WOLVERINE EXPRESS

1. WOLVERINE EXPRESS Second 6 Weeks October - November, 2008 Volume 2 Number 2 Principal’s Letter p. 1 AYP Targets p. 2 TAKS Scores and Projections p. 2 TAKS Testing Dates p. 2 HISS Club p. 3 Asian Club p. 3 Soccer Shout Out p. 3 Band Recognitions p. 3 GP Acknowledgements p. 4 Cross Country Winner p. 4 Chess Club Information p. 4 Extended Day Tutoring p. 5 Choir Announcement p. 5 Urgent Request p. 6 Speak Up Survey p. 6 Math/Science Night p. 7 Calling 8th Grade Parents p. 7 Title I Information p. 8 December Calendar p. 8 Letter from the Principal Parents, Guardians and Friends, We have come to the end of the second six weeks of school. Wells Middle School is in full swing. The leaves are changing and falling, there is a hint of winter in the air and our students are becoming the “Champions” that we expect them to be. Our Administration Team and Staff are working hard to foster the atmosphere of “Building of Champions”. I want our students to have the best learning environment available to them. With all of us working together, we can achieve this goal. I want to encourage you to visit our school as a volunteer. There are many ways to volunteer, such as…supervising lunch times, listen to students read, work with students on math facts and help supervise hallways during the changing of classes. I open the doors of WMS to you that you may become more involved. Lastly, I want to take the time to brag about our extra curricular UIL activities. WMS is truly blessed to have staff members who want to extend their time and talent to your child. These clubs and sporting activities help foster a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for students to become more involved with their peers and community. To help alleviate transportation issues, we provide activity buses that will take the students home AFTER the club or sport activity. Please encourage your child to become a part of ONE HEART…ONE TEAM. Barbara Leland, Principal

2. 2 Wolverine Express TAKS SCORES and PROJECTIONS AYP Targets (Average Yearly Progress) The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has specific targets that each school needs to meet on TAKS tests to hold schools accountable. Listed below are WMS AYP targets. Targets Met for2007 – 2008 Reading – 60% Mathematics – 50% Projected Targets for 2008 – 2009 Reading – 67% Mathematics – 58% Math May ‘07 72% May ’08 78% Reading May ’07 88% May ’08 90% Writing May ’07 97% May ’08 88% Science May ’07 55% May ’08 66% Social Studies May ’07 89% May ’08 92% With these scores, we earned the rating of Acceptable from TEA. In order for us to move from Acceptable to Recognized, our scores must be ≥ 75%. We are VERY close to becoming RECOGNIZED. Together, we can make it happen. State Testing Dates March 3, 2009 7th Writing 8th Reading April 7, 2009 8th Math April 28, 2009 6th / 7th Math April 29, 2009 6th/ 7th Reading 8th Reading (Retest) April 30, 2009 8th Science May 1, 2009 8th S. Studies May 19, 2009 8th Math (Retest) Together we can hit the TARGET!

3. Wolverine Express 3 Asian Club HISS Club is MOVING The HISS Club is moving the majority of their meetings from Thursdays to Wednesdays. Be sure to contact Ms. Manriquez, the sponsor, if you have any questions. The Asian Club Meets Every Wednesday 4:30 – 5:50 Intramural Soccer Games Has Begun We are proud to announce we have 14 teams this year in Wells Intramural Soccer League. What an awesome attendance of our students. Come out and support your child. Way to go…Wells! These Students Can “Toot Their Own Instruments” -- Literally The following students auditioned for the Regional Band and was accepted… Nicole Patterson, Concert Band Clarinet Erin Akins, Symphonic Band Clarinet David Pompa, Symphonic Band Contra Bass Clarinet Alek Schadler, Symphonic Band Trumpet Jordan Brokken achieved First Bassoon in the entire region!  He is First Bassoon in both the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra.

4. 4 Wolverine Express 2007 – 2008 Gold Performance Acknowledgements WMS received Gold Performance Acknowledgements in English Language Arts and Social Studies To receive a Gold Performance Acknowledgement (GPA), Wells had to have an rating of Academically Acceptable or higher, AND have 25% or more COMMENDED in a subject area. Wells accomplished the requirements; therefore, the Texas Education Agency awarded the school with two GPAs. Way to go students and teachers for all of your hard work and dedication. What a GREAT accomplishment! Congratulations We’re Proud Of You! Alaysha Johnson, a 7th grader, placed FIRST at the District Cross Country Meet! She ranked first out of 50 runners. Chess Club Announcement and Schedule Meeting Dates: December 16th January 27th February 17th March 10th March 31st April 21st May 5th CHECK MATE!! Bishop, Knight, Pawn…want to know more about CHESS then join the Chess Club. You’ll be glad you did.

5. Wolverine Express 5 Extended Day Tutoring Information In keeping with our school motto, The Building of Champions, Wells Middle School will be extending our school days especially for your child. Beginning, Wednesday, November 5th, we are selecting students to remain after school to receive an extra hour of academic support during Extended Day. If you child has been identified to receive support Math, they will stay on Mondays. If your child has been identified to receive support Science, they will stay on Tuesdays. If your child has been identified to receive support Reading and/or Writing, they will stay on Wednesdays. If your child has been identified to receive support Social Studies, they will stay on Thursdays. There are no tutorials on Friday It is our goal to ensure that every child receives the instruction and support needed to enhance their success in the classroom and for upcoming Benchmark/TRT testing. Wells Middle School will host Extended Day sessions through December 18th of this semester. Then, we will begin back after the holidays with more extensive tutoring. Please be sure your child attends. Following Extended Day activities, transportation will be provided for those students who ride buses. For all other modes of transportation, Extended Day dismissal will be at 5:30 p.m. The Wells choirs, 6th 7th and 8th grades, will be presenting their holiday concert on Thursday December 4th. The concert will be held in the Wells Middle School cafeteria and will start at 6:00 PM. Come out and enjoy a little holiday music to get you into the spirit of the season. It is free and full of fine talent.

6. 6 Wolverine Express We Need YOU To Update Your Child’s Contact Information This is an Urgent request – When you obtain a new telephone/cell phone number or you change addresses, please notify the Attendance Clerk as soon an possible. It is important to have the correct contact information on your child in case of an emergency. Also, for you to receive information through Connect-Ed, we must have your correct phone numbers. Please remember to include Wells Middle School when you alert your friends and family of your new phone number. U R G E N T U R G E N T Speak Up Survey Wells Middle School is participating in Speak Up 2008, a national research project facilitated annually by Project Tomorrow, a national nonprofit organization in Irvine, CA. Your ideas and viewpoints about your child’s education matter to us. We use the Speak Up process to ask you about key educational issues regarding technology, 21st century skills, schools of the future and science education. In February, we will receive the survey results and use the information for our discussions and decisions about curriculum, professional development and budgeting priorities. Our school is committed to having at least 10% of our students, parents, and teachers take the online survey. This is a great opportunity to join in dialog about significant and timely issues impacting education today. You can click on the Speak Up link on the Wells Middle School homepage or go to www.netdayspeakup.org/speakup2008 to take the survey, which will take about 15 minutes to complete. You will need the “secret word” which is wells. The survey is open from October 27 through December 19, 2008. It is quick, easy, free, and 100% anonymous. We hope that you will join us and share your thoughts.

7. Wolverine Express 7 Do You Know What CHAMPS Mean? Capturing Hearts And Minds Producing Success Math/Science Night A Success!! A special “Thanks” to all the parents and students who attended the Math/Science Night on Oct. 23rd. We had a wonderful time experiencing hands-on Science labs and Math games. It is because of you, the night was a success. If you have any questions about the Math or Science curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Elmore, Math Instructional Specialist or Tania Smith, Science Instructional Specialist. They will assist you with your questions or concerns. Mr. Hyder, 8th grade principal, is asking for your assistance. WMS would like to make the 8th grade year memorable for the students. Fund Raisers are needed in order to raise the necessary funding for special events. If you would like to join the team of parents and staff who are raising the funds, please e-mail Mr. Hyder atHHyderII@springisd.org Calling for ALL 8th Grade Parents This is a reminder…For more information about Wells or the events happening at WMS, go to our website. 1. Go to www.springisd.org 2. Go to the pull down menu … Schools. 3. Choose Wells Middle School. Wells on the Web

8. 8 Wolverine Express • WMS is a Title I School • What does Title I mean? Title I is a federally funded program that provides supplemental resources to districts to help schools provide high quality education which will enable all children to meet the state student performance standards. • How did WMS become a Title I school? At this time, Wells Middle School has a high concentration of students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch from the federal government • How does Title I funds benefit the students? • With Title I funding, Wells is able to provide students with resources that will assist in preparing them for TAKS tests. Such as… •  Math Games and Manipulatives •  ESL Resources •  A Variety of Novels (varying levels and genre) •  Language Arts games • Are there other benefits? • Yes! With Title I funding, we were able to hire additional personnel to assist with the implementation of Science curriculum, Wells was able to acquire a Science Instructional Specialist. Tania Smith has joined the Wells team as the Science I.S. She works with the Science teachers to ensure high level and enriching science lessons. She also provide guidance through the TEKS and TAKS objectives. December Events 1st - Math Extended Day 2nd – Science Olympiad; Science Extended Day 3rd – Picture Retake; HISS Club Mtg.; Asian Club Mtg. 4th – NJHS Mtg.; F.U.N. Club Mtg.; Winter Choir Concert @ 7:00PM 5th – CHAMPS Recognition; HISS Hospital Trip 8th – Band Recruiting/Caroling; 8th B-BB @ Atosocita; 7th B-BB @ Home 9th – Holiday Band Concert @ 7:00PM 10th – Choir Recruiting/Caroling; HISS Club Mtg.; Asian Club Mtg.; C Team B-BB @ Home 11th – Choir Recruiting/Caroling; F.U.N. Club; 8th G-BB @ Atosocita; 7th G-BB @ Home 12th – Region Band Rehearsal; B-BB (B) Tournament 13th – Region Band Rehearsal/Concert; B-BB (B) Tournament 15th – 8th B-BB @ Bailey; 7th B-BB @ Home 16th – 8th G-BB @ Home; 7th G-BB @ Bailey; 7th/8th Band Skating Party 5:00 – 7:00; Chess Club Mtg. 17th – HISS Club Mtg.; Asian Club Mtg. 18th – NJHS Semester Celebration; F.U.N. Club; 19th – EARLY RELEASE DAY @ 12:00 – 12:30; Progress Reports Go Home