Not Teaching to the Test

In November 2011, third-graders (now our current fourth-graders) took the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE). This statewide test is given in Wisconsin public schools every fall to ensure state academic standards are being met and measure proficiency levels of certain subject areas. USM elected to have our students also complete the exam in the areas of reading and mathematics.

Despite not being required by the state to administer the exam, we felt that having our students take the WKCE was a good opportunity to demonstrate the strength of USM’s curriculum: our students received no additional preparation or instruction to ensure good exam performance, yet the results show that 100% of our third-graders tested at the Proficient or Advanced level. Additionally, the results allow us to see how we compare to other area school districts. As you can see in the bar graphs below, USM continues to outrank our neighbor schools in both reading and mathematics. The graph represents

These results only reinforce what we already know about our program here: that we provide our students with the strongest educational foundation. Not only does our curriculum cover all the academic bases—and beyond—but we teach students how to think critically and how to apply their skills and knowledge to solve problems. Our curriculum doesn’t have to be focused on preparing for standardized tests in order for our students to perform well. Our outstanding teachers mold a reading class or math problem into rich lessons that offer a deep, conceptual understanding of a topic. The unique learning experiences and opportunities we provide everyday clearly set our students and teachers apart.

Thanksgiving Traditions at USM

This will be my second Thanksgiving at USM. Last year, I learned about the wonderful traditions of Grandparents and Special Friends Day that takes place on the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving as well as the Alumni brunch we hold a little later that morning. This second event welcomes recent USM graduates back to campus where they have the opportunity not only to reconnect with each other but also with faculty and current Upper School students. I am truly looking forward to spending time with everyone on Wednesday morning.

One tradition, however, that I learned about a little too late to share with you last year is the set of instructions that some of our PK children compile each year to guide their families in preparing for the Thanksgiving meal. Their thoughts are truly priceless! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

How to Cook a Turkey PK Style

You have to go to the store to buy it… at the turkey store. Costco or Sendik’s or Metro Market. It’s the store by the carwash. The turkeys are in the turkey aisle. When you get there you have to say, “Please may I have a turkey”, because they like good manners. The man at the store gets the turkey from the woods and puts it in your cart. It’s as big as a flamingo! Take it to the register to pay. It costs a lot of dollars… $81 or $32 or $6 or $19. You can pay with 38 credit cards. When your mom puts the turkey in the car she should close the doors up and shut the windows so the turkey doesn’t fly or jump out. You might want to put it in the trunk.

When you get home, first you have to take the turkey in the house and then take the feathers off. Get a big pot to cover the turkey up and put in some eggs, Lucky Charms, strawberries, apple slices, and grapes. Turn on the oven to really hot… like four degrees. Put the turkey inside but be careful not to burn yourself! You need to check on it to see when it’s done cooking. If it moves put it back in. Cook it for this many minutes… maybe like 5 minutes. Set the timer and when it beeps you know the turkey is done. Cut the beak off ‘cause nobody wants to eat the beak, just the more soft part. When you eat dinner you can put syrup on top or sprinkles, and have cereal, watermelon, marshmallows, and corn, too.

And then you say thank you to your mom and dad or grandma or gramps for such a good dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving!