Series Wrap-Up: Literacy – The Keys to Success
As we conclude our four-part literacy series, we are reminded that reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening are deeply connected skills that work together to support student success.
When students read complex texts with understanding, write clearly with evidence, build strong vocabulary, and confidently communicate their ideas, they are developing the tools they need to thrive — not only in middle school, but in high school, college, careers, and life.
Literacy is not limited to the language arts classroom. It lives in science labs, math discussions, history debates, the arts, and everyday conversations. Most importantly, it grows strongest when schools and families work together.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s literacy development. Your encouragement, engagement, and commitment make a lasting difference. Together, we are opening doors of opportunity — one skill, one conversation, and one book at a time.
As we conclude our four-part literacy series, we are reminded that reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening are deeply connected skills that work together to support student success.
When students read complex texts with understanding, write clearly with evidence, build strong vocabulary, and confidently communicate their ideas, they are developing the tools they need to thrive — not only in middle school, but in high school, college, careers, and life.
Literacy is not limited to the language arts classroom. It lives in science labs, math discussions, history debates, the arts, and everyday conversations. Most importantly, it grows strongest when schools and families work together.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s literacy development. Your encouragement, engagement, and commitment make a lasting difference. Together, we are opening doors of opportunity — one skill, one conversation, and one book at a time.
As we celebrate CTE Month in February, we’re proud to spotlight two of our outstanding Youth Apprentices!
One student is gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing, while another is building valuable skills in hospitality. Both are developing real-world experience, strong work habits, and career-ready skills while still in high school.
We’re excited to highlight their hard work and dedication this month! 👏✨
#YouthApprenticeship #CareerReady #Manufacturing #Hospitality #WorkBasedLearning #FutureLeaders
One student is gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing, while another is building valuable skills in hospitality. Both are developing real-world experience, strong work habits, and career-ready skills while still in high school.
We’re excited to highlight their hard work and dedication this month! 👏✨
#YouthApprenticeship #CareerReady #Manufacturing #Hospitality #WorkBasedLearning #FutureLeaders
Part 4: Speaking and Listening – Building Confidence Through Communication
In our final part of this literacy series, we focus on the Speaking and Listening Goal — a critical component of student success in middle school and beyond.
Strong speaking and listening skills allow students to collaborate effectively, share ideas clearly, and learn from others. Middle school students are expected to actively participate in discussions, follow agreed-upon conversation norms, ask thoughtful questions, and support their responses with evidence. They also develop the ability to present information formally, summarize what they learn from others, and thoughtfully engage with different types of media.
These skills prepare students not only for academic success but also for leadership opportunities, future careers, and civic engagement. When students can confidently express their ideas and respectfully listen to others, they build both knowledge and character.
In this post, we’ll explore what students are expected to demonstrate and how families can encourage strong speaking and listening habits at home.
In our final part of this literacy series, we focus on the Speaking and Listening Goal — a critical component of student success in middle school and beyond.
Strong speaking and listening skills allow students to collaborate effectively, share ideas clearly, and learn from others. Middle school students are expected to actively participate in discussions, follow agreed-upon conversation norms, ask thoughtful questions, and support their responses with evidence. They also develop the ability to present information formally, summarize what they learn from others, and thoughtfully engage with different types of media.
These skills prepare students not only for academic success but also for leadership opportunities, future careers, and civic engagement. When students can confidently express their ideas and respectfully listen to others, they build both knowledge and character.
In this post, we’ll explore what students are expected to demonstrate and how families can encourage strong speaking and listening habits at home.
Students in Mr. Powell's MS ELA WIN class made homemade compasses out of cork and magnetized sewing needles after reading a lesson on the history of compasses. They worked better than the students predicted, and they were able to find their way back to class using their compasses!
Part 3: Language – Strengthening Vocabulary and Communication Skills
In Part 3 of our literacy series, we focus on the Language Goal — the foundation that supports reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Language development in middle school is about much more than grammar rules. Students are expected to build and use strong academic vocabulary, understand figurative language, recognize relationships between words, and apply correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization in both speaking and writing. These skills allow students to clearly communicate their thinking and fully understand complex texts across all subject areas.
As students are exposed to rich, grade-level texts and intentional instruction, they expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of how language works. This growth strengthens their confidence and prepares them for more advanced academic work.
In this post, we’ll outline what students are expected to learn and share practical ways families can help reinforce language development at home.
In Part 3 of our literacy series, we focus on the Language Goal — the foundation that supports reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Language development in middle school is about much more than grammar rules. Students are expected to build and use strong academic vocabulary, understand figurative language, recognize relationships between words, and apply correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization in both speaking and writing. These skills allow students to clearly communicate their thinking and fully understand complex texts across all subject areas.
As students are exposed to rich, grade-level texts and intentional instruction, they expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of how language works. This growth strengthens their confidence and prepares them for more advanced academic work.
In this post, we’ll outline what students are expected to learn and share practical ways families can help reinforce language development at home.
"Happy 100th Day of School" from Mrs. Seiser's Super Kindergartners!
Warm February day. 5th grade. Our on-campus challenge course.
Students balancing, spotting, communicating, and figuring it out together. Real-time problem solving. Confidence built step by step.
Grateful this kind of learning is part of our students’ school experience, right here on our own campus.
#NorthCrawford #LearningInAction
Students balancing, spotting, communicating, and figuring it out together. Real-time problem solving. Confidence built step by step.
Grateful this kind of learning is part of our students’ school experience, right here on our own campus.
#NorthCrawford #LearningInAction
Second Harvest – Free Groceries Event
Hey folks! It looks like Jimmy the Groundhog was right — spring is just around the corner. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 25, and join us for Second Harvest at 212 Main Street in Gays Mills from 2:00–3:00 PM. When you arrive, Harry will be there to guide you on where to park. You will simply be asked how many households you are picking up for and how many people are in each household — that’s it. There is no cost and no income guidelines. Just come in and take home some free groceries. We can all use a little extra help, and our wonderful volunteers will load your car for you during the event. If you have any questions, please call Larry at 608-485-1772. We hope to see you there.
Hey folks! It looks like Jimmy the Groundhog was right — spring is just around the corner. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 25, and join us for Second Harvest at 212 Main Street in Gays Mills from 2:00–3:00 PM. When you arrive, Harry will be there to guide you on where to park. You will simply be asked how many households you are picking up for and how many people are in each household — that’s it. There is no cost and no income guidelines. Just come in and take home some free groceries. We can all use a little extra help, and our wonderful volunteers will load your car for you during the event. If you have any questions, please call Larry at 608-485-1772. We hope to see you there.
Part 2: Writing – Building Voice, Purpose, and Evidence
In Part 2 of our literacy series, we focus on a skill that empowers students to think clearly and express themselves with confidence: writing.
Writing in middle school goes far beyond completing assignments. Students are expected to write for different audiences and purposes — crafting arguments supported by evidence, developing informative explanations, and creating well-organized narratives. Strong writing helps students deepen their understanding of what they read and demonstrate learning across all content areas.
When students learn to support their ideas with evidence, organize their thoughts clearly, and revise their work thoughtfully, they are developing skills that prepare them not just for high school, but for college, careers, and civic life.
Let’s take a closer look at the writing goals for middle school students and how families can support this important growth at home.
In Part 2 of our literacy series, we focus on a skill that empowers students to think clearly and express themselves with confidence: writing.
Writing in middle school goes far beyond completing assignments. Students are expected to write for different audiences and purposes — crafting arguments supported by evidence, developing informative explanations, and creating well-organized narratives. Strong writing helps students deepen their understanding of what they read and demonstrate learning across all content areas.
When students learn to support their ideas with evidence, organize their thoughts clearly, and revise their work thoughtfully, they are developing skills that prepare them not just for high school, but for college, careers, and civic life.
Let’s take a closer look at the writing goals for middle school students and how families can support this important growth at home.
In honor of the Lunar New Year— the Year of the Horse—we’re featuring a special celebratory lunch menu tomorrow.
“Happiness is shared at the table.” — Chinese proverb
“Happiness is shared at the table.” — Chinese proverb
🎉 Celebrating Student Achievements at North Crawford! 🎉
This February, we’re highlighting and celebrating the amazing learning opportunities and accomplishments of our students! Students are taking advantage of programs like:
✅ Start College Now – earning college credit while still in high school
✅ Dual Credit – completing courses that count for both high school and college
✅ Youth Apprenticeship – gaining valuable real-world experience in their chosen fields
We are so proud of our students for pursuing these opportunities and taking steps toward their future success. Join us this month as we celebrate their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments!
#NorthCrawfordPride #StudentSuccess #StartCollegeNow #DualCredit #YouthApprenticeship #FutureLeaders
This February, we’re highlighting and celebrating the amazing learning opportunities and accomplishments of our students! Students are taking advantage of programs like:
✅ Start College Now – earning college credit while still in high school
✅ Dual Credit – completing courses that count for both high school and college
✅ Youth Apprenticeship – gaining valuable real-world experience in their chosen fields
We are so proud of our students for pursuing these opportunities and taking steps toward their future success. Join us this month as we celebrate their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments!
#NorthCrawfordPride #StudentSuccess #StartCollegeNow #DualCredit #YouthApprenticeship #FutureLeaders
Introduction (Post 1 of 4 Series)
Literacy is more than just reading words on a page — it is the foundation for academic success, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. In middle school, students are expected to read complex texts, write with evidence, build academic vocabulary, and confidently communicate their ideas across all subjects — not just in language arts.
As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in helping your child develop these essential skills. Over the next four posts, we will break down the key areas of literacy success — Reading, Writing, Language, and Speaking & Listening — and share practical ways you can support your child at home.
When families and schools work together, students thrive. Let’s explore the keys to literacy success — one step at a time.
Literacy is more than just reading words on a page — it is the foundation for academic success, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. In middle school, students are expected to read complex texts, write with evidence, build academic vocabulary, and confidently communicate their ideas across all subjects — not just in language arts.
As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in helping your child develop these essential skills. Over the next four posts, we will break down the key areas of literacy success — Reading, Writing, Language, and Speaking & Listening — and share practical ways you can support your child at home.
When families and schools work together, students thrive. Let’s explore the keys to literacy success — one step at a time.
Thank you to Ann Christoffer for coming in and working with our guitar class!
Thank you to Edward David Anderson for coming in and working with our guitar class!
Congratulations to Chloe Kvigne and Dmitri Staum who participated in the Tri-State Honors Band at UW-Platteville on February 7th.
Still searching for the perfect Valentine’s flower? 💐 We have just a few arrangements left!
Our self-serve cooler is stocked with individual roses — perfect to grab if you’re heading to tonight’s athletic events. Need something a little bigger? The Marketplace in Gays Mills has generously set up a table featuring our arrangements available throughout the weekend.
Thank you to everyone who placed an order. We truly enjoyed creating each arrangement and appreciate your continued support of our floral shop! 🌹
Good Luck to the North Crawford/Seneca wrestlers on Friday and Saturday as they compete in the first rounds of the WIAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament! Come out and support the team if you can.
Girls Regionals @ Richland Center - Friday Night
Boys Sectionals @ Brookwood - Saturday
Go Trojans! Go Royals!
#TrojanPride
Girls Regionals @ Richland Center - Friday Night
Boys Sectionals @ Brookwood - Saturday
Go Trojans! Go Royals!
#TrojanPride
February is CTE Month, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight this week on our FACE (Family and Consumer Education) courses! 🎉
From Personal Finance and Childcare to Nutrition & Food Preparation and more, our students are learning real-world skills that prepare them for life after high school. These hands-on classes teach responsibility, confidence, and career-ready skills that last a lifetime.
We’re proud of all the amazing work happening in our FACE classrooms and the impact these programs have on our students’ futures!
#NorthCrawfordTrojans #CTEMonth #FACE #CareerReady #LifeSkills #TrojansProud
From Personal Finance and Childcare to Nutrition & Food Preparation and more, our students are learning real-world skills that prepare them for life after high school. These hands-on classes teach responsibility, confidence, and career-ready skills that last a lifetime.
We’re proud of all the amazing work happening in our FACE classrooms and the impact these programs have on our students’ futures!
#NorthCrawfordTrojans #CTEMonth #FACE #CareerReady #LifeSkills #TrojansProud
North Crawford Middle School Students of the Month - December
8th grade - Caleb Harris
7th grade - Weston Braun
6th grade - Gordon Olson
Each student was nominated by their teachers for hard work, responsibility, respectfulness, and dedication to their school work.
Congratulations!
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
8th grade - Caleb Harris
7th grade - Weston Braun
6th grade - Gordon Olson
Each student was nominated by their teachers for hard work, responsibility, respectfulness, and dedication to their school work.
Congratulations!
Go Trojans!
#TrojanPride
Check out this spectacular adventure-themed book display created by Abigail Jorgensen! Located in the library entry, this display is a great reminder to students of all ages that our library is full of wonderful books waiting to take them on fantastic new adventures. Thank you for sharing your artistic skills and talents with the library, Abigail!📖😊📚
