Being a Community
This month at The Academy, we are focusing on our goal of “Being a Community”. One way we can strengthen our community is by being mindful of how we communicate with one another during class periods. We are working on avoiding side conversations so that everyone can stay engaged, feel included, and give their attention to the learning taking place. By listening to one another, respecting the speaker, and being present in the moment, we show that we value each other and contribute to a stronger, more connected academy community.
The Academy Team
Attendance
Reporting Absences
We want to make sure every school day counts! If your student will be absent, please remember to report their absence within 3 days so we can ensure it is marked as excused.
Whenever possible, please use Safe Arrival to log the absence. It's the quickest way to keep us in the loop and helps our team ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.
Be sure you have re-synced your contact in SchoolMessenger in order to use the app.
Thank you so much for partnering with us to keep our daily routines running smoothly!
Project-Based Learning
To recap October's Project-Based Learning activities, in Science we studied projectile motion by building and modifying mini catapults. Students engaged in the design process by modifying their catapults to maximize distance.
For math, students studied geometry by building and modifying straw tables that could withstand added weight.
In English, we crafted resumes that incorporated professional language.
For Social Studies, we learned the function of midterm elections and researched the platforms of Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidates.
Social Emotional Learning
This month in our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) group, we dove into the Relationship Skills domain of the CASEL framework. Students explored what makes a relationship healthy versus unhealthy, learned how to set clear personal boundaries, and practiced navigating peer pressure while collaborating effectively in groups. We also kicked off our focus on self-management by introducing practical strategies for recognizing and managing stress. Ask your student about one stress - relief tool or health boundary they practiced this week!
PBIS/MTSS
Be Respectful - Be Responsible - Be Present - Be a Community
Currently this month, 11 tickets were earned.
Be Responsible - 2 tickets
Be Present - 2 tickets
Be a Community - 7 tickets
PBIS Student Leadership Group: The purpose of the student committee is to encourage student involvement and ownership of our PBIS program.
Having a problem with you student?
Click here to request a meeting with The Academy Team!
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students' behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher health and wellbeing. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.
Information taken from: Center on PBIS
MTSS Parent Letter
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Quakertown Community School District is excited to improve educational outcomes for all students by implementing a framework of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports to improve holistic student achievement. Known as MTSS, it focuses on furthering strong district and school leadership, a positive school culture and climate, and family and community engagement.
Based on the core components of a multi-tiered system of supports, this framework gives schools a structure to meet the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment, and social-emotional needs of all students.
As part of MTSS, we conduct academic and behavior screening assessments 3 times a year and analyze those data to ensure students are receiving necessary and relevant support. Pending those results, instructional staff may provide instruction and/or support in order to meet targeted needs.
Each tier of support is defined below:
Tier 1: provides high-quality learning environments, evidence-based curricular and instructional practices, and a continuum of supports and interventions in general education classrooms.
(Tier 1 is for ALL students; this includes high quality core instruction, reteaching, and differentiated instruction.)
Tier 2: provides supplemental support and interventions that may be delivered in small-group instruction, provided in either the general classroom or during an intervention period. Interventions include evidence-based instructional practices and interventions that increase in intensity, frequency, and duration based upon the review of data during regular progress monitoring intervals.
(Tier 2 is for SOME students based on need identified in data. Parents/guardians will receive a letter home if a student would benefit from a tier 2 intervention. It is not uncommon for a child to need a tier 2 support at some point in their academic career.)
Tier 3: provides intensive support and interventions that may be delivered individually and provided in or outside of the classroom after the delivery of core instruction. There may be adaptations of supports and interventions based on an individual student's performance using data that are reviewed during frequent progress monitoring intervals.
(Tier 3 is intensive intervention, individualized for students based on data.)
As always, do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or building administrator if you have questions or concerns. For further information, please refer to the district's MTSS page on the QCSD Website:
https://quakertowncspa.sites.trilshare.com/page/multi-tiered-system-of-supports-mtss
Respectfully,
Erin Oleksa-Carter, Ed.D.
Manager of Data, Assessment, and Special Programs
Kelly Cramer
Director of Teaching and Learning
Pathways
Students are working to complete their Career Ready activities that are required each year during high school.
Need Volunteer Ideas? Below are a few examples of different volunteer ideas if students are in need of volunteer hours.
Rake leaves/lawn care for neighbors or elderly
Collect and/or donate food items to a food pantry, pet items to pet shelters, etc.
Donate clothing and shoes to a thrift store
Volunteer at a local animal shelter
Volunteer at a Public Library
Write cards for children at the hospital and/or the elderly at nursing homes, and send them
Reach out to a staff member if you have any questions!