Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Getting and giving feedback is important. In some ways, feedback is at the heart of a learning
experience. In order to master a skill, we need feedback that indicates whether we are on the right
track. Quality, unbiased, and non-judgmental feedback assists all of us in determining if we are
moving in the right direction. We adjust our behaviors according to feedback. In the classroom,
teachers are constantly assessing students to determine what they know and can do, and they
provide feedback to students to encourage growth and learning.
Providing feedback sounds simple, yet, providing feedback to others in a way that can be heard
and used can be very difficult. Many times, we have not defined what quality means and may have
difficulty in identifying it. What is a quality paragraph or a quality presentation? How do we
describe and model quality writing for our students? Once we have a student’s work in front of us
further questions are raised. How do we give students unbiased feedback on their mastery of a
skill? How do we communicate our genuine support and acceptance of the student for who they
are, and, at the same time, have high expectations for their ability to learn and develop new skills?
How do we communicate our feedback without judgment, in an educational system that has
historically used grades as a means to divide students into groups rather than provide feedback for
learning?
These are all difficult questions. At Shabazz we believe that if we create an environment where
students feel safe, are treated with dignity and respect, are provided opportunities to develop
habits of work and mind, are given opportunities to solve conflicts, are asked to engage in the
world as active citizens through authentic service learning opportunities, and are provided
opportunities to take on leadership roles, then our students will thrive, grow and learn. So how are
we doing? What feedback are our students providing us? At the end of last year, students
completed a lengthy survey that addressed these issues. Below, I have summarized some of
these findings as they relate to our core mission at Shabazz. Ninety nine students responded to
our survey.
On the issue of a safe and harassment free school, our students responded in this way:
90.5% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I feel the teachers at Shabazz have
treated me with respect and fairness.” The remaining 9.5% somewhat agreed.
94.6% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I feel safe while attending
Shabazz.” The remaining 5.4% somewhat agreed.
87.1% agreed or strongly agreed to the statement “I have opportunities to be heard and
valued at Shabazz.” The remaining 12.9% somewhat agreed.
91.6% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I felt like I could ask questions, ask
for assistance, and take the risks needed to learn.” No one disagreed.
97.9 % agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I felt like I was accepted for whom I
was regardless of my gender, race, or sexual orientation.” No one disagreed.
In regard to student engagement, conflict resolution, and habits of work and mind, the students
responded in this way:
83.9% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I am thinking about my
future in more positive ways since attending Shabazz.” 11.5% of respondents somewhat
agreed.
82% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I have been more
productive (worked harder) at Shabazz than in my previous schools.” 12.4% somewhat
agreed.
85.4% of students agreed or strongly agreed to the statement “I wanted to participate in
learning activities in my classes at Shabazz.” 12.4% of respondents somewhat agreed.
83.2% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “While at Shabazz, I have
learned better ways to resolve conflicts.” 13.5% of respondents somewhat agreed.
Finally, on the issue of civic engagement, our students responded in this way:
75.8% of students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “Since attending Shabazz,
I am more likely to do community service work.” 17.2% of the respondents somewhat
agreed.
80.7% of students agreed or strongly agreed to the statement, “Since attending Shabazz, I
am more aware of current issues and events that affect my community, my city, my state
and my country.” 14.8% of respondents somewhat agreed.
In a recent discussion with a student around expectations at Shabazz, the student said, “At
Shabazz, we have high expectations around service, leadership, problem solving, and making
decisions. At Shabazz, I have learned to challenge myself.” This is an amazing statement coming
from a high school student. I listen to this feedback and read the results from this survey and I
know something great is happening at Shabazz. Even more amazing than these results, is the
commitment of the staff and students at Shabazz to make it even better.
We are excited by the prospects of this new school year and school years to come, as the Shabazz
community works and learns together and continues its 40 year tradition as a leader and model for
effective and innovative practices in education.
“I have willingly learned a lot of new things at this school, and I had fun as I was doing it. I
bet there are a lot of other kids in other schools that cannot say the same.”
“Shabazz High School has really improved my point of view of life. I actually want to learn
and move on to attend school after I graduate from high school.”
“Coming to Shabazz has given me a more positive outlook on education. My home school
made me into a stressed-out robot, and Shabazz has taught me to think about things in
deeper way, rather than memorizing facts. Shabazz has also made me more independent,
which has in turn made me feel more prepared about moving on to college.”
“I feel the teachers at Shabazz have treated me with respect and fairness.”
“Shabazz has been a very positive experience for me. I have learned how to discuss, think
critically, support my opinion, and interact with others.”
In 2011 we are celebrating 40 years of alternative education excellence at Malcolm Shabazz City
High School.
Page 4
SUPPORT SHABAZZ LEARNING HELP SHABAZZ AND
HELP THE ENVIRONMENT!
The opportunity for students to learn through
doing is a foundation of the Shabazz curriculum.
We collect unused cell phones to raise money for
Field trips provide fantastic opportunities for both
our service learning programs. Please think of
experiential learning and service learning. Some
us when upgrading, and give us (instead of your
of our field trips are extended trip classes taking
provider) your old cell phone. It costs you
students and staff out of the building for a week
nothing, and earns a couple hundred dollars a
at a time. Others are half- or full-day visits to
year for the school.
sites like Cherokee Marsh, Aldo Leopold Center,
American Players Theatre, or the Wisconsin
Most folks have one or two old cell phones sitting
Historical Society Archives.
in drawers or closets at home. Cell phones that
find their way into the trash end up at a dump
Due to changes in district policy, schools now
and leach into the ground. They are toxic to our
have to cover the costs of classroom coverage
environment. All the phones we collect get
(substitute teachers) while instructors are off-site
refurbished and sent to other countries, or are
with a group of students. Substitute teachers
RESPONSIBLY RECYCLED. Please dig around
cost us about $200/day. That is an additional
your drawers to help Shabazz! Unused phones
expense above field trip admission fees,
can be dropped off at the office.
transportation costs, meals, supplies, and
equipment. Even without the added expense of
substitute teachers, many of our students cannot
afford to pay the full costs of a field trip.
TARGET REDCARD BENEFITS
In order to continue with this foundational piece
of our curriculum and approach to education, we SHABAZZ
are asking for your financial support. Any
contribution you can make to our field trip fund If you have a Target REDcard credit card, Target
will significantly help our program and our will donate up to 1% of your REDcard purchases
students. Tax deductible donations may be to Shabazz. Just visit www.target.com to enroll
made out to Shabazz City High School (with in Take Charge of Education® and select
“Field Trip Subs” written in the memo line of your Shabazz as your school of choice. It really adds
check). Thank you for your ongoing support! up!
There is no charge for the meal, but a donation for groceries is always welcome. We would love to have
parents and guardians join us. Lunch is served from 11:30 to 12:25. If you would like to attend a
Community Lunch, please call the office at 204-2440 on Friday morning to let us know you are coming.
That way you can also make sure we are hosting a lunch that week, and find out what we are serving!
When you arrive at the school, check in at the office before heading to the Cafeteria for a great meal!
ILLNESS AND
THE SHABAZZ ATTENDANCE POLICY’
It is not always easy to decide if your child is sick enough to stay home or well enough to be in school. To
guide in your decision-making, please remember a student with a high fever, diarrhea, or severe nausea
should stay home until feeling better. If your child has an infectious disease, such as strep throat, they are
welcome back at school after completing one course of medication. This is usually 24 hours, but please ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Students at Shabazz are still subject to state truancy laws regarding unexcused absences. Please call the
attendance line at 204-2441, if your child will be out. The absence will still count toward your child’s
permissible absences, but this will prevent truancy and help the teachers know what’s up.
If a student has not abused the attendance policy by using sick days as skip days, he/she should have no
problem complying with both the Shabazz Attendance Policy and the District’s health policy. Please
encourage your child to attend classes regularly, and to use good health habits of frequent hand washing
and covering coughs to keep everyone healthy.
SOCIAL WORK SERVICES AT SHABAZZ
by Susan Kaye
Shabazz is grateful to have a UW Social Work Graduate Student Intern again this year. We are happy to
welcome Kristi Dahl who comes to us with lots of experience, enthusiasm, and excitement for learning.
Kristi can be reached at 204-2449 or email kldahl2@wisc.edu. We both look forward to assisting you in any
way we can. – Susan
PARENT MEETINGS
We encourage all parents and significant adults in our students’ lives to participate in our monthly
parent meetings. This is a great way to network with other Shabazz families and to get involved
with the school. Our meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Shabazz
LMC. The meetings are informal, but informational. Our first meeting will be Thursday, October 7
at 6:30 p.m. in the LMC. At this meeting we will brainstorm topics for future meetings
The 2010-11 schedule is:
October 7 December 2 February 3 April 7
November 4 January 6 March 3 May 5
Welcome back returning students and parents, and welcome to our new students and families. I’m looking
forward to working together this year. We’ve already gotten off to a good start, with students stopping in to
talk about high school and post high school plans, Youth Options, Certified Nursing Assistant classes, work
credit, youth apprenticeships, etc. We’ve had a presentation from a recruiter at the Madison College
(formerly known as MATC), and other colleges are scheduled to visit in the coming weeks. (See the college
visit article on opposite page.)
This year we are fortunate to have two graduate students from the UW Counseling Psychology program
doing their practica with us: Emily Meier will be the Shabazz Counseling Intern for the entire school year;
Jessie Abegglen will be here for first quarter and the start of second quarter.
Senior Conferences:
Conferences I would like to meet with all seniors during first quarter. If we didn’t meet for a
junior conference last spring, it’s best to have parents join us for this conference. Parents can call me
(204-2450) or email asimansky@madison.k12.wi.us to set up a time. I will also be available during Parent
Conferences on Oct.1. For senior conferences, remember that the student has to be there, too, and it would
be best to make an appointment. Otherwise, I’m glad to talk with parents who just stop in during Parent-
Teacher Conferences.
ACT Test:Test If you are planning on taking the ACT this school year please note the following test and
registration dates. Seniors who haven’t taken the ACT and want to submit a score with college applications
this fall should register to take the test in December, if you haven’t already registered for the October date.
Juniors generally take the ACT in April.
Cost: $33 for ACT (No Writing), $48 for ACT Plus Writing. It is typically suggested that students
take the ACT Plus Writing test, as more and more colleges are requiring the writing portion of the
test. Fee waivers are available to those on Free or Reduced Lunch.
Practice booklets are available in the counseling office and online. Students may take a free practice ACT
by calling for an appointment at Kaplan Test Prep Center 255-0575.
MADISON COLLEGE (MATC) COLLEGE VISITS
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Shabazz hosts a variety of post high school
educational recruiters. College representatives
visit throughout the year. All students are
Sandy Hall, the director of Madison College’s
welcome, not just juniors and seniors. It is a
(formerly MATC) Disability Resource Services,
great opportunity for students to become familiar
will hold an informational meeting for students
with the process and start thinking about college
with disabilities and their parents on Wednesday,
choices.
October 6, at 3:30 p.m. in the LMC. She will
present information concerning available
Missing class for a College Visit will not count as
services, applications, deadlines, entrance
an absence, as long as a student gets
requirements, and financial aid. Afterwards, she
permission from his/her teacher be-forehand.
will be available to answer your questions.
Upcoming visits include:
This meeting is especially important for seniors
• Naropa University, located in Boulder,
and their parents/guardians, but students from all
Colorado, 4th Period on October 18; and
grade levels who may attend MATC at some
point in their future are also encouraged to • Evergreen College in Olympia, Washington,
attend. 4th Period on November 10.
Please contact Lori (204-2451, Rm. 30) if you are Beloit College and Northern Michigan University
planning to come or would like more information. will also be coming soon. Students should listen
to the announcements for dates.
Any deliveries sent to Shabazz and accidentally brought in will be stored in the LMC until the end of the day
when the student can retrieve them. Thank you for your help in this.
Page 10
2010 1st Quarter Club Dates: September 13 — October 22
2nd Quarter Clubs Begin Week of November 8th
Student Leadership and Action Council [Every Other Wednesday] Group Room
If you like planning and having your voice heard, then this is the group for you. Come join and help us write
the By-Youth-For-Youth (BYFY) grant, plan the 1000 hour pledge and clebration, create new and cool
clubs for Shabazz, volunteer in the community, and learn some great leadership and teambuilding skills.
Come make a difference with SLAAC! First meeting was Wednesday, Septermber 29th
COMING SOON:
9th/10th Grade Intermediate Basketball League
Girls Basketball League (grades 9 – 12)
Ski/Snowboard/Tubing Trips (Winter)
Shabazz Sha-Bang! (1000 or service celbration; Spring ’11)
Shabazz Day Away (Spring ’11)