Week 10

 

Happy November and "Fall Back Weekend" Team!... 

Thank you so much for all of your hard work this past week as you dealt with Interim Test administration, Halloween and a short instructional week!  

Just a reminder that Daylight Savings time ends this weekend, so we gain an hour...of darkness.  Don't forget to set your clocks back...

I want to extend a big Laurus "Welcome" to Candace Miller, the new Paraprofessional  supporting 5th Grade.  We are so glad to have you join our school family.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Enjoy the extra day! Do something nice for yourself....and come back refreshed for a busy week! 💗

Lexia and Dreambox

Lexia and Dreambox are expected to be used during Intervention each day.  The NHA Expectation is that each student should be completing 10 Units of Lexia each week and 5 Lessons of Dreambox each week.  Let's work hard to make sure that we are hitting those goals each week.

Lexia and Dreambox are tools to be used during your Intervention Blocks for Independent work while you are pulling groups.

Annotated Lesson Plans

These are due today (Thursday, October 30th).

FYI...How are you addressing the Grade Level Habits of Discussion within your Turn and Talks?  Are you ensuring that students not only have opportunities for Participating but also Active Engagement?  Do your annotated plans have your written notes and plans for implementation on them?

Interim Week for Science and Social Studies 

You have Monday and Tuesday to complete the Science and Social Studies Interims.  If you need to finish up any Interim Testing, you will need to do this Monday afternoon.  At the end of the day Monday, you will need to force submit the tests.

03s and GLTS

These meetings resume this week.  We will be reviewing Interim 1 Data, reviewing our MSTEP 25-26 Goals, and establishing plans for Proficient and Bubble students.

Student Discipline - Putting Students in the Hallways

This is a reminder, that students are not to be sent into the Hallway for a punishment, or for any reason.  We discussed this during our Back to School PD and this is a major safety issue as they are not being monitored or supervised.

Student Uniform Infractions

We are noticing an increase in the number of students not following the Uniform code.  As the classroom teacher, you are the first line to notice and address this with the students.  Please be extra attentive...Infractions I'm catching are Crocs and Slides; wrong colors (no light blue, royal blue, forest green, etc.), sweater colors - only allowed are solid navy, white, gray and black. 

If students are not in uniform, they must call home from your classroom and parents must bring in correct uniform clothing.

Please add the following to your Newletter:

Uniform Requirements 

Uniform Tops 

• All shirts must be a short- or long-sleeve bright green, navy, gray, or white polo. 

• Middle school students may also wear a long- or short-sleeve white dress shirt with an optional navy blue/bright green tie. 

• Students may also wear solid navy blue, black, gray, or white sweaters and vests. No hoods.

• Undershirts (t-shirts worn under uniform shirts) must be white and must fit appropriately under the uniform shirts. Undershirts must not have longer sleeves than uniform shirts. 

• Shirts must be tucked neatly into bottoms. 

Uniform Bottoms 

• Dress bottoms (pants. skirts) must be solid navy blue. 

• Athletic, spandex and denim materials, yoga-style pants, carpenter loops, and decorative embroidery are not permitted. 

Uniform Shoes 

• Shoes must be loafer style, dress shoes, tennis shoes, or closed toed sandals. No Crocs or Slides.

Uniform Headwear & Accessories 

• Belts, if worn, must be plain solid black, navy blue, or brown. 

• Socks must be solid black, brown, navy, or white. 

• Tights and leggings worn underneath uniform bottoms must be solid white or navy

Arrival and Dismissal Duty

We are noticing that the majority of teachers are not being consistent in standing at their doors during Arrival and Dismissal.  It is an expectation that ALL classroom teachers are at their doors monitoring the hallways and still monitoring their classroom. Please team, this is one of your easiest tasks.  We all need to be diligent in completing it.

Gleaners Food Drive

Please continue to add the request for Gleaners donations in your weekly newsletters.  Last Day for donations is November 13th.

3^rd grade: Cake Mix & Frosting, Jiffy Mixes, Corn Bread/Biscuits & Brownies

4^th grade: Pancake Mix & Syrup, Bisquick Mix

5^th grade: Soup, Chili, & Stew

Bulletin Boards

It's time for Achievement Board Updates.  New Student Writing Samples are due to be posted by end of day, Monday, November 3rd .  These work samples should reflect their end of unit Narrative Writing Final Draft. Also, please take a look at the paper and border.  They are starting to look a bit raggedy.  Make sure that the borders and papers  are stapled and look neat. Remember to provide feedback and scores.  Also, display the appropriate Standard/Objective and Rubric.

Gratitude Project

Get ready for The Gratitude Project—on November 13, ALL students (in Grades K-8) across NHA will unite in a powerful act of appreciation by writing thank-you notes to veterans in their communities. Gratitude Project Lesson Plans and Resources are found on the Curriculum Website under General Resources.  

Please check this information out as this is a MUST DO Activity across NHA.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, November 3 - Moral Focus Assembly K-5 8:15: 6-8 12:45; DPS High School Visit 8th Grade; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day!  Make your vote count!

Friday, November 7-  $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday, November 10 - Committee Meeting 3:35;

Wednesday, November 12 - C & I ELA Visit 

Thursday, November 13 - Gleaners Collection Ends; Progress Report Day; Lockdown #2; Gratitude Project Day

Friday, November 14 - Fall Regional Day for Staff. No school for Students.

Monday, November 17 - Principal Cohort Visist; Wing Meeting 3:35

Tuesday, November 18 - Dean Day Rowden and Rogers

Wednesday, November 19 - Dean Day Wheeler and Schofield

Friday, November 21 - Trimester 1 Ends; Gradebook Closes - Last day for grades to be entered into Gradebook for Report Cards. Dress Down $ 2.00; IAT Meeting; 

Monday, November 24 - Free Dress; Tornado/Shelter Drill #1; Trimester 2 Begins; Holiday Door Decorating Week 

Tuesday, November 25 - Thanksgiving Feast/Lunch in Classrooms with Teacher & PIE DAY; Free Dress Down; NO TUTORING

Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

Monday - Friday, December 2-6 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/5); Parent Teacher Conference Week- REPORT CARDS GO HOME AT CONFERENCES...NOT BEFORE

Wednesday, December 3 - Half Day (school ends at 11:00 am) for Parent Teacher Conferences.  PTC's run from 12:00-3:00 pm on this Half Day.  

ALL STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM WHETHER YOUR CONFERENCES ARE COMPLETED OR NOT, AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU CONDUCT CONFERENCES.  EVERYONE HAS TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM.

Thursday, December 4 - C&I ELA Visit

Wednesday and Thursday, December 17-18 - Dean Day Cohort at Laurus

Week 9

 Happy Last Week of October Team... Thank you so much for all of your hard work this past week as you are preparing for next week's Interim tests.  I truly appreciate all of the time and effort you put into each instructional day for your students.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend...that you are able to get some rest and relaxation with family and/or friends.  Here's to another strong week!

On a personal note, I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your support and dedication...and for everything you give to Laurus, your students, families, each other, and to me.  Each of you have handled these first 9 weeks of school with strength and determination, and I applaud you for all that you've given and done.  My prayer for our team is that we are turning a corner, settling in to the awesome work we have to do, and are beginning to come into our own...and that each of you are healthy, safe, and fulfilled. 💗

This Week (It's going to be a busy one...and also shorter!):

News to Know:

Gleaners Food Drive

***First of all...I need to make a correction from last week's Blog.  All of third grade showed up to make it a grade level win last year.  Thanks Team...your efforts were and are always appreciated and you always show up!

Please continue to add the request for Gleaners donations in your weekly newsletters:

3^rd grade: Cake Mix & Frosting, Jiffy Mixes, Corn Bread/Biscuits & Brownies

4^th grade: Pancake Mix & Syrup, Bisquick Mix

5^th grade: Soup, Chili, & Stew

Bulletin Boards

It's nearing time to update your Hallway Achievement Bulletin Boards.  New Student Writing Samples are due to be posted by end of day, Monday, November 3rd .  These work samples should reflect their end of unit Narrative Writing Final Draft. Also, please take a look at the paper and border.  They are starting to look a bit raggedy.  Make sure that the borders and papers  are stapled and look neat. Remember to provide feedback and scores.  Also, display the appropriate Standard/Objective and Rubric.

GLTS/03s

We will have GLTs next week.  They will be planning meetings for Week 10 Shared Reading (Monday) and Math Stories (Wednesday).  Please bring your lesson plans to the meetings so that we can plan together.

I am still planning to hold our 03s. ☺

Interims

Our first Interim testing cycle will begin the week of October 27.  Grades 3-8 will sit for Interim 1 in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  During that week, since it is a short week we will test for ELA and Math.  During week 10, Science and Social Studies Interims can occur duing SS and Science times.  Remember that during Interim 1 week we won't have school on Friday, October 31 .  It is the expectation that ALL ELA and Math Interims are administered and completed by end of day October 30.  Please pace your administration so that you get all of these administered.

Instructional Week 9

Monday begins Week 9 lessons.  Please note below...these data charts were pulled today around 2:30 pm.  If you have any outstanding students assessments (Pink/Red) please work to get them completed asap next week.

 ELA Common Assessments

Math Common Assessments

Arrival and Dismissal

Please remember that it is an expectation that all teachers are stationed at their door during Arrival and Dismissal.  Please make sure you are constantly scanning your room to monitor student behavior as well.

Student Support

Please be advised that we are not able to utilize Ms. Rode as student support.  She is such a lovely lady and so willing to help, but student supervision during the school day is not her responsibility.  You are all aware of the appropiate student support individuals in the building.  Please remember to utilize them. 

Annotated Lesson Plans

None due today due to Interim Testing next week.

Fall Tutoring

Fall Tutoring will begin on Tuesday, October 28th.  It will run for 6 weeks.  

Candy Needed for Trunk or Treat

In order to ensure that there is enough candy for Trunk or Treat, we are asking each family to send in two bags of candy as soon as possible.  

Please send this reminder home OFTEN in your School Connect in these next couple of weeks to help us get the candy donations we need.

Upcoming Events:

Monday - Thursday, October 27 - 30 - Gr, 3-8 Interim 1 Test Week 

Tuesday, October 28 - Fall Tutoring Begins

Wednesday, October 29 - Halloween Celebration Day 2:00-2:45 (Students can dress in costumes...no masks, face paint, or weapons); Trunk or Treat 4:30-5:30 (if candy lasts); NO TUTORING

Thursday, October 30 - Fire Drill #3; Tutoring Resumes

Friday, October 31 - NO SCHOOL

Monday, November 3 - Moral Focus Assembly K-5 8:15: 6-8 12:45; DPS High School Visit 8th Grade; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day!  Make your vote count!

Friday, November 7-  $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday, November 10 - Committee Meeting 3:35;

Wednesday, November 12 - C & I ELA Visit 

Thursday, November 13 - Gleaners Collection Ends; Progress Report Day; Lockdown #2; 

Friday, November 14 - Fall Regional Day for Staff. No school for Students.

Monday, November 17 - Principal Cohort Visist; Wing Meeting 3:35

Tuesday, November 18 - Dean Day Rowden and Rogers

Wednesday, November 19 - Dean Day Wheeler and Schofield

Friday, November 21 - Trimester 1 Ends; Gradebook Closes - Last day for grades to be entered into Gradebook for Report Cards. Dress Down $ 2.00; IAT Meeting; 

Monday, November 24 - Free Dress; Tornado/Shelter Drill #1; Trimester 2 Begins; Holiday Door Decorating Week 

Tuesday, November 25 - Thanksgiving Feast/Lunch in Classrooms with Teacher & PIE DAY; Free Dress Down; NO TUTORING

Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

Monday - Friday, December 2-6 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/5); Parent Teacher Conference Week- REPORT CARDS GO HOME AT CONFERENCES...NOT BEFORE

Wednesday, December 3 - Half Day (school ends at 11:00 am) for Parent Teacher Conferences.  PTC's run from 12:00-3:00 pm on this Half Day.  

ALL STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM WHETHER YOUR CONFERENCES ARE COMPLETED OR NOT, AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU CONDUCT CONFERENCES.  EVERYONE HAS TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM.

Thursday, December 4 - C&I ELA Visit

Wednesday and Thursday, December 17-18 - Dean Day Cohort at Laurus

Upcoming Events:

Monday, November 4 - Moral Focus Assembly K-5 8:15-8:30, 6-8 2:15-2:45; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Tuesday, November 5 - Election Day!  Make your vote count!

Friday, November 8- Progress Report Friday; $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday, November 11 - Committee Meeting 3:35;

Wednesday, November 13 - Lock Down - PM; Math Night 4:00-5:00 pm

Friday, November 15 - Gradebook closes. Last day for grades to be entered into Gradebook for Report Cards.

Monday, November 18 - Wing Meeting 3:35

Friday, November 22 - End of Trimester 1; Report Cards Home; Dress Down $2.00

Monday, November 25 - Friday, December 6  - Voice of the Parent Survey Begins

Monday, November 25 - Trimester 2 Begins; Free Dress Down

Tuesday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Feast & PIE DAY; Free Dress Down

Wednesday-Friday, November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break

Monday - Friday, December 2-6 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/6); Parent Teacher Conference Week

Wednesday, December 4 - Half Day for Parent Teacher Conferences.  PTC's run from 12:00-3:00 pm on this Half Day.  

ALL STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM WHETHER YOUR CONFERENCES ARE COMPLETED OR NOT, AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU CONDUCT CONFERENCES.  EVERYONE HAS TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM.

Week 8

 

Happy Friday Team! 

Here we are...another Friday...and right in the middle of October!  Can you believe it?

And...you made it through another busy week.  I want to tell you how much I appreciate the effort you make to prepping for instruction.  It is obvious to me, as well as our visitors who were in the building this week, when you have prepped for the lesson instruction and are prepared to teach, and when you are not.  Keep up the good work!

Reflection Time:

Last week I share my feelings with you about the importance of self care.  Today, I want to challenge you to take some time every day/week to reflect on what went well.  There is so much involved with what we do everyday....and sometimes we get it right and other times our best efforts and intentions fall flat.  If you are like me, I tend to put my focus on what I need to improve on...and that is necessary.  However, I urge you to always find something positive each day to walk away with...a lesson that went well, a student you connected with, a teammate you encouraged, etc.  This is another way to help fill your "bucket", and that is so necessary for us as educators.  

My challenge to you for next week is to try to utilize this reflection strategy each day next week.  I will be interested in hearing your feedback in our 03's if you feel like sharing.

News to Know:

Gleaners Food Drive

Monday, October 20th kicks off our annual Gleaners Food Drive!  Last year, the winner of the schoolwide competition was 3A- Ms. Scott/McNeil's classroom.  I wonder if our wing will pull it off again this year.  Let's GO!!!!

Kindergarten: Macaroni & Cheese, Spaghetti,  Pasta &  Rice

1^st grade: Peanut butter & Jelly/Jam

2^nd grade: Boxed Stuffing,  Canned Sweet Potatoes & Spaghetti Sauce

3^rd grade: Cake Mix & Frosting, Jiffy Mixes, Corn Bread/Biscuits & Brownies

4^th grade: Pancake Mix & Syrup, Bisquick Mix

5^th grade: Soup, Chili, & Stew

6^th grade: Cereal & Oatmeal

7^th grade: Crackers & Granola Bars

8^th grade: Canned Vegetables and Fruit  

Grade Level Peer Observations

Just a reminder that next week I am giving you time (GLT Time) to complete the Grade Level Peer Observations we discussed this week.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

GLTS/03s

These are canceled next week so that you can complete your Peer Observations.

I am still planning to hold our 03s. ☺

Interims

Our first Interim testing cycle will begin the week of October 27.  Grades 3-8 will sit for Interim 1 in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies during that week.  Remember that during Interim 1 week we won't have school on Friday, October 31 .  It is the expectation that ALL Interims are administered and completed by end of day October 30.  Please pace your administration so that you get all of these administered.

It is recommended that your review for Interim 1 takes place in the afternoons during Week 8 (this coming week) so that you have all of the time you need for test administration during our test week (Week 9).

Instructional Week 8

Monday begins Week 8 lessons and Common Assessments.  Please note below...these data charts were pulled today around 2:30 pm.  If you have any outstanding students assessments (Pink/Red) please work to get them completed by end of day Monday.

 ELA Common Assessments

Math Common Assessments

Annotated Lesson Plans

Due on Fridays by 3:00 pm.  Please place these in your class folder on my cabinet.

Fall Tutoring

Fall Tutoring will begin on Tuesday, October 28th.  It will run for 6 weeks.  

Candy Needed for Trunk or Treat

In order to ensure that there is enough candy for Trunk or Treat, we are asking each family to send in two large bags of candy as soon as possible.  Please send this reminder home OFTEN in your School Connect in these next couple of weeks to help us get the candy donations we need.

Whole Class Discipline

It is important to remember to be very careful about giving whole class consequences for discipline.  It can be demoralizing for those students who were not at fault to be punished for others' behaviors.  Please be very thoughtful and purposeful if/when you utilize this behavior consequence.

Ear Buds/Phones

I am starting to notice staff members wearing earbuds during work time.  This is not an acceptable practice at Laurus.  Please make sure that you are not wearing these while you are at work.

Also,  I am starting to see some of my teachers with their phones out, and on their phones.  Your phones need to be muted and not visible. You are able to check your phones on your prep and at lunch.

Students' Chronic Absenteeism

If you have students who are chronically absent, make sure that you submit those students names to Ms. Hall.  She is our Attendance Liaison and part of her job is to work with parents on these types of student absenteeism.

Upcoming Events:

Monday-Friday, October 20-24 - Safe Schools Week

Monday, October 20 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:30

Tuesday, October 21 - Fall Picture Re-Take Day (students must be in school uniform)

Wednesday, October 22 - Dean Day for Wheeler and Schofield

Thursday, October 23 - Dean Day for Rowden and Rogers

Friday, October 24 - UM vs. MSU Free Dress Down Day; October Birthday Celebrations 2:15 - 2:45; Lock Down #1 

Monday - Thursday, October 27 - 30 - Gr, 3-8 Interim 1 Test Week 

Tuesday, October 28 - Fall Tutoring Begins

Wednesday, October 29 - Halloween Celebration Day 2:00-2:45 (Students can dress in costumes...no masks, face paint, or weapons); Trunk or Treat 4:30-5:30 (if candy lasts)

Thursday, October 30 - Fire Drill #3

Friday, October 31 - NO SCHOOL

Friday, November 14 - Fall Regional Day

Friday, November 21 - Trimester 1 Ends

Monday - Friday, December 1-5 - Parent Teacher Conferences/Report Cards

Week 7

 

Happy Friday Team! 

We made it though another week!  Yay!  Can you believe that next week we will be half way through October!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  

This month, in addition to focusing on your planning and instruction, I want you to focus on your self care because you know you can't keep giving if you're not refilling your "bucket".  

It is very important that you schedule time for yourself in the evenings and on weekends. This job requires a lot from educators, especially NHA educators, because we are invested in your growth and development. 

What is self-care for Teachers? And do you practice it?

Self care is much more that breakfast in bed or treating yourself to a spa day...and those are important.  I am not dismissing them.  Self-care activities can include big and small things that address your mental and physical well-being. Examples of self-care habits range from getting enough sleep at night, making time for breakfast, and pausing for meditations and breathing exercises throughout the day.

Also, I have found if you can schedule 2-3 nights a week to prep for your upcoming lessons, grade papers, make copies, etc. you will free up longer periods of time for yourself on the weekends.  

Also, allowing yourself one night a week where you don't work...just for yourself and your self care...(I always chose Wednesday because it was right in the middle of the week)...helps to provide some mental refreshment, as well.

My challenge to you for next week is to try to utilize this strategy as often as possible throughout the next week.  I will be interested in hearing your feedback in our 03's.

News to Know:

Safety Visit!!!

IMPORTANT...On Tuesday, October 14th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am we will be having a safety visit.  It is important that you continue to implement the safety procedures and practices including:

• Classroom Doors must be shut and locked; Curtains must be open so that the classroom is clearly visible
• Lights should be on
• If you are helping outside with arrival, make sure you are wearing your vest.
• If you are going outside for recess during this time, make sure you have your walkie and vest on.
• Students need to walk safely in the hallways

Routines/Procedures/Expectations/Classrooms

I saw several instances of classrooms "tightening up" this past week, per my suggestions.  Please continue to monitor student behaviors with the expectations of using/implementing your classroom procedures and routines with 100% fidelity.  

Also, I need to continue to stress cleanliness and orderliness of your classroom.  Please continue to focus on this.

I need you to look at your classroom through the lens of a visitor. Next week begins the start of Laurus beginning to have multiple visits and visitors in the building.  Please take a look at your room as if you were a visitor in there and take care of the areas that need to be addressed.  Encourage your students to care for their desk areas and cubbie/locker areas, too.

C & I Observations

Chelsea Zantap will be here on Thursday, October 16th.  She will be visiting and observing ELA instruction in grades 3-8.  Please plan accordingly. I will be with her during the morning and part of the afternoon, so that will impact 03s and GLTs.  I will come to you if I am available.

Instructional Week 7

Monday begins Week 7 lessons and Common Assessments.  Please note below...these data charts were pulled today around 2:30 pm.  If you have any outstanding students assessments (Pink/Red) please work to get them completed by end of day Monday.

 ELA Common Assessments

Math Common Assessments

Annotated Lesson Plans

Reminder...lesson plans need to include annotations that highlight Active Engagement.  Please make sure that this is a continued practice.  These also need to be turned in on time. 

Fall Tutoring

Fall Tutoring will begin on Tuesday, October 28th.  It will run for 6 weeks.  Fall Tutors were selected by Administration this time due to the low number of tutors needed and students that will be serviced.  More staff will be invited to tutor beginning in January for our Winter Tutoring session.  

Student invitations will be sent out by the grade level Deans next week.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 13th - School Safety Visit 7:30-9:30 am; Committee Mtg. 3:35 - 4:30 pm

Wednesday, October 15th - High School Parent Night 4:00-5:00 pm.

Thursday, October 16th - C & I ELA School Visit - Grades 3-8 Visits/Observations

Friday, October 17th - $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday-Friday, October 20-24 - Safe Schools Week

Monday, October 20 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:30

Tuesday, October 21 - Fall Picture Re-Take Day (students must be in school uniform)

Wednesday, October 22 - Dean Day for Wheeler and Schofield

Thursday, October 23 - Dean Day for Rowden and Rogers

Friday, October 24 - UM vs. MSU Free Dress Down Day; October Birthday Celebrations 2:15 - 2:45; Lock Down #1 

Monday - Thursday, October 27 - 30 - Gr, 3-8 Interim 1 Test Week 

Wednesday, October 29 - Halloween Celebration Day 2:00-2:45 (Students can dress in costumes...no masks or weapons); Trunk or Treat 4:30-5:30 (if candy lasts)

Thursday, October 30 - Fire Drill #3

Friday, October 31 - NO SCHOOL

Friday, November 21 - Trimester 1 Ends

Monday - Friday, December 1-5 - Parent Teacher Conferences/Report Cards

Week 6

 

Happy Friday Team! 

Welcome to October...this is one of my favorite months of the year and I am eagerly awaiting the cool temperatures that occupying this season.  I love the fall season! I love the colors, the cooler temps, all of the fall flavors and foods, and the feeling of coziness!  Hopefully, even if you're not a "fall" person, you can find something in this season that brings you joy!  Have a wonderful weekend!

October 3-5 Staff Birthday "Shout Outs" - Ms. Ragin 10/26 and Ms. Trolinger 10/26...you are officially Birthday Twins!  Hope you enjoy your Birthday month!

News to Know:

Routines/Procedures/Expectations/Classrooms

I am starting to notice students and staff beginning to get "comfortable" and letting certain behaviors/expectations slide.  I really need you to tighten up...with monitoring student behaviors, with the expectations of using/implementing your classroom procedures and routines with 100% fidelity, with the cleanliness and orderliness of your classroom.  This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Classroom Lights - these must be on unless you are projecting something.  However, this should not be all day.  Also, there must always be one set of Classroom Lights on at all times.
• Hallway Passes - these must be implemented
• Hallway Voice - Level 0
• Bathroom Breaks - Students having a book to read while waiting quietly
• Students blurting out - raising hands and waiting to be called upon. Wait for "100%" compliance. "Do Over" if need be...as many times as necessary until students are compliant.
• Classroom Movement - Implementing your expectations for children out of seat and movement in the classroom-too many classrooms allowing too many students up out of their seats at the same time.
• Phone Use - Please do not let students make phone calls home,  You should be initiating the call and handing the phone off to the students.  Also, phone calls should not be made during instruction for any other reasons than injury or vomiting/diarrhea.
• Students Talking, Shouting Out, Class Noise Level - Utilizing CHAMPS and Voice Levels with fidelity during instruction/independent work time
• Teacher Desk/Work Tables - these must be neat and organized areas
• Student Desks - These are starting to look like they are "throwing up" on the floor.  Please take a couple of minutes each day to make sure their desks are neat.  (This should not take more than two minutes.)
• Bookcases - Books need to be neat and orderly
• Bulletin Boards - neatness for in class and hallway

I need you to look at your classroom through the lens of a visitor. When we do this, we often can see the areas that need to be addressed.  Please work to ensure that these areas of concern are addressed by the beginning of the week.  Thank you!

Absence/Tardy Text

You are doing a great job with letting me know of absences and putting in your ESTA Absence time.  However, I am going to ask that on the day of your absence, that you please send me a reminder text.  I try to remember to jot it down on the calendar, but sometimes it doesn't happen. 

Also, I do need a text for when you are Tardy.  It helps me to arrange coverage of your class until you arrive.

Thanks so much!

C & I Observations

Chelsea Zantap will be here on Tuesday, October 7th.  She will be visiting and observing ELA instruction in grades 3-8.  Please plan accordingly.

Instructional Week 6

We all should be on Week 6 lessons and Common Assessments.  Please note below...these data charts were pulled today around noon.  If you have any outstanding students assesments (Pink/Red) please work to get them completed on Monday.

 ELA Common Assessments

Math Common Assessments

Annotated Lesson Plans

This week begins our lesson plans including annotations that highlight Active Engagement.  Please make sure that this is a continued practice.

Progress Reports

Please remember that our first Progress Report Day is next Friday (10/10).  While we do not send physical (paper) copies of Progress Reports home, we do advise Parents to check their child's grades in the Parent Portal.  

Reminder:  You should be updating students grades so that EVERY Monday morning parents can check to see the most current grade status for their child.

Lexia/Dreambox

Please remember to utilize Lexia and Dreambox during your Intervention Block.  This is the only time these programs should be used. Also, all of your students should not be on their Chromebooks at the same time.  

Lexia/DreamBox are a small group activity rotation during your Workshop/Intervention time.

Chromebooks

Please make sure that you are monitoring the use and storage of your classroom Chromebooks.  It is vital that students do not remove Chromebooks from your classroom or take them home.  As such, you should have a procedure in place for accountability for all chromebooks assigned to your room.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 6th - Moral Focus Assemblies.  K-5 8:15 am; 6-8 12:45 pm                                                            Staff Meeting 3:35 - 4:30

Tuesday, October 7th - C & I ELA School Visit - Grades 3-8 Visits/Observations

Wednesday, October 8th-10th - Big Smiles School Dentist

Friday, October 10th - FIRE DRILL - AM; Candy Sale Ends; Progress Report Day

Monday, October 13th - Committee Mtg. 3:35 - 4:30 pm

Wednesday, October 15th - High School Parent Night 4:00-5:00 pm.

Friday, October 17th - $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday-Friday, October 20-24 - Safe Schools Week

Monday, October 20 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:30

Tuesday, October 21 - Fall Picture Re-Take Day (students must be in school uniform)

Wednesday, October 22 - Dean Day for Wheeler and Schofield

Thursday, October 23 - Dean Day for Rowden and Rogers

Friday, October 24 - UM vs. MSU Free Dress Down Day; October Birthday Celebrations 2:15 - 2:45; Lock Down #1 

Monday - Thursday, October 27 - 30 - Gr, 3-8 Interim 1 Test Week 

Wednesday, October 29 - Halloween Celebration Day 2:00-2:45 (Students can dress in costumes...no masks or weapons); Trunk or Treat 4:30-5:30 (if candy lasts)

Thursday, October 30 - Fire Drill #3

Friday, October 31 - NO SCHOOL

Friday, November 21 - Trimester 1 Ends

Monday - Friday, December 1-5 - Parent Teacher Conferences/Report Cards