Friday Focus
Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week.
As we continue our journey through Powerful Teaching, I want to highlight one of the most powerful, research-backed strategies we've encountered: retrieval practice. This isn't just another teaching trend—it's a fundamental shift in how we approach learning in our classrooms.
Why Retrieval Practice Matters
1. It Strengthens Long-Term Memory
Retrieval practice works because the act of pulling information from memory actually strengthens that memory. Every time students retrieve information, they're making that knowledge more accessible for future use. Think of it as exercising a muscle—the more students practice recalling information, the stronger those neural pathways become. This goes far beyond simple memorization; it helps students truly retain and understand content for the long haul, not just until the next test.
2. It Reveals What Students Actually Know (and Don't Know)
When students engage in retrieval practice, both you and they get immediate feedback about what's sticking and what needs more attention. This is infinitely more valuable than the "illusion of knowing" that comes from simply re-reading notes or highlighting text. Retrieval practice exposes gaps in understanding while there's still time to address them, allowing you to adjust your instruction and students to focus their efforts where they're needed most.
Practical Classroom Applications
Example 1: Brain Dumps at the Start of Class
Begin class with a two-minute "brain dump" where students write down everything they remember from yesterday's lesson or last week's unit—no notes allowed. This low-stakes activity activates prior knowledge, shows you what needs review, and primes students' brains for new learning. You don't even need to collect these; the act of retrieval itself is what matters.
Example 2: Exit Ticket Questions
End each lesson with one or two quick questions that require students to retrieve key concepts from that day's class. Make them specific: instead of "What did you learn today?" ask "What are two reasons why photosynthesis is essential for life?" or "Explain the difference between mitosis and meiosis in your own words." These take just three minutes but provide invaluable data about student understanding.
The beauty of retrieval practice is its flexibility—it works across all content areas and grade levels, requires minimal preparation, and delivers remarkable results. Let's commit to building these moments of retrieval into our daily practice.
Looking Ahead
College Fair - October 7
Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to attend the college fair at the convention center from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Buses will be provided for transportation to and from the event. Please note: students should not drive themselves unless accompanied by a parent.
Western Iowa Tech Visit - October 29
Our counselors will be taking all Juniors to Western Iowa Tech for a campus visit. This is a required event, but students who miss the bus or choose not to participate will remain in their regular classes.
Reminders/Due Dates
- Oct. 8 - Professional Development Day
- Oct. 9 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30 - 8:00 pm
- Oct. 13 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30 - 8:00 pm
- Oct. 20 - End of Quarter 1
Looking forward to seeing how you implement retrieval practice in your classrooms!
Mark
Assistant Principal's Happenings
Things I need your help with: Please help enforce the dress code. The complete code is on p.27 of the student handbook. Hats have been better this year -- thank you. It seems that we have more t-shirts with alcohol brands or references. Also, midriffs are a constant battle. Please remember to scan the room during 1st and 2nd hour. I know that you have a lot going on and this is something that is easy to overlook. When a student gets all the way to 7th or 8th hour before being confronted, it is hard to explain to them why "now" they must change.
If you do have a dress code violation, please follow these steps:
1) Give the student the opportunity to change or cover up. This could be as simple as turning the t-shirt inside out, putting on a sweatshirt, or changing into a PE t-shirt they have in their locker. No detention or penalty. Try to do this quietly without embarrassing the student.
2) If they don't have any clothing available, but are compliant and willing to change, send them to the school nurse for some clothing options we have in the cabinet. You can also let me know that you have directed them to change.
3) If they are not compliant, show refusal, or are belligerent, let me know and we will take it from there.
Thankful to serve with you --
Saturday, Oct. 4
12:00 pm Girl Swimming - Mickey Olsen Invite @ Sioux City West
5:00 pm - Band @ Algona Band Days
Monday, Oct. 6
10:00 am District Golf @ Fort Dodge
6:00 pm JV Footall vs. SC West
Tuesday, Oct 7
1:00 pm College Fair - Convention Center
4:30 pm Freshman Volleyball @ SC North
4:45 pm Cross Country @ Cherokee
5:30 pm JV Volleyball @ SC North
7:00 pm Varsity Volleyball @ SC North
Wednesday, Oct. 8
8:30 am - PSAT
Thursday, Oct. 9
Picture Retakes
4:30 pm Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday, Oct. 10
4:15 pm Freshman Football vs. SBL
7:00 pm Varsity Football vs. SBL
Saturday, Oct. 11
TBD - State Marching Band
8:00 am Varsity Volleyball @ Western Christian
9:45 am Dutchmen Field Championships - Northwestern
Monday, Oct. 13
4:30 pm JV and Freshman Volleyball Invite - Home
4:30 pm Parent/Teacher Conferences
6:00 pm JV Football @ SBL
Tuesday, Oct. 14
4:30 pm Freshman Volleyball @ Heelan
5:30 pm JV Volleyball @ Heelan
6:30 pm Girl Swimming @ Spencer
7:00 pm Varsity Volleyball @ Heelan
Thursday, Oct. 16
TBD - Heartland Honor Choir
4:00 pm Cross Country MRAC Conference Meet @ Brunsville
6:00 pm Freshman Football @ Fort Dodge
Friday, Oct. 17
7:00 pm Varsity Football @ Fort Dodge
Saturday, Oct. 18
TBD - Varsity Volleyball @ Heelan Classic
12:00 pm Girl Swimming @ Lewis Central Invite
Monday, Oct. 20
5:00 pm HS Speech Kickoff
6:00 pm Freshmen Football @ Humbolt
6:00 pm JV Football vs. Fort Dodge
Tuesday, Oct. 21
6:30 pm Girl Swimming @ Spencer
Thursday, Oct. 23
4:30 pm Girl Swimming vs. Lewis Central and Carroll
Friday, Oct. 24
4:15 pm Freshmen Football vs. Storm Lake
7:00 pm Varsity Football vs. Storm Lake
Halftime - Mass Band Show
Saturday, Oct. 25
8:00 am All-State Music Auditions
Monday, Oct. 27
7:30 pm Vocal Concert
Thursday, Oct. 30
7:30 pm Orchestra Concert
Friday, Oct. 31
TBD - 1st round football playoffs
Tuesday, Nov. 18
4:00 pm Girl Wrestling @ Western Christian
Thursday, Nov. 20
TBD - All State Music Festival
Friday, Nov. 21
TBD - All State Music Festival
Saturday, Nov. 22
TBD - All State Music Festival
10:00 am Girl Wrestling @ West Monona
Monday, Nov. 24
3:00 pm Boy/Girl Bowling vs. Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln
Tuesday, Nov. 25
5:00 pm Boy Swimming vs. Spencer
5:30 pm JV Girl Basektball vs. Lewis Central
7:00 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. Lewis Central
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