Principal’s Message
March 8, 2019
Faculty Recognition:
Since my last message, we have had two faculty members receive major awards.
Mr. Collins-Peynaud, one of our French Dual Immersion Teachers, won the DLI Teacher of the Year award from the Utah Foreign Language Association (UFLA). He received his award at a luncheon during UFLA’s annual conference at Weber State University. Only one DLI teacher is recognized from across the state, so this speaks volumes about the positive impact he is having for our French students at Churchill.
Ms. Chester, an 8th Grade ELA and 7th Grade Utah Studies teacher, was named an Excel Award winner during an assembly at school yesterday. The Granite Education Foundation recognizes eight teachers and one administrator from Granite District each year as exemplary educators. There are roughly 4,000 teachers in Granite School District, and we are proud of Ms. Chester for being recognized this year. She also has a great positive impact on the students of Churchill Jr. High.
Churchill has amazing teachers in all areas, and it’s always exciting to see members of our faculty being recognized for their hard work and excellence as educators.
Testing:
Now that we are into March, it is a good time to discuss RISE testing that will be coming up at the end of April and beginning of May. Please remember that RISE is taking the place of SAGE this year. The questions that will be used in the testing remain the same; it is the testing platform and the functionality of the test that is changing. We have asked the ELA, math, and science teachers to get their students onto the RISE platform via practice tests they have available just so the kids can begin getting used to the platform and how it works. They need to know things like where the tools are on the test so they can be comfortable when they take the actual test. One significant change to be aware of for this year is that only the 8th graders will be taking a writing test.
We are going to be trying to build on the great success we had last year. I have mentioned once or twice that we had the highest proficiency among the junior highs in the district last year. We also were fourth in growth. We have been working hard to make sure students are learning what they need to in their classes. We will also be discussing with the students their role in taking their time and doing their best on the tests when the time comes.
As I have discussed each of the last few years, I would like to encourage everyone to have your students take the RISE testing. It would also be great if you would take a few minutes and discuss with your student the importance of doing their best on the tests. We do look at the results from the tests to help us determine where our teaching can improve, where students might need additional supports (lab classes and the like), and counselors look at them as part of the discussions they have with students and parents about high school.
Mindfulness:
I have worked with the counselors to purchase a license for an on-line mindfulness program called Inner Explorer. The teachers will be taking a few minutes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to do mindfulness exercises with their 2nd period classes. Teachers have the option of using the program more frequently if they choose. I have talked to a few teachers who have already expanded their use of the program for all of their classes.
The program is set-up so teachers can do mindfulness in 2-5 minute increments. We are anticipating that we can increase the level of calm and the readiness of students to learn by making this program a regular part of our school day. I have discussed with teachers the possible benefits of using the mindfulness before student presentations, tests, and other possibly stressful class activities to help ease the minds of students and help them be ready for their tasks.
Writing Club:
We have recently started a new club at school. The writing club meets on Wednesdays after school in Room 206. They are working on producing a school newspaper. You can find the online newspaper by going to the school website, hovering over the “Clubs and Sports” tab, and then clicking on “Writing Club- CJH Newspaper” (link: https://churchillchargers.wixsite.com/times) . We appreciate the work of Heather Derum in getting this club up and started.
Sports Update:
Both volleyball teams won their District Championship! Both teams went undefeated this season and did a great job representing Churchill and building on our school’s fantastic volleyball tradition.
The wrestlers have been having a strong season so far. The kids are winning many of their individual matches, and the team has won their dual meets. This weekend they have the Divisional Meet and then next week is the District Championship Meet. Good luck to all the wrestlers as they try to finish the season well.
Musical:
Tonight is the closing night of the musical. If you haven’t had a chance to come see it yet, make sure you make it tonight. The kids have done a great job with High School Musical. Churchill students with ID are free, single tickets are $5 and family passes (for immediate family members) are $20. The concession stand is also well-stocked.
PTSA:
PTSA is looking for parents volunteers to help with the 8th grade promotion party in May. If you are available to help, please contact Allison Armstrong.
Class Fees:
Please check your student’s account to make sure there are no outstanding class fees owed.
After School:
We are having some problems with students staying and hanging out in the building after school gets out. Please make sure your students head home when school releases. We have added a bell that rings at 3pm Monday-Thursday and 12:45pm on Fridays to remind students to leave. Once those times come and go, the only students who should be in the building are those under the direct supervision of an adult, meaning they are in Homework Club, another club meeting, are at practice/intramurals, or are at rehearsal.
Attendance Issues:
Many people are calling the main office to handle attendance issues. Please call the Counseling Center for attendance issues. Their phone number is 385-646-5145. Calling the main office will only mean it will take longer for you to take care of the attendance as they will have to put you on hold and then transfer you back to the Counseling Center.
Important Dates:
Mar. 8 Closing night, school musical, 7pm
Mar. 9 Wrestling Divisional @ Olympus High
Mar. 12 Community Council, 1:30pm
Mar. 13 Orchestra Concert, 7pm
Mar. 14 Pi Day
Mar. 14 MESA Day
Mar. 14 Band/Choir Concert, 7pm
Mar. 16 Wrestling District Championship@ Skyline
Mar. 20 Talent Show Assembly
Mar. 21 3rd Quarter Ends
Mar. 22 Student Non-attendance Day
Mar. 25-26 Spring Recess
Mar. 27 4th Quarter begins
Apr. 3 Track and Field Start Day
Apr. 4 PTSA Meeting, 9am
Apr. 4 Choir Festival
Apr. 4 GT Play
Apr. 8-12 Dance. Co. Try-outs
Apr. 11 Orchestra Festival
Sincerely,
Josh LeRoy
Principal
