McDowell Family Newsletter
October

Questions and Answers

Question:  Does my eighth grade student have a math book that can come home?

Answer:  Absolutely!  McDowell has classroom sets; however, students are permitted to check out books to take home and share with parents during homework time.  Students can also use the new Glencoe books on-line.  All math teachers have that information for students.  If you have concerns about textbooks, please contact your child’s teacher, or Mrs. Lane. 

Question:  What is the thinking behind the “team” concept?

Answer:  Most high-achieving middle schools across the state of Ohio are using the teaming process. Teams consist of four core teachers (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and an educational specialist.  These teachers have less students per class, and common daily planning time in order to immediately address individual student concerns.  All five (5) teachers have a connection with your child giving everyone advance notice if a problem or concern should occur.

Question:  McDowell doesn’t have study halls…What’s the deal?

Answer:  Every child has an intervention session at the end of the day called WIN (What I Need).  Any subject areas that need extra attention are scheduled at WIN time.  The teaching teams identify a current weakness and give students the extra help that is necessary for success.
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REMEMBER, if you have questions about your child’s progress, please call the office at 474-7538.  Your child’s team of teachers will be notified and you will receive a call back as quickly as possible.

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Driving your child to school?  Please drop them off by 7:30.  Going to be absent?  Let the office know.  Thanks!

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PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

We are looking for parents or other family members to become participants in the McDowell Parent Advisory Council (PAC).  We want at least three parents from each team along with one teacher-team member to meet monthly. We will discuss upcoming events, and help McDowell plan parent workshops and educational sessions that would benefit our families.  If you have the time, or just want more information, please contact Mrs. Lane, Principal, or Mrs. Colburn, McDowell Guidance Counselor.  Our phone number is 474-7538.
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Who answers the phone when you call?  More than likely the friendly voice that you hear is the school secretary, Mrs. Becky Davis.  If she doesn’t know the answer to your question, she will certainly direct you to someone who does. 

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Can you help at the Red Ribbon Social on Friday the 30th after school?  We need help!  Especially from 3:30 until 4:30.