the traffic during lunch time and the library improvements have just completely changed the atmosphere. We have facilities now that we can be proud of.
Christmas concerts, basketball, band and choir, archery and more are in full swing. Please come out and enjoy the facilities and the activities.
Student attendance has been outstanding for the first semester in all of our buildings. Mr. Smith just informed me that the high school had over 333 students from grades 9-12 that had over 97% attendance and will qualify for finals exemptions.
Government just took their first semester end of course exams and we will have those scores soon.
We have finished our updated CSIP plan. (comprehensive school improvement plan) It was created by a group of stake holders that included parents, community members, teachers, students, administration, and board members. As part of the CSIP the committee developed our new mission statement "The mission of Salem R-80 Schools is to ensure every chance for every child to become a safe, respectful, responsible learner for the 21st Century." It is located on the website under district. A big thanks goes out to all those that attended the meetings and to Mr. McColloch for putting all the data and responses together.
Our free lunch and breakfast program has been very successful in providing meals and getting kids to eat. The numbers for breakfast are up 50% which is outstanding. Lunch numbers were up 10% which is also impressive as many kids were already eating lunch. The great thing is that no child up to grade 8 should ever go hungry at school. Hopefully our numbers will be such that our high school can qualify next year.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you have a great holiday season!
Christmas concerts, basketball, band and choir, archery and more are in full swing. Please come out and enjoy the facilities and the activities.
Student attendance has been outstanding for the first semester in all of our buildings. Mr. Smith just informed me that the high school had over 333 students from grades 9-12 that had over 97% attendance and will qualify for finals exemptions.
Government just took their first semester end of course exams and we will have those scores soon.
We have finished our updated CSIP plan. (comprehensive school improvement plan) It was created by a group of stake holders that included parents, community members, teachers, students, administration, and board members. As part of the CSIP the committee developed our new mission statement "The mission of Salem R-80 Schools is to ensure every chance for every child to become a safe, respectful, responsible learner for the 21st Century." It is located on the website under district. A big thanks goes out to all those that attended the meetings and to Mr. McColloch for putting all the data and responses together.
Our free lunch and breakfast program has been very successful in providing meals and getting kids to eat. The numbers for breakfast are up 50% which is outstanding. Lunch numbers were up 10% which is also impressive as many kids were already eating lunch. The great thing is that no child up to grade 8 should ever go hungry at school. Hopefully our numbers will be such that our high school can qualify next year.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you have a great holiday season!
Bowling for Gold by Joni Bobbitt
On Wednesday, November 19, 2014, the Salem High School attending an Unified Bowling Tournament in Buckhorn, Missouri. Salem High School had students on 6 Unified Teams.
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Team 1 – Received Gold
Cade Sullins Randy Partin Devin Sheetz Deandra Sullins – Unified Bowler Team 2 - Received Gold Rachel Smith Roy Mitchell Georgia Merrick – Unified Bowler Judy Ragsdale – Unified Bowler Team 3 – Received Bronze Jacob Warner Joey Kissee Shelby Michno Logan Conway – Unified Bowler |
Team 4 – Received Silver
Natasha Boyer Jamie Cook Stacy Plank Erin Tune – Unified Bowler Team 5 – Received Silver Maryann Hayes Noah O’Neal Chase Magyar Logan Pogue – Unified Bowler Team 6 – Received Bronze Sarah Volner Christian Ruiz Rebecca Large Kayla Beyer – Unified Bowler |
Veterans Day Thank You!
Nov. 11th is a day we set aside to thank the countless men and women who so freely gave of their time and service to defend the freedom we all hold dear. With that being said the Salem R-80 family would like to say thank you to all the veterans who work at Salem R-80 School and those in our community, your service is very much appreciated.
New Teacher - Familiar Face
by Natalie Sellers
Natalie Sellers,HS Math Teacher
November 3, 2014 -- As a first year teacher in the district, I certainly feel that I have an advantage over the other new teachers , not only because I have taught in the district before, but I'm also a 2008 graduate of Salem High. I was born and raised in Salem, MO and am excited to have the opportunity to return and have an impact on the youth in the area. As an athlete in high school, I had the opportunity of working with children through various camps and refereeing/umpiring jobs during the summer. I remember having little girls come to our games during the season and how excited they were to see and talk to us. It was then I knew what a difference I could make if I went into the field of education. It was at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar where I started to pursue a degree in elementary education and middle school mathematics. After taking calculus my sophomore year, I knew that I wanted to focus more on mathematics so I changed to solely middle school mathematics. Many times over the last couple of years, especially this year, I am so glad that I made this change because it gave me the opportunity to learn more mathematics than I ever would have as an elementary education major.
The last couple of years I was given the opportunity to work in a private elementary school in St. Louis where I gained invaluable experience that has prepared me for my job as a high school teacher. It showed me that no matter the age level, students value respect and a caring relationship. A little attention into a student’s life outside of school can go a long way. It also reminded me of the advantages a small community has over a huge city and how much I missed being constantly surrounded by family and friends. As time goes by, I realize how important it is to spend time with family because they will not always be there, so I am very grateful to be able to live nearby. Even though I loved my time at Andrew’s Academy and living in St. Louis, Dorothy was right. There really is no place like home.
The last couple of years I was given the opportunity to work in a private elementary school in St. Louis where I gained invaluable experience that has prepared me for my job as a high school teacher. It showed me that no matter the age level, students value respect and a caring relationship. A little attention into a student’s life outside of school can go a long way. It also reminded me of the advantages a small community has over a huge city and how much I missed being constantly surrounded by family and friends. As time goes by, I realize how important it is to spend time with family because they will not always be there, so I am very grateful to be able to live nearby. Even though I loved my time at Andrew’s Academy and living in St. Louis, Dorothy was right. There really is no place like home.
Special Olympics South Central
Bowling Tournament
October 28, 2014 -- On Oct 27th, Salem R-80 Special Olympics attending the South Central Bowling Tournament held at Daugherty Lanes, Fort Leonard Wood. The Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School together had 20 athletes. Upper Elementary: Chase Magyar-Gold , Valerie Major-Bronze, Beth Hayes-Silver, Zach Meyer-Bronze. Middle School: Cade Sullins-Gold, Trenton Struckle-Gold, Christian Ruiz-Gold, Savannah Skaggs-Silver, Rebecca Large-Gold, Sarah Volner-Silver, Jacob Warner-4th place. High School: Stacy Plank-Bronze, Devin Sheetz-Silver, Natasha Boyer-4th place, Rachel Smith-Gold, Jamie Cook-Silver, Joseph Kissie-Bronze, Noah O’Neal-Silver, Shelby Michno-Silver, Roy Mitchell-Gold.To cheer on our athletes we also had 13 parents and 2 Pathways Counselors in attendance. It was a great time by all! Salem R-80 athletes will also be attending another bowling tournament in Waynesville on Nov, 19th. Special Olympics is made possible by the Dent County Disability Board
New Teacher - Familiar Face
by Andy Flett
Andy Flett,MS Teacher
October 23, 2014 -- My name is Andrew Flett, and I am a Salem graduate from the class of 2009. While I was in high school, my biggest athletic achievement was being a 2-time all-state offensive lineman. But off the field, I excelled in a leadership role by becoming my senior class president, as well as being in many other school and community events. By doing these things, I realized that I had a knack for teaching and relating with people, so when I chose to attend Lindenwood university, there was no doubt that the field of Education is where I wanted to be.
With that being said, I am very excited to be back in my hometown to teach middle school special education. Having an opportunity to work around kids with special needs is a passion I discovered while earning my degree at Lindenwood University. While I was anxious about stepping into a middle school class with an age group of kids that I did not have much experience with, I am very fortunate and blessed to have the great group of kids in my class this year. I am also pleased that my teaching strategy of “bringing the coach to the classroom” has worked. Many of the kids in my classroom do not get the opportunity to set foot on a football field so I tried to bring the same intensity and excitement that very few students have the opportunity to see. The students strive to do their best and are very excited when they reach a goal or finish a big assignment. The reason they feel this way is because I treat every big accomplishment as if it were a touchdown on the field. Students love positive feedback and will strive to receive it as much as possible.
I am very glad that I was given the opportunity to come back to my community and give back to the people that gave so much to me. I cannot think of a better place to come back to and share the knowledge and passion that I received at Lindenwood University. It is my hope to continue being a positive role model for these students so they too can achieve something that they thought was unattainable.
With that being said, I am very excited to be back in my hometown to teach middle school special education. Having an opportunity to work around kids with special needs is a passion I discovered while earning my degree at Lindenwood University. While I was anxious about stepping into a middle school class with an age group of kids that I did not have much experience with, I am very fortunate and blessed to have the great group of kids in my class this year. I am also pleased that my teaching strategy of “bringing the coach to the classroom” has worked. Many of the kids in my classroom do not get the opportunity to set foot on a football field so I tried to bring the same intensity and excitement that very few students have the opportunity to see. The students strive to do their best and are very excited when they reach a goal or finish a big assignment. The reason they feel this way is because I treat every big accomplishment as if it were a touchdown on the field. Students love positive feedback and will strive to receive it as much as possible.
I am very glad that I was given the opportunity to come back to my community and give back to the people that gave so much to me. I cannot think of a better place to come back to and share the knowledge and passion that I received at Lindenwood University. It is my hope to continue being a positive role model for these students so they too can achieve something that they thought was unattainable.
Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
October 21, 2014 -- A draft of the proposed Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) was recently completed and is now available for review and comment. The CSIP maps out improvement goals for the district over the next five years. The draft proposes the district focus improvement goals in three areas.
Goal 1 – Student Achievement
Goal 2 – Highly Qualified Staff
Goal 3 – Community and Parent Involvement
Please take some time to look at the three goals and the measurable objectives associated with each goal. Feel free to email or call John McColloch with any comments or thoughts before the draft CSIP is brought before the Salem R-80 School Board on November 21st.
CSIP Draft Plan (Click here to see the full plan)
John McColloch
573-729-6642 Ext. 6
Goal 1 – Student Achievement
Goal 2 – Highly Qualified Staff
Goal 3 – Community and Parent Involvement
Please take some time to look at the three goals and the measurable objectives associated with each goal. Feel free to email or call John McColloch with any comments or thoughts before the draft CSIP is brought before the Salem R-80 School Board on November 21st.
CSIP Draft Plan (Click here to see the full plan)
John McColloch
573-729-6642 Ext. 6
Canine Luke Visits Salem Upper Elementary by Melanie Wisdom
Melanie Wisdom,UE Principal
October 14, 2014 -- Salem Upper Elementary 3rd grade students were fortunate to have a visit from Deputy Jeremy Steelman, Dent County Sherriff’s Office and canine Luke on Thursday, October 9th. The students had been reading a book about the responsibilities of an officer and canine officer and Deputy Steelman was kind enough to bring Luke for a question, answer and demonstration session. The students were excited, but not near as excited as Luke was to show off his talents to them.
Senior High School
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Middle School
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Upper Elementary
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William Lynch Elementary
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