Week 30 (Instructional 29)

Happy Friday Team... (Sorry I was just getting ready to send this when the power went out...SMH).  Great job with Dismissal...it was so orderly.  Thank you for all of your help during the power outage!

Shout out to the 5th grade Team who completed their first week of testing!  I am so proud of the effort the students made to take their time and do their best on each of the tests they sat for this week.  It took a lot of determination and perseverance...and they brought it!  Thank you to the teachers for the EXCELLANT job Proctoring the tests.  Your presence walking around and giving encouragement really helped the students stay focused and motivated...even during an ECLIPSE!

Next week will only get busier for all of us testing continuing and instruction/review occurring.  Keep up the good work team...your efforts are coming to fruition.  

I hope each of you have a wonderful, restful weekend.  You deserve it so much...and I truly appreciate all you do for our students and the school.

MSTEP Continues

MSTEP testing continues this week for students in grade 5 and grade 8.  The schedule is as follows:

• Monday, 5th Grade Science
• Tuesday, 8th Grade Science
• Wednesday, 5th Grade Social Studies
• Thursday, 8th Grade Social Studies

Please refer to the schedule provided during our training.  Also, if you have any questions let me know.  

Also, everyone remember to be mindful of the testing occurring as your students move in the hallways. They should be quiet, with no talking.

Specials and Lunch continue in the classrooms.  

Week 29 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 29 of instruction. Even though you are reviewing and preparing for MSTEP, it is very important that we maintain our scope and sequence rigorously, and that we are up to date with the weekly Common Assessments.

Student Supervision

Thank you for your increased focus on student supervision and adhering to the routines and expectations.  I noticed a difference this week and am truly thankful.  Keep being vigilant in your supervision and management...don't ignore the "little fires".

Attendance

Please contine to be up to date with your daily attendance and grid submission. It is your responsiblity to make sure that your attendance is submitted for AM/PM each day and that your grids are submitted for every week of the school year..  Please check your folder.

Behaviors

If a student is misbehaving or having issues in the classroom, you need to be the first contact with the parent (Phone Call, Email, SchoolConnect, etc.).  The ABSS's and Deans 

03's and GLTs 

GLTs will occur this week in the gym due to testing.  03s are on an as needed basis...you will find me in the gym or you can reach out to Mrs. Wheeler or Ms. Schofield.

Purses

Please remind your girls that they are not to bring purses to school and wear them.  Purses are not a part of the school uniform.

GLINT Staff Survey

The Glint Survey window for staff opens April 15th-19th. As you know we scored really high on that Fall survey and would like that score again (Highly Satisfied). 

We have the same set-up as we did last Fall. Once you complete your survey, send a screenshot to Mrs. Rogers email by 6 p.m. Monday, April 15. Those staff members will receive a boxed lunch (of your choice) on Friday the 19th. The key is to get it done by end of day Monday. Also, those finishing the survey can have a dress down the rest of the week. 

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Also, once student work is graded, please send any work/papers home.  This helps to keep parents informed and updated

Upcoming Events:

Mon. April 15 - Committee Meeting 3:35-4:00;  Staff Survey Week Begins...Let's Go "Highly Satisfied"

Fri. April 19 - HALF DAY Dismissal for students 11:00; Staff Dismissal 3:00; FREE DRESS

Mon. April 22 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00; EARTH DAY

Tues. April 23 - PSAT Testing (8th Grade) 9:00-12:30

Wed. April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day- Make plans to celebrate Ms. Ware, Ms. Mitchell, and Ms. Hall in the front office;  

Fri. April 26 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal); BR and NJHS Earth Day Clean Up and Beautification; $ 2.00 DRESS DOWN

 

Week 29 (Week 28)

 Good Morning Team,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine.  We have a busy week this week, starting with a full solar eclipse...history in the making.

MSTEP Begins

MSTEP testing begins this week for students in grade 5.  Please be mindful of that as your students move in the hallways. They should be quiet, with no talking.

Specials and Lunch will be in the classrooms.  Please refer to the Lunch Coverage schedule sent out by Ms. Schofield on Friday.

Week 28 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 28 of instruction. Even though we are entering our testing season, it is very important that we maintain our scope and sequence rigorously, and that we are up to date with the weekly Common Assessments.

Student Supervision

With our return to school following our Spring Break, I shared with you the need to focus on routines, procedures, and expectations in order to establish the classroom management for the remainder of the year.  Unfortunately, last week, there were way too many student misbehaviors and suspensions that occurred.   This indicates a need for more rigorous review and implementation of your expectations and procedures.  The following are areas that need to be addressed.

• Classrooms -  There are TOO MANY students up and out of their seats.  This creates an environment condusive to student misbehaviors.  Again, my expectation is that all students are to be seated in their own seat and they do not get out of their seat without permission.  Also, only one person is allowed to be up and out of their seat at a time.
• Circulate - We all know that proximity is the most effective way to manage student behaviors.  That means that you cannot stay at your desk or in the front of the room.  You should be circulating as you teach so that you can put out the tiny fires before they become disruptions.
• Bathrooms -  You are still expected to follow the bathroom break schedule.  Students are only allowed to go to the bathroom in an absolute emergency and then it is only ONE student...not one boy and one girl. 
• Hallways - I noticed this week that students are not being supervised when they are being walked in the hallway.  The expectation is that you have eyes on your students at all times.  This means you walk facing your students and that you stand at corners so that they are always supervised. There is to be no talking in the hallways.
• Buddy Rooms - If you have a student who is being disruptive, utilize your grade/wing level Buddy Rooms.  Send them with work.  They should not be there all day.  

If you incorporate these systems and procedures into your daily instruction, you will see improved student behavior.  Remember, classroom management starts and ends with you.

Attendance Grids

We are noticing that the weekly Attendance Grids are not being signed and turned in to your files.  We are being audited next week.  It is your responsiblity to make sure that your attendance grids for every week of the school year are submitted.  Please check your folder.

03's and GLTs 

GLTs will occur this week in the gym due to testing.  03s are on an as needed basis...you will find me in the gym or you can reach out to Mrs. Wheeler or Ms. Schofield.

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Also, once student work is graded, please send any work/papers home.  This helps to keep parents informed and updated

Upcoming Events:

Mon. April 8 - MSTEP Begins (refer to schedules passed out in the meeting);  ALL LUNCHES WILL BE IN THE CLASSROOM UNTIL MAY 20th; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Fri. April 12 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal)

Mon. April 15 - Committee Meeting 3:35-4:00;  Staff Survey Week Begins...Let's Go "Highly Satisfied"

Fri. April 19 - HALF DAY Dismissal for students 11:00; Staff Dismissal 3:00; FREE DRESS

Mon. April 22 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00; EARTH DAY

Tues. April 23 - PSAT Testing (8th Grade) 9:00-12:30

Wed. April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day- Make plans to celebrate Ms. Ware, Ms. Mitchell, and Ms. Hall in the front office;  

Fri. April 26 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal); BR and NJHS Earth Day Clean Up and Beautification; $ 2.00 DRESS DOWN

Week 28 (Instructional 27)

Happy Last Day of Spring Break Team!  I hope you all had a wonderful Spring Break week and Easter, and that you enjoyed some rest and relaxation.  🌷

And just like that, Spring Break is over and we are entering the last 10 1/2 weeks of school and testing season!  As you know, this time will go like a whirlwind, and it is very important that set your classroom and students up for success.  

As such, I strongly recommend you go back to the "beginning" as you welcome your students back to class.  Procedures and Routines  are EVERYTHING... If students behaviors do not match your expectations, make sure you have them re-do and repeat until they do, and as often as you need.   

Just remember, on Tuesday, April 2nd, you are setting your classroom and students' behaviors for the remainder of the year.  

Week 27 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 27 of instruction. The last week of instruction before testing begins for students in 5th grade.  With testing season beginning, it is very important that you stay on schedule for instruction and with the weekly Common Assessments.

Student Supervision

It is very important that you uphold the tightest student supervision at all times.  Students are not to be left unsupervised under any instance.  This includes classrooms, bathroom breaks, hallways, etc. 

In addition, you cannot leave your students to run to the printer, go to the bathroom or office, or even next door to your teammates room.  Ultimately, you as the teacher are responsible for any student behavior...good, bad or ugly.  If students are not properly supervised, it limits my ability to provide appropriate consequences and ultimately protect you too. 

Science and Social Studies Interim 3 Week

If your students did not complete the Interim 3 tests Social Studies and Science tests, I need you to make completing them a priority this week.

03's and GLTs 

GLTs and 03s will resume this week.

Absence Request

When you are planning to take a day off, you will need to fill out an Absence Request and turn it into your Dean.  These are available in the Deans Office.

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Also, once student work is graded, please send any work/papers home.  This helps to keep parents informed and updated

Upcoming Events:

Tues. April 2 - Staff BLACK OUT Day

Tuesday-Friday, April 2-5 - Spring Dress Down Week... $ 5.00 for the week or $ 2.00 per day.

Wed. April 3 - Moral Focus Assembly 8:15 am

Fri. April 5 - Fire Drill (AM)

Mon. April 8 - MSTEP Begins (refer to schedules passed out in the meeting);  ALL LUNCHES WILL BE IN THE CLASSROOM UNTIL MAY 20th; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Fri. April 12 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal)

Mon. April 15 - Committee Meeting 3:35-4:00;  Staff Survey Week Begins...Let's Go "Highly Satisfied"

Fri. April 19 - HALF DAY Dismissal for students 11:00; Staff Dismissal 3:00; FREE DRESS

Mon. April 22 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00; EARTH DAY

Tues. April 23 - PSAT Testing (8th Grade) 9:00-12:30

Wed. April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day- Make plans to celebrate Ms. Ware, Ms. Mitchell, and Ms. Hall in the front office;  

Fri. April 26 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal); BR and NJHS Earth Day Clean Up and Beautification; $ 2.00 DRESS DOWN

 

Week 27 (Instructional 26)

Happy Weekend Team!  Here we are...5 days until Spring Break.  I know that we are all eager for our break; however, just a word of caution...because the kids are too.  And, this is a time where they can make mistakes in their behavior.  It truly helps if you maintain the consistency of your classroom with regard to structure and instruction...just saying... 

Again...you can do this...one more week until Spring Break!  Let's go!

Week 26 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 26 of instruction. Please make sure all Common Assessments for Week 25 are completed and submitted.

Interim 3

This week is our scheduled week to administer the Interim 3 Assessments.  You might want to administer them earlier, rather than later, as some students may not be attending by the end of the week due to Spring Break.  We need 100% test completion, so please make these tests a priority.

03's and GLTs 

There are no GLTs next week, and 03s will be as needed, due to the Deans completing Full Lesson Observations.

Full Lesson Observations (Unannounced)

Your Spring Full Lesson Observation will take place next week.  These are unannounced.  Make sure that your lessons align with your schedule and your lesson plans.

C&I Visit

Shannon will be here on Thursday, 3/21.  She will be visiting classrooms and doing observations. 

Color Copies

If you print something to the color printer, we are going to put your copies on the shelf outside of Mr. G's office.  This is because there are too many copies piling up on the printer and too much waste.

Absence Request

When you are planning to take a day off, you will need to fill out an Absence Request and turn it into your Dean.  These are available in the Deans Office.

Grading

It is imperative that you keep up with grading students work.  It is an expectation that student grades are updated for parents by 8:00 am on Mondays.  Don't let this become an issue with parents/complaints.

Also, once student work is graded, please send any work/papers home.  This helps to keep parents informed and updated

Upcoming Events:

Mon. March 18 - Interim 3 Assessment Week Gr. 3-8

Thurs. March 21 - C&I ELA Visit

Fri. March 22 - BLACK OUT DAY

Monday, March 25-Monday, April 1 - SPRING BREAK

Tuesday-Friday, April 2-5 - Spring Dress Down Week... $ 5.00 for the week or $ 2.00 per day.

Tues. April 2 - Moral Focus Assembly 8:15 am

Mon. April 8 - MSTEP Begins (refer to schedules passed out in the meeting);  ALL LUNCHES WILL BE IN THE CLASSROOM UNTIL MAY 20th; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Fri. April 12 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal)

Mon. April 15 - Committee Meeting 3:35-4:00;  Staff Survey Week Begins...Let's Go "Highly Satisfied"

Fri. April 19 - HALF DAY Dismissal for students; Staff Dismissal 3:00 

Mon. April 22 - Wing Meeting 3:35-4:00

Wed. April 24 - Administrative Professionals Day

Fri. April 26 - Progress Report Day (Parent Portal)

Week 26 (Instructional 25)

Happy St. Patrick's Day Week!  

Congratulations...you made it through a very busy week with Parent Teacher Conferences.  I have heard good feedback from parents regarding their conversations with you.  Thank you so much for all of the hard work that went into making them successful.  Also, I want to thank you for your active participation during Friday's PD.  I see you...and truly appreciate how you continue to come in each day ready to provide the best for your students!

We have two weeks until Spring Break...you can do this because we can do "hard things"!

Week 25 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 25 of instruction. Please make sure all Common Assessments for Week 23 and Week 24 are completed and submitted.

MSTEP Mandatory Training

We have a mandatory training for MSTEP on Monday, 3/11 from 3:35-4:30.

03's and GLTs 

These will be taking place this week.  Please make sure that you are on time.

Full Lesson Observations (Unannounced)

Your Spring Full Lesson Observation will take place within the next two weeks.  These will be unannounced.  Make sure that your lessons align with your schedule and your lesson plans.

C&I Visits

We will have two visits this week.  Farina will be here on Monday, 3/11 and Shannon will be here on Thursday, 3/14.  

Update Classrooms and Bulletin Boards

Please make sure your classroom and bulletin boards reflect the current season and student learning. 

Reading Month Family Game Night

This will take place Wednesday, 3/13.  We still need volunteers to help run the game tables.  Let Ms. Armstrong or me know if you are interested.  

Interim 3 Assessment and K-2 Math Check Up 2 Assesments

We will be administering the Interim 3 Assessments for Gr. 3-8 during Week 26 (March 18-22) and the K-2 Math Check Up 2 Assessments during Week 25 (March 11-15).  

We only have the one week to administer and have students complete these assessments.  Please make sure that all assessments are completed and graded by end of day on Friday of your test week. 

Absence Request

When you are planning to take a day off, you will need to fill out an Absence Request and turn it into your Dean.  These are available in the Deans Office.

Upcoming Events:

Mon. March 11 - Fundraiser Ends; K-2 Wing Mtg 3:35; MSTEP and PSAT Meeting 3:35-4:30 MANDATORY Grades 3-8.  Moble Dentist (All week)

Mon. March 11 - C&I Math Visit; K-2 Math Checkup 2 Assessment Week

Wed. March 13 - GIZMOS Reading Night 4:30-5:30; NO TUTORING;

Thurs. March 14 - C&I ELA Visit

Fri. March 15 - Dress Down $ 2.00; PROGRESS REPORT DAY

Mon. March 18 - Interim 3 Assessment Week Gr. 3-8

Thurs. March 21 - C&I ELA Visit

Fri. March 22 - BLACK OUT DAY

Monday, March 25-Monday, April 1 - SPRING BREAK

 

Week 25 (Instructional 24)

Happy March Everyone!

Wow!  This has been a busy week!  Thank you so much for all you did to make the Black History Museum events such a success.  I was able to speak with many parents and they were so impressed with the student presentations, and the effort you put into having such a great event for them. 

Also, I know that many of you have started your Parent Teacher Conferences.  I know the time and effort it takes to have successful conferences with parents and I thank you for all of your dedication to making these flow so smoothly.

Next week will be another busy week...with the continuation of Parent Teacher Conferences, Honors Assemblies, and our Regional PD day.  

Finally, thank you so much for all of the kind wishes and thoughtful gestures you shared with me during this week's Leadership Appreciation.  I truly love working with each of you and am thankful for all that you do to help our team and ensure our students succeed.  You are loved!

I hope you have an enjoyable and restful weekend!

Week 24 Instruction 

 

This week is Week 24 of instruction. Please make sure all Common Assessments for Week 23 and Week 24 are completed and submitted by Friday, March 1.

03's and GLTs 

We are not holding these this week in order to free up time for your use for Parent Teacher Conferences.  If you want to meet, please drop down during our 03 time.

Update Classrooms and Bulletin Boards

On Friday, Mrs. Bullard sent out an email reminder for us to update classrooms and bulletin boards.  Please make sure your classroom and bulletin boards reflect the current season and student learning. 

ELA C&I Visits

Our C&I ELA Consultant, Shannon Mueller, will be at Laurus on Thursday, March 7th.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conference information has been sent out by Mrs. Wheeler.  You should have scheduled your conferences by now.  Please review the materials so that you have all of the necessary signatures.  Make sure that you have the sheet from Mrs. Wheeler available for the parents to sign at all of your conferences.

Also, this week will be a short week due to Regionals on Friday, March 8.  As such, you will not have as many days to complete these meetings.   Please be mindful of this as we still have to reach our 100% participation goal.

Reading Month Activity Calendar

This document was sent out to you today (Friday).  Please remind students of upcoming events so that they can participate...and they are FREE.

Interim 3 Assessment and K-2 Math Check Up 2 Assesments

We will be administering the Interim 3 Assessments for Gr. 3-8 during Week 26 (March 18-22) and the K-2 Math Check Up 2 Assessments during Week 25 (March 11-15).  

We only have the one week to administer and have students complete these assessments.  Please make sure that all assessments are completed and graded by end of day on Friday of your test week. 

Honor's Assembly

On Wednsday, March 6, we will be having our second Honor's Assemblies of SY 23-24.  These will occur in the gym.  The schedule is as follows:

• Gr. K-2      3/6     8:10-8:50
• Gr. 3-5      3/6     9:00-9:40
• Gr. 6-8      3/6     9:50-10:30

Make sure that you have your awards completed and printed ahead of time.

Absence Request

When you are planning to take a day off, you will need to fill out an Absence Request and turn it into your Dean.  These are available in the Deans Office

School Social Worker and ABSS Appreciation Week

Next week is our week to show "love" to Ms. Robinson and our ABSS team...Ms. Hardrick, Mrs. Davis, and Mr. Powell.  Let the "love" rain down...

Upcoming Events:

Mon. March 4 - Moral Focus Assembly 8:15; Staff Meeting 3:35

Mon. March 4-7 - Parent Teacher Conference Week; Scholastic Book Fair Week; NO TUTORING THIS WEEK

Wed. March 6 - Half Day (school ends at 11:00); Free Dress; Honor's Assembly

Thurs. March 7 - C&I ELA Visit

Fri. March 8 - REGIONAL PD Day.  Please refer to the email from Darci Lowney on 2/23 for specific details.

Mon. March 11 - Fundraiser Ends; K-2 Wing Mtg 3:35; MSTEP and PSAT Meeting 3:35-4:30 MANDATORY Grades 3-8.

Mon. March 11 - C&I Math Visit; K-2 Math Checkup 2 Assessment Week

Wed. March 13 - GIZMOS Reading Night 4:30-5:30; NO TUTORING;

Thurs. March 14 - C&I ELA Visit

Fri. March 15 - Dress Down $ 2.00; PROGRESS REPORT DAY

Mon. March 18 - Interim 3 Assessment Week Gr. 3-8

Thurs. March 21 - C&I ELA Visit

Monday, March 25-Monday, April 1 - SPRING BREAK