Thursday, September 8, 2010

A big thanks to the SWPBS team (School Wide Positive Behavior Support).  We met on Tuesday after school and finished matching the buddy classes.  We also discussed the new programs including new student jobs, "the postcards" and the Gold Club.  We have determined the need for an assembly to launch these last two.  We will two assemblies Tuesday, September 28th.  Third through fifth grade will meet us at 9 AM and kindergarten through second grade at 10:15.  We are creating a teacher information sheet for both incentive programs and an application form to be included with the Gold Club membership details.

We NEED your help to prepare for the assembly.  We want student involved video clips demonstrating or defining our 3 R's around the building.  What does respect look, feel, smell, sound or taste like in the lunchroom? Hallway? Playground? Bathroom? Assembly? While lining up?  I need at least five volunteers to direct and flip-video one of these answers.  I will add some links to video ideas.  If you are willing to help please either post your choice or email me so as to avoid duplicates.  We are looking for simple 1-2 minute video clips.

Mike and the IT team have been working on a solution for substitute teacher Novell logins.  We are very close to piloting this feature.  The concept is to allow substitute teachers access to machines so they can retrieve documents and run projectors, smartboards, and other audio-visual equipment.  Substitutes will be given a daily login when they register with Lisa in the morning.  That login will give them a "clean screen" on your computer with only icons they can access.  There is a sub folder on our shared drive.  Teachers will be able to place documents into this shared folder.  You could even make a folder with your name inside this sub folder.  Substitutes will only have access to the sub folder on the shared drive.  They will not be able to see other folders.  When they log off of the teacher machine everything is cleaned and restored for the teacher automatically.  Consider this when completing your substitute folder.  Remember to never share your personal login information.  IT will create the substitute information sheet for us to hand out. 

Darcy sent out an updated list of computer program preparation yesterday.  If you need further assistance with setting up your students in these programs please ask either Darcy or a colleague.  Aaron reports that information has been submitted and we are not just waiting to receive logins for Ticket to Read and World Math.  We will notify you when these become available.

During Skyward grade book training teachers stated that they would like to work together in the computer lab to have collegial support as we start.  Let's plan a couple of drop in work sessions on Monday and Tuesday after school.  Those who are available can bring grades and questions.  Darcy and/or other trainers will be close by to help you get started.  If you have entered grades and are feeling comfortable would you consider being available one of these days? I know that some of our greatest Skyward learning opportunities have been from watching and working together in district.