SDMA Superintendent Writing Challenge

SDMA Superintendent Writing Challenge
Posted on 02/10/2020

Hello SDMA Families, Staff, and Students.

Black History Month begins tomorrow, February 1, 2020, and according to The History Channel, every American president since 1976 has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

In the SDMA, we will be celebrating Black History Month with a number of great school activities, including a special Superintendent Writing Challenge for all students.  Similar to last year's Growth Mindset Challenge, all students in the SDMA will be asked to take some information and develop a product which demonstrates their understanding of the material.

This year's challenge will focus on literacy.  According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, literacy is the ability to read, write, listen, speak, think critically and perform in different ways and for different purposes. In reviewing mid-year assessment data for the SDMA, it appears that a number of our students could use some extra practice comprehending what they read and then writing about it in an organized manner.

Students are welcome to be creative with their approach to this challenge, but a few ideas might be:

Students in third grade on up are especially encouraged to prepare for the upcoming state assessments by writing an essay utilizing a Text-Dependent Analysis Response and the TDA Writers Checklist.  Obviously, this contest will take into account age-appropriate reading and writing, and submissions with modifications for any special needs are both welcomed and encouraged.
While students are not required to submit an entry for this challenge, I hope that parents and classroom teachers will encourage and support participation. Submissions may be emailed to me or a hard copy can be turned into the principal's office at your child's school by 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 20.  I will be reading all student work and awarding prizes for the best submissions for each grade level at each school in the SDMA. 

Have a great weekend!

Joe Zydowsky