Week 13

 

Dear Team... Happy Thanksgiving Week!  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break...enjoying quality time with family and friends...eating good food...shopping and resting!  

I wasn't successful in getting my Thankful Turkeys out to you today...so I do want to take this opportunity to tell you again how thankful I am for each one of you!  Your dedication, your kindness, your patience, your willingness to serve and invest in your students, your flexibility, your willingness to pivot to make things better, your innovation...I could go on and on.  You are the best...to say the least.  

I can't believe that we are solidly into the holiday season and that we only have 3 weeks before Christmas Break.  We have a lot to do...including Parent Teacher Conferences...between then and now, so rest up and let's go...

This Week:

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are the week following our Thanksgiving Break (December 1-5).  These should take approximately 15 minutes each.  (Plan to use a timer to be considerate to all parents.)  

Make sure your classroom is neat, orderly, and welcoming.  Ambience carries a lot of weight.

Remember, I need a copy of your PTC schedule before you leave on Tuesday.

Please remember to have all of your necessary/required paperwork ready for your conferences:

• Report Card
• NWEA Student Progress Reports
• Interim 1 Reports
• Student/Parent/Teacher Compacts (one for each student)
• Student/Parent/Teacher Compact Sign In Sheet
• PTC Sign In Sheet
• At Risk of Retention Letter (one for each student who is eligible)
• Student Data Sheet (Completed - one for each student)

Student Retention List

Parent Teacher Conferences are the time that you need to talk to parents if you are concerned about a students academic progress and/or Attendance.  This means the student is AT-RISK OF RETENTION and they might be RETAINED at the end of the year if improvements are not made.  

We cannot retain students if we do not have conversations with parents at BOTH Parent Teacher Conferences.  However, if students have improved by the end of year, we can remove them from Retention consideration.

You also need to go over the AT RISK OF RETENTION Letter and have the parent sign.  You need to keep the letter...do not give it to the parent.  Also, please provide the list of students who are at risk of retention to me on Friday, December 5th.

GLTs/03's

Due to parent teacher conferences, we will not be holding 03's or GLTs.  This will give you additional prep time or time to conduct conferenes.  I am always available if needed.

FLOs

It is time for your mid-year, full lesson observation.  These will begin the week of December 1st and are UNANNOUNCED.  This means I will be referring to your grade level schedule to plan my observations.  You will want to make sure that you are following it with fidelity so that I am observing the lesson I am preparing to observe.

Voice of the Parent Survey

 Teachers please note the following procedure we need you to follow during PTC's so that we can get parents to complete their Voice of the Parent survey

• In order for a student to receive a Free Dress coupon, parents must show proof of completion of survey 
• Teachers record completion on a class grid and take a picture of it; 
• Classrooms with 100% completion will receive a surprise; 
• have sign outside classroom encouraging parents to complete survey in order to receive the Free Dress coupon and treat at Door #1.
• If parents need to use Chromebook, go to Media center on Wed. 12-3. Support will log completion
• The students receiving coupons will use them on Friday, December 5 for a Free Dress Day

Blue Ribbon Society Applications/National Junior Honor Society Applications

I will be passing these applications out to the students in your class with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on Monday, December 1st.  The students will have until Friday, December 12 to complete and turn in the applications if they want to be considered for membership in the Blue Ribbon Society (3-5) or National Junior Honor Society (6-8).  The Administrative team will meet and invitations will be presented to accepted students before Christmas Break.

Honor's Assembly

On Wednesday, December 3rd (our half day), we will be having an Honor's Assembly in the Classrooms. You are not expected to invite parents to this.  This is a time that you can award your students with the expected awards (Attendance, Moral Focus, Honor Roll, Principal {I will do this one}).  You also might want to take a picture of each student with their awards and sent it to their individual parents via School Connect.

Door Decorating Contest

You can start now!  This needs to be done by December 7th.  Judging will begin on December 8th.

Annotated Lesson Plans

These will be due Friday for Week 14.

FYI...Active Engagement looks/sounds like...

• Students showing their work (on paper and during instruction)
• Discussions/Explainations/Questions

Remember to Anchor your Instruction back to the lesson goals at least 3 times during instruction.

    

Upcoming Events:

Monday - Friday, December 1-5 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/5); Parent Teacher Conference Week- REPORT CARDS GO HOME AT CONFERENCES...NOT BEFORE; NO TUTORING THIS WEEK!;  Scholastic Book Fair Week

Monday, December 1st - Moral Focus Assemblies K-5 8:15 6-8 12:45; Blue Ribbon/National Honor Society Applications passed out

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.  Honors Assemblies in Classroom; 

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

Friday, December 5 - Voice of Parent Survey Ends; FREE DRESS DOWN WITH COUPON FOR STUDENTS WHOSE PARENTS COMPLETED THE SURVEY (This is the only day to use the coupon); At-Risk of Retention Student List Due to Dean

Monday, December 8th - Holiday Door Judging Begins; Staff Meeting 3:35

Tuesday, December 9th - Tutoring Resumes

Friday, December 12 - BR/NJHS Applications Due

Monday - Friday, December 15-19 - Holiday Spirit Week  $ 2.00/day or $ 6.00/Week (M-Th)

• 12/15 - Red or Green Day
• 12/16 - Grade Level Team Choice (Decide this asap and let parents know)
• 12/17 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• 12/18 - Holiday Character or White/Gold Day
• 12/19 - Holiday Pajama Day (Free)

Wednesday, December 17th - 3-5 Wing Cohort Dean Day 8:00-11:00; 6-8 Wing Cohort Dean Day 11:30-2:30 at Laurus

Thursday, December 18th - K-2 Wing Cohort Dean Day 8:00-11:00; Sped/Intervention Cohort Dean Day 11:30-2:30 at Laurus;  Last Day of Tutoring

Friday, December 19th - Half Day Dismissal at 11:00 am; December Birthday Celebration Day; BR/NJHS Inductees Announced; Class Holiday Parties; Holiday Pajama Day - FREE; Last Day before Holiday Break

Monday, January 5th - School Resumes at Laurus

Thanksgiving Week

 

Happy Weekend Team!

Congratulations...you have completed the last full week prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday Break!  I honestly can't believe we are here already...yet I'm truly ready for this break, as I know you are too!  I hope that you truly enjoy time with family, good food, SLEEP, and some fun R&R during this holiday break.  

I also want to thank each and every one of you for the classroom instruction, professionalism, and community shown during the Principal Cohort visit.  I was (and am) very proud of each of you and the way you represented our team and Laurus Academy.  Thank you! 

Finally...as I reflect this Thanksgiving on the the things and people for whom I am grateful, know that you are a part of my "Gratitute List".  Happy Thanksgiving!

PS...We are entering one of the busiest times of the year.  These days are going to go quickly. Eat your Wheaties!

This Week (or before "let the holiday festivities begin" 😉):

Pie..Pie...Pie...

Please add our request for STORE BOUGHT Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie to your SchoolConnect this weekend.  We need Pie for our Thanksgiving Feast day on Tuesday, November 25th.  Pies can be dropped off at the school beginning on Monday, November 24th through 9:00 am on Tuesday, November 25th.  Thank you so much!

Thanksgiving Feast Day Expectations

On Tuesday 11/25 we will celebrate Thanksgiving.  On this day, students will eat in the classroom with their teacher.  Students will be given pie between 11:00 am -1:00 pm. 

GLTs/03's

Due to our short week, we will not be holding 03's or GLTs.  I am always available if needed.

FLOs

It is time for your mid-year, full lesson observation.  These will begin the week of December 1st and are UNANNOUNCED.  This means I will be referring to your grade level schedule to plan my observations.  You will want to make sure that you are following it with fidelity so that I am observing the lesson I am preparing to observe.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are the week following our Thanksgiving Break (December 1-5).  These should take approximately 15 minutes each.  (Plan to use a timer to be considerate to all parents.)  

Make sure your classroom is neat, orderly, and welcoming.  Ambience carries a lot of weight.

Remember, I need a copy of your PTC schedule before you leave on Tuesday.

Please remember to have all of your necessary/required paperwork ready for your conferences:

• Report Card
• NWEA Student Progress Reports
• Interim 1 Reports
• Student/Parent/Teacher Compacts (one for each student)
• Student/Parent/Teacher Compact Sign In Sheet
• PTC Sign In Sheet
• At Risk of Retention Letter (one for each student who is eligible)
• Student Data Sheet (Completed - one for each student)

I would make these copies next week so that you are ready for Monday, 12/1.

Voice of the Parent Survey

 Teachers please note the following procedure we need you to follow during PTC's so that we can get parents to complete their Voice of the Parent survey

• In order for a student to receive a Free Dress coupon, parents must show proof of completion of survey 
• Teachers record completion on a class grid and take a picture of it; 
• Classrooms with 100% completion will receive a surprise; 
• have sign outside classroom encouraging parents to complete survey in order to receive the Free Dress coupon and treat at Door #1.
• If parents need to use Chromebook, go to Media center on Wed. 12-3. Support will log completion
• The students receiving coupons will use them on Friday, December 5 for a Free Dress Day

Blue Ribbon Society Applications/National Junior Honor Society Applications

I will be passing these applications out to the students in your class with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on Monday, December 1st.  The students will have until Friday, December 12 to complete and turn in the applications if they want to be considered for membership in the Blue Ribbon Society (3-5) or National Junior Honor Society (6-8).  The Administrative team will meet and invitations will be presented to accepted students before Christmas Break.

Honor's Assembly

On Wednesday, December 3rd (our half day), we will be having an Honor's Assembly in the Classrooms. You are not expected to invite parents to this.  This is a time that you can award your students with the expected awards (Attendance, Moral Focus, Honor Roll, Principal {I will do this one}).  You also might want to take a picture of each student with their awards and sent it to their individual parents via School Connect.

Thankful Turkeys

It's that time of year!

Mrs. Rogers placed Thankful Turkey coloring sheets in your mailbox; you may make as many copies as you want!  We use Thankful Turkeys to let our coworkers know how thankful we are for them and all that they do!

Color it, write a message, and deliver it to someone that you are especially thankful for!

Door Decorating Contest

You can start now!  This needs to be done by December 7th.  Judging will begin on December 8th.

Annotated Lesson Plans

These will be due Tuesday for Week 13.

FYI...Active Engagement looks/sounds like...

• Students showing their work (on paper and during instruction)
• Discussions/Explainations/Questions

Remember to Anchor your Instruction back to the lesson goals at least 3 times during instruction.

    

Upcoming Events:

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 1-5 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/5); Parent Teacher Conference Week- REPORT CARDS GO HOME AT CONFERENCES...NOT BEFORE; NO TUTORING THIS WEEK!;  Scholastic Book Fair Week

Monday, December 1st - Moral Focus Assemblies K-5 8:15 6-8 12:45; Blue Ribbon/National Honor Society Applications passed out

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.  Honors Assemblies in Classroom; 

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

Friday, December 5 - Voice of Parent Survey Ends; FREE DRESS DOWN WITH COUPON FOR STUDENTS WHOSE PARENTS COMPLETED THE SURVEY (This is the only day to use the coupon); At-Risk of Retention Student List Due to Dean

Monday, December 8th - Holiday Door Judging Begins; Staff Meeting 3:35

Tuesday, December 9th - Tutoring Resumes

Friday, December 12 - BR/NJHS Applications Due

Monday - Friday, December 15-19 - Holiday Spirit Week  $ 2.00/day or $ 6.00/Week (M-Th)

• 12/15 - Red or Green Day
• 12/16 - Grade Level Team Choice (Decide this asap and let parents know)
• 12/17 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• 12/18 - Holiday Character or White/Gold Day
• 12/19 - Holiday Pajama Day (Free)

Wednesday, December 17th - 3-5 Wing Cohort Dean Day 8:00-11:00; 6-8 Wing Cohort Dean Day 11:30-2:30 at Laurus

Thursday, December 18th - K-2 Wing Cohort Dean Day 8:00-11:00; Sped/Intervention Cohort Dean Day 11:30-2:30 at Laurus;  Last Day of Tutoring

Friday, December 19th - Half Day Dismissal at 11:00 am; December Birthday Celebration Day; BR/NJHS Inductees Announced; Class Holiday Parties; Holiday Pajama Day - FREE; Last Day before Holiday Break

Monday, January 5th - School Resumes at Laurus

Week 12

 

It's Friday...Happy...Happy!

I want to thank all of you for your support this week...especially as I was not feeling well and was out.  I truly appreciate your help in keeping things steady, structured, and moving forward.

Also,  I want you to know how proud I am of you for leaning in to our PD training today.  I hope you found the information informative, and readily applicable.  We will continue to move forward for 100% implementation during these next weeks/months.

I know things are getting busy with the upcoming end of Trimester 1 (can you believe it!),  Report Cards, Parent Teacher Conferences and holidays.  It is very important that you set aside some time for yourself on the weekends to rest.  I hope that you do this over the next couple of days!

This Week:

Ebling Principal Cohort Visit

On Monday, December 17th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Principal Bullard and Laurus Academy will be hosting the Principals in DSQ Eblings cohort.  During this visit, they will be observing the flow of the school, it's appearance, and our committment and utilization of the Ebling Expectations (these were sent out this past Monday and Thursday)/Look -Fors.  In additon, various Principal teams will be observing instruction within the classrooms, looking for the adherence to the NHA Scope/Sequence, evidence that you are following the lesson plans with fidelity, and that your instruction demonstrates that you are fully prepared and prepped.  

We will be providing the Principals with a schedule of classrooms to observe it; however, be advised they are known to go 

Trimester 1 Ends - Gradebook Closes

This coming Friday, November 21st, is the last day of Trimester 1 and the day that Gradebook closes (this means you can still enter grades but no assignments after November 21st). 

Report Cards DO NOT GO HOME!!!!!

Report Cards will be passed out during your Parent Teacher Conferences...and not before that time.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Now is the time for you to be scheduling your Parent Teacher Conferences.  These will take place during the Week of December 1-5, 2025.  Please start reaching out to parents...School Connect is a great resource to schedule your conferences.

Wednesday, December 3rd is a Half Day for students (dismissals at 11:00 am).  Teachers are expected to stay until 3:00 pm, even if you completed your conferences on Monday and Tuesday.  We are looking for 100% In Person conferences to take place during PTC Week.

Look for an email from Mrs. Wheeler with the necessary forms to be completed during your PTC's.

Pie...Pie...Pie...We Need Pie!

Laurus Academy's Annual Thanksgiving Feast will take place on Tuesday, November 25th.  We are asking each family to donate one Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie for this celebration.  These will be dispersed to the classrooms so that students can enjoy pie with their celebration.  

We can accept the pies beginning Monday, November 24th so that they are fresh.  We cannot cook or bake any pies and they must be store bought.  

Please add this to your weekly newsletter.

Dean Day

I will be out to Windemere Park in Lansing for Dean Day on Tuesday, November 18th.  Dean Rogers will also be out on that day.  Deans Wheeler and Schofield will be out on Wednesday, November 19th for their respective Dean Days.

Door Decorating Contest

You can start now!  This needs to be done by December 6th.

Annotated Lesson Plans

These are due today.

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?

03s and GLTS

We will begin our Interim 2 Data planning this week.  Bring your Interim 2 Blueprints and your plans for Math and ELA so we can review and discuss.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Conferences are scheduled for December 1-5.  Now is the time to start to schedule these conferences because we need to make sure that these conferences are 100% in person.

Upcoming Events:

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; DO NOT SEND REPORT CARDS HOME!

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 1-5 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/5); Parent Teacher Conference Week- REPORT CARDS GO HOME AT CONFERENCES...NOT BEFORE; NO TUTORING THIS WEEK!

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 11

 

Happy Friday Everyone!... 

Thank you so much for all that you did this week to make learning impactful for your students.  What you do is not easy...however, everything you do or don't do effects your students...today and in the future.  I truly appreciate your dedication and effort.

It's the weekend...and they are forcasting snow, our first of the season, for Sunday!  I hope you take a minute to enjoy the magic and wonderment of these first flakes...and as always, I hope you are able to get some rest and relaxation...and that you do something nice for yourself.

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.

Meeting Etiquette

This is a gentle reminder that we do have norms for our meetings...PD Trainings, GLTs, 03's, Staff Meetings, etc.  The expectation for all meetings is that we arrive on time, we are attentive to the content, we do not bring other work to work on during the meeting, we stay engaged, side talk does not occur, laptops (unless these are required), phones, etc.  

We try not to hold meetings just for us to meet.  There is always a specific purpose to any meetings we ask you to attend.  As such, we are asking that you abide by these norms so that all participants get the necessary and important content.

Annotated Lesson Plans

These are due today.

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?

C & I Visit Wednesday

Next Wednesday, Chelsea Zantop will be at Laurus.  Our plan is for her to meet with each 3-5 team during their prep and go over Lesson Planning for Shared Reading.

*****Please make sure to bring Week 12 Shared Reading Lessons to our GLT on Wednesday.

03s and GLTS

We will continue our Interim 1 Data planning during our GLT on Monday.  Bring your plans for Math and ELA so we can review and discuss.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Conferences are scheduled for December 1-5.  Now is the time to start to schedule these conferences because we need to make sure that these conferences are 100% in person.

Gleaners Food Drive

This is our last week for our Gleaners Food Drive.  Let's really make a push for the items needed. 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

Gratitude Project

Please take time early in the week to have your students write a rough draft of their Letter of Gratitude to our Military Service Members (see the Gratitude Lesson plans on the Curriculum Website).  I will be passing out the 5 x 7 cards for the Final Draft on Tuesday.  The Final Draft needs to be done on Thursday...not before please.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, November 10 - Committee Meeting 3:35;

Wednesday, November 12 - C & I ELA Visit;  Math Night 4:30-5:30

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 1-5 - 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 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