Thursday, January 28, 2010

Anna & Susan have had new teacher voice amplification systems installed in their classrooms. They are wired into the speakers in the ceiling along with the projectors and amplifiers. The poll in the right hand column is to see if you would like your original systems hooked into these, bypassing the extra four speakers mounted on the walls. You might step into room 12 or 14 to hear the difference before voting.

I would like to do a quick check up of GT/Advanced learners plans and progress with grade level teams. We are half way through our second year of the new format for meeting the needs of these students. I have been pressuring Angie and Nicole to be actively involved and I know that is somewhat difficult with them being here part time. I think we should take a quick look at the plans that were written and ensure that these students are growing and be sufficiently challenged. Conferences will be here before we know it and I want everyone to feel confident in answering these points for parents. Please decide if it is best to visit during your planning time, collaboration or after school one day next week. It would obviously be best if Nicole & Angie were available to join us.

I have placed census materials in your mailboxes. You are under no obligation to do anything with these, but I thought it wouldn't hurt if you sent home the parent letters. The first half of the booklet has parent letters in English and Spanish version is in the back. You do not have to stuff these in folders. You can simply send them home. The card has suggested ideas. If the census fits with your grade level standards feel free to utilize.

78% of survey respondents say that they no longer need or utilize our copy volunteers. I think this is great news. It indicates that we are making many less copies than before. It is still important to do prior planning and preparation. We can help out at the office with occasional emergencies. If you still want to use the copy basket, EA's and volunteers will still assist with copy needs.

Remember when you send students to the office for discipline you need to submit a note or call as soon as reasonably possible, letting me know your concerns or expectations. Unbelievable as it may seem, students do not always "know" or divulge the entire situation. I find I often come up short in how I respond due to lack of information. I need to know if they simply need recovery time or more intense intervention. What are your expectations before they can return to your classroom?

Recently Saralyn Myers, school nurse in training did a research project with our fifth grade students. She had them complete a health survey. Here are her interesting findings. :)https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AWqsK3xv-vYsZG0zOTI1al80OWdtcmJ4Y2hq&hl=en