September+23,+2009

Please note the error in the date... I really know it's not 2009 - not yet! :) = = = September 23, 2008 =

=__ For ALL STAFF __= Teachers, aides , classified staff , office staff , parents ... everyone....

As we prepare for our Authorization Visit, there are three things that everyone at Newton should review.

1. Please be familiar with the ** Newton Mission Statement __Newton  Middle School Mission Statement __** The students, staff and parents of Newton Middle School seek to develop internationally-minded students who have the knowledge, skills and personal attributes to take their places as 21st century citizens. To this end our school delivers a rigorous, balanced curriculum that enables all students to reach their highest potential. Our school provides a caring climate that encourages tolerance, responsible risk-taking and promotes cultural understanding as well as the development of character. We are a community of compassionate lifelong learners.

2. Review the ** Student Orientation Power Point **. This can be found in the common IB Information folder. Science teachers will be sharing this presentation with our students this week. So we will all have a common language and foundation. If any of the information in the power point is unfamiliar, please see Debbie, Julie or Erin. We'll catch you up! 3. Review the ** Learner Profile **. Karin will be delivering hand-colored posters to your rooms this week. Please get these posted in a prominent place of honor. This is the essence of what IB is about.

= __Things to Do to Prepare for the Visit__ = - For TEACHERS

1. Review the following documents for the classes that you currently teach 2. Consider how MYP has impacted your teaching. What has changed? How has adopting MYP effected you and your students for the better?
 * Subject Area Guide (just know where things are - don't memorize it!)
 * Course Outline (found in the Application B Documents in the common folder - Attachement F)
 * HVP (Horizontal/Vertical Planner) (found in the App. B docs - Attachment E)
 * Previous IB units that you have taught
 * Learner Profile

3. Locate any samples that you have of student work that shows MYP attributes. Get this out so it can be on display, if possible.

4. Be sure to let students know what's up. While we don't expect perfection, we want to make a positive impression!

5. For October 2 and 3... Remember that students are first and effective teaching/learning is what Newton is all about.
 * Know that we will have three visitors out and about those two days. They may poke their heads in your classroom or pull up a chair to observe for a few minutes. __Be yourself__. That's already a BIG plus for Newton. We know you'll make our guests welcome.
 * Use MYP language whenever possible. If you can plan to be doing an IB unit at that time, terrific.
 * Use your unit and/or guiding question. Have it up and visible!

NOTE: The updated schedule, including names of people attending meetings will be emailed tomorrow. A copy will be available on the Authorization Visit Wiki page. The most current schedule will always be kept there.

Remember, this is a celebration! Newton is an awesome place and there's no better school to implement the MYP!