Week 5

 

Happy Week 5 Everyone!  

Welcome to the last week of September!  Are you ready for Fall?  I sure am.  I can't wait...I love the colors, the crisp blue skies, the apples, pumpkins, leaves, COFFEE and "Swetta Wetha...aka Sweater Weather".

Uniform Updates

There have been some updates to the uniform colors for our school.  In addition to the lime green and white polo/collared shirts, we are now adding the colors of Navy and Gray.  They must also be the collared shirts.  If students wear navy or gray, please know they are still "in uniform".

I Can Statements

Here is an example of "I Can" statements that meet the expectations we've been discussing.  If your's don't meet the expectations, this might be a style you'd like to incorporate into your classroom.

Recess Procedure

For the classes/grades that go out for recess, please remember you must take your walkie, your vest, and your red bag.

Sub Plans

Please make sure that you have a sub folder and plans available at all times.  

Moral Focus - Wisdom 

Each classroom teacher needs to submit the name of one student who exhibits the Moral Focus of Wisdom to the Moral Focus Google Doc sent out by Mrs. Wheeler.  They will be recognized during our October Moral Focus Assembly.  Please keep this a secret from the students so that it is a surprise.

SchoolConnect/Dojo

Please remember to add me to your Dojo or Remind.

Candy Fundraiser

Please remember to follow the expectations for our Candy Sale.  Teachers create a class grid with student names, collect the forms, mark the number of boxes of candy (1 at a time), get the boxes of candy and give them to the students, and collect the money. We will come daily to collect the money from the teachers and pass out the incentives.

Cell Phones

Please continue to be diligent about collecting cell phones and locking them up. This is non-negotiable.

Hall Passes

These are NOT being utilized consistently.  Remember to utilize your hall passes for any emergency bathroom situations.  Also, only ONE student at a time may be out of your classroom.

Grade Level Newsletters

These are to be sent out weekly to parents via your SchoolConnect/Dojo.  This is an expectation. 

Attendance

Weekly Attendance grids must be printed out on Fridays and placed in your Attendance File located in the Dean's Office.

Grade Level Team Meetings and 03's

Just one last reminder that 03s are in the Deans Office and the GLT's are in the Team Leads classroom

Upcoming Events:

Monday, September 26 - Dean's have a Virtual Dean Training from 10:30-12:30 and will be unavailable during that time.  All Paras and Interventionists have a Caseload training after school from 3:30-4:30 with Ms. Rowden and Ms. Schofield.

Monday, 9/25-Wednesday 9/27 - Vision Screening continues for grades 1,3,5,7

Friday, 9/29 - NWEA Window closes.  All students in grades 3-8 must have their testing completed by this date.  Please complete testing ASAP.

Monday, 10/2 - Moral Focus Assembly 8:15 in the gym for grades K-8.  Staff Meeting - 3:35-4:00; 

Wednesday, 10/4 - Count Day. Students have FREE DRESS. 

Friday, 10/6 - Pink Out for Breast Cancer Fundraiser.  Students wear Pink for $2.00.  Staff Jean Day.

Week 4

 

Happy Weekend Everyone!  

Whew!  You did it!  You completed the first 5 day week of the school year!  Yay!

We have several weeks before we have another day off...and this is a good thing because we can really start to dig into instruction and learning.  As such, it's really important that you strive to balance your work and life. Be purposeful in scheduling your late days, so that they are balanced with the days you leave by 4:00 (or earlier) and have your home time.  You are important to me!

We want to extend a BIG Laurus Welcome to Ms. Davis, the new K-2 ABSS!  Welcome to the family!

News to Know:

New Students

Please plan on getting new students until Count Day in October.

Check Emails

I need you to make sure that you check your email at least twice a day...once during the morning and again in the afternoon.  We send out important information throughout the day. 

Circulate

We are beginning to notice many teachers sitting at their desks or tables and teaching.  As we all know, research shows student engagement increases when teachers circulate the classroom while teaching.  This best practice also helps with behavior management due to your proximity to the students.  Going forward we ask and expect that you will be up circulating during your instruction.

Uniforms

Reminder that shirts must be tucked in at all times.  I need your help to see that this becomes habit with our students.  

Also, students are not allowed to wear shorts until next summer.  Please include this in your communication home.

AIMSWeb Progress Monitoring

AIMSWeb Progress Monitoring is to be done bi-weekly.  Week 1 Progress Monitoring is to be completed by the Grade Level/Classroom Interventionist.  Week 3 Progress Monitoring should be done by the Classroom Teacher.

NWEA

We are now in the Make Up Testing period of our test schedule.  I will send out student lists which indicate the names of students who still need to complete their testing.  Our Charter Goal is to have 100% of students in grades 3-8 tested before the end of the testing session.

Pacing

It is very important that we maintain the lesson pacing as outlined in our Year At A Glance documents (found on the Curriculum Web Tab).  It is recommended that you use timers to help you stay on schedule/pace.  If you need assistance with compacting lessons or backward planning, please reach out to your Dean.

Cell Phones

Please continue to be diligent about collecting cell phones and locking them up. This is non-negotiable.

Grade Level Team Meetings and 03's

Just a reminder that 03s are in the Deans Office and the GLT's are in the Team Leads classroom.

Hall Passes

I am seeing too many students in the hallways without a Hall Pass.  This is a non-negtiable

Attendance

Attendance and Lunch Count must be taken at 8:01 (following announcements) and 8:45 am.  Lunch numbers are pulled by 9:00 am, so if you have any students who come in Tardy before 9:00 am, please make sure that their lunch is recorded if they are getting School Lunch.

Afternoon Attendance must be completed by 1:00 pm.

Weekly Attendance grids must be printed out on Fridays and placed in your Attendance File located in the Dean's Office.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, September 18 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00; Girls Volleyball Try Outs begin

                                          Vision Screening Begins Gr. 1, 3, 5, 7

Tuesday, September 19 - Principal Coffee 9:00-9:30

Wednesday, September 20 - Farina (Math C & I) Visit

Wednesday, September 20 - Candy Fundraiser in the Gym:  1:15 Gr. 5-8   2:00 Gr. K-4

Friday, September 22 - Fire Drill - PM

Wednesday, September 27 - Vision Screening Ends

Monday, October 2 - Moral Focus Assembly 8:15 Gym; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00; Staff Survey Opens

Wednesday, October 4 - Count Day; Free Dress Day

Week 3

 

Happy Friday Everyone!  

Well...we have the 2nd week of school under our belt!  Can you believe it?  Next week will be the first full week of the school year.  Please be prepared as the students (and you) will be tired by weeks end.  You will want to be diligent with your expectations, routines, and procedures.

Staff Arrival

As we discussed numerous times during our PD week, staff start time (unless your grant funded less than 37.5 hours a week) is 7:30 am.  No exceptions.  We are starting to see staff arriving after their expected arrival times and this is not ok.  If you get caught behind an accident, you need to let your Dean know along with an estimated ETA time.  

If you are grant funded and have a later start time, you MUST be in the classroom at your start time, i.e. if your start time is 8:30 that means you are in your designated classroom starting your day with the students.  

This is not the time you are walking into the building...going to the office to get coffee, etc.  

Please make the necessary adjustments to your morning schedule so that you are arriving to work on time.  Deans will be following up with verbal and written warnings, which can then escalate into Write Ups.  

Dismissal

As Mrs. Rogers has mentioned numerous times, the expectation for classroom teachers is to stand at their door for the entire Dismissal time so that students can be monitored not only in their classroom, but for those students walking in the hallways.  This is a vital part of the Dismissal process ensuring that students are safe (in the classroom and hallway) and moving quickly to get outside to their vehicle.

This is not a time for you to correct student work, be on the computer, pack up to leave, etc. Please make sure you are at your door.

DSQ Visit

Our DSQ, Dr. Ward, will be visiting our school at least once a week.  In addition, our Senior DSQ, will visit unannounced monthly.  They will be coming into your classrooms to observe.  It is very important that you make sure your classrooms are neat and tidy with all supplies put away.  There should be no clutter in your classrooms.  Also, all Whiteboard Configuration needs to be in place (refer to my Glows and Grows), Achievement Boards need to be updated, and Number Corners need to be up and utilized.

***Whiteboard Configuration - Date (top right); I Can Statements (right side); Schedule (top of whiteboard); CHAMPS (left side).

CHAMPS Devices 

These need to be on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the White Board and not on the wall above or below. You need make sure that you show that they are being utilized...what are you using to show the levels for each area?

Check Emails

I need you to make sure that you check your email at least twice a day...once during the morning and again in the afternoon.  We send out important information throughout the day. 

Sub Plans

Please make sure that you have a sub folder and plans available at all times.  

 

Weekly Assessments - Students Not Tested

As you can see, the Week 0 benchmarking has not been completed and/or uploaded.  We discussed that this was going to be completed.  Please make sure that you get these completed and uploaded.

SchoolConnect

Please remember to add me to your SchoolConnect.

Uniforms

Please make sure to enforce our uniform policy.  When you notice that a student is out of dress code, you need to contact the parent for replacement clothing.

NWEA

Fall NWEA testing continues next week...and we will be holding make up testing until 9/30.  

Here is the testing schedule:

September
Date	Grade	Start Time	End Time	Date	Grade	Start Time	End Time
Tues., 9/5	7th & 8th Reading	9:00 am	3:00 pm	Mon. 9/26	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Wed., 9/6	7th & 8th Math	9:00 am	3:00 pm	Tues. 9/27	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Thurs.,9/7	5th & 6th Reading	9:00 am	3: 00 pm	Wed. 9/28	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Fri. 9/8	5th & 6th Math	9:00 am	3:00 pm	Thurs. 9/29	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
				Fri. 9/30	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Mon. 9/11	3rd & 4th Reading	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Tues. 9/12	3rd & 4th Math	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Wed. 9/13	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Thurs. 9/14	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Fri. 9/15	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm

AIMSWeb Testing

AIMSWeb ORF Benchmark testing should be completed for all enrolled students.

Reading Mastery and Corrective Reading Placement Testing

These placement tests should have been completed by today.  These have to be done before students can be placed in the appropriate groups.  

Cell Phones

Please continue to be diligent about collecting cell phones and locking them up. This is non-negotiable.

Achievement Bulletin Boards (Hallway)

Remember, ALL hallway "Welcome" bulletin boards need to be replaced student writing pieces by Monday, September 11th.  Remember to include post its with feedback...not just praise

Attendance.

Weekly Attendance grids must be printed out on Fridays and placed in your Attendance File located in the Dean's Office.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, September 11 - Committee Meetings 3:35-4:00; Free Dress - Red, White, Blue; 4th Grade Basketball Clinic (only for those signed up) 3:30-4:30

Thursday, September 14 - Constitution Day Lesson Plans due to Ms. Schofield

Friday, September 15 - Picture Day; Constitution Day Observance

Monday, September 18 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00; Girls Volleyball Try Outs begin

                                          Vision Screening Begins Gr. 1, 3, 5, 7

Tuesday, September 19 - Principal Coffee 9:00-9:30

Wednesday, September 20 - Farina (Math C & I) Visit

Wednesday, September 20 - Candy Fundraiser in the Gym:  1:15 Gr. 5-8   2:00 Gr. K-4

Friday, September 22 - Fire Drill - PM

Wednesday, September 27 - Vision Screening Ends

Monday, October 2 - Moral Focus Assembly 8:15 Gym; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00; Staff Survey Opens

Wednesday, October 4 - Count Day; Free Dress Day

Week 2

Happy Weekend and Labor Day Everyone!  

Congratulations! You have completed your first week of the school year...and I am so proud of you and all of the hard work you have completed this week!  I hope you were able to take advantage of the long weekend and get some well deserved R&R!

News to Know:

New Students

Please plan on getting new students until Count Day in October.

Check Emails

I need you to make sure that you check your email at least twice a day...once during the morning and again in the afternoon.  We send out important information throughout the day. 

Uniforms

Reminder that shirts must be tucked in at all times.

Bathroom Break Schedule

I am sending you a Grade/Class Level Bathroom Schedule.  You must adhere to these scheduled times.  Please do the following:

• Students should accompany you to the restrooms in a single file line
• They should bring a book to read while waiting
• They must be at a Level 0 - No Talking voice level
• You should bring a timer as we need to get these breaks down to 10 minutes
• You must check the bathrooms before sending students in and following your last students exit of the bathrooms for cleanliness.  
• Remind the students that inappropriate behaviors and lack of cleanliness will result in student discipline.  This is a "Zero Tolerance" issue.

NWEA

Fall NWEA testing begins this week.    Please refer to the documents I provided to you during our training regarding setting up your test sessions about proctoring.  

Here is the testing schedule:

September
Date	Grade	Start Time	End Time	Date	Grade	Start Time	End Time
Tues., 9/5	7th &8th Reading	9:00 am	3:00 pm	Mon. 9/26	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Wed., 9/6	7th & 8th Math	9:00 am	3:00 pm	Tues. 9/27	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Thurs.,9/7	5th & 6th Reading	9:00 am	3: 00 pm	Wed. 9/28	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Fri. 9/8	5th & 6th Math	9:00 am	3:00 pm	Thurs. 9/29	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
				Fri. 9/30	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Mon. 9/11	3rd & 4th Reading	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Tues. 9/12	3rd & 4th Math	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Wed. 9/13	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Thurs. 9/14	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm
Fri. 9/15	3-8 Make Up	9:00 am	3:00 pm

AIMSWeb Testing

AIMSWeb ORF Benchmark testing continues next week.  ALL students in grades K-8 will be assessed. This testing is being owned by your Grade Level Interventionists.  Please make sure that you are ensuring that they have all the time needed to complete their job.   

Constitution Day

It is a Federal Law that the U. S. Constitution be taught on September 17. This year it will be on September 15th as the 17th is on the weekend.  You can Google Constitution Lesson Plans for your specific grade level.  Each grade level is required to submit their lesson plan to Ms. Schofield by Thursday, September 14 as it is mandated that they are submitted to the State of Michigan before September 17th.

Lunch

Remind the students that they will have assigned tables based on grade level and they are to enter the gym and sit down at their grade level table.  Students receiving school lunch will be called by Mr. Powell or me to line up to receive their lunch.

Cell Phones

Please continue to be diligent about collecting cell phones and locking them up. This is non-negotiable.

Grade Level Team Meetings and 03's

These will be soft this week...just a check in. (Please see schedule accompaning this Blog.) I will come to the team leaders classroom for the GLT; each of you will need to come to my office for your 03.  It is very important to be on time.

Hallway Bulletin Boards

Remember, ALL hallway "Welcome" bulletin boards need to be replaced student writing pieces by Friday, September 15th.

Hall Passes

Remember to utilize your hall passes for any emergency bathroom situations.

CHAMPS

Please make sure that your CHAMPS tool is up and being utilized.

Grade Level Newsletters

These are to be sent out weekly to parents via your SchoolConnect.

Grade Weighting

These need to be set up so that parents can access students grade in the Parent Portal. WeHere are the weights for grades.  We will set up your grade weighting during our Grade Level Team Meeting. Please make sure to start inputting grades this week.

Assessments: 25

Assignments: 40

Participation: 15

Quizzes (Exit Tickets): 15

Homework: 5

Attendance

Attendance and Lunch Count must be taken at 8:01 (following announcements) and 8:45 am.  Lunch numbers are pulled by 9:00 am, so if you have any students who come in Tardy before 9:00 am, please make sure that their lunch is recorded if they are getting School Lunch.

Afternoon Attendance must be completed by 1:00 pm.

Weekly Attendance grids must be printed out on Fridays and placed in your Attendance File located in the Dean's Office.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, September 5 - School Resumes; NWEA Testing Begins

Thursday-Friday, September 7-8 - Mobile Dentist

Monday, September 11 - Committee Meetings 3:35-4:00

Thursday, September 14 - Constitution Day Lesson Plans due to Ms. Schofield

Friday, September 15 - Picture Day; Constitution Day Observance

Monday, September 18 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00; Girls Volleyball Try Outs begin

Tuesday, September 19 - Principal Coffee 9:00-9:30

Wednesday, September 20 - Candy Fundraiser in the Gym:  1:15 Gr. 5-8   2:00 Gr. K-4

Friday, September 22 - Fire Drill - PM