October 30, 2010

Thank you for your professionalism last Thursday during our inservice time.  All the presentations had the same theme - brain research.  We had so much to cover and so little time, but we will continue discussion through the blog and email.  Thank you for your participation, interactions and attention to all portions.  You are a wonderful staff.  It appears conferences went well for everyone.  We averaged 95% attendance with nine classes achieving 100%. 

As we tighten security, keep communicating.  New procedures will effect some differently and we need to hear your voice in order to problem solve.  It was interesting to listen to some share their "findings" about video game use just through conversations at conferences.  Remember to poll your class to gather information on their gaming knowledge and use. 

Prepare for a lock-down drill late next week.  I will aim for Friday to give you time to prepare your students for what to expect.

• Your doors can be propped open for now, but keep them locked. 
• Begin carrying your keys so that you don't get locked out of rooms. 
• You might assign the job of door greeter to open doors if someone is knocking.
• If you encounter someone without a visitor badge, please respectfully ask them to return to the office.
• Keep the west end doors locked.  Inform students that it is best if they use the rest room on their way OUT to recess.  Otherwise they should be directed through the main doors. 
• The parking lot gate is supposed to be closed during working hours.  If you come or go during regular business hours, please close the gate behind you.

Please be frugal with your use of school supplies.  I want you to have what you need but save where you can.  For instance the printers in your rooms cost a lot more to use than the copier.  Most printing should be directed to the copier.  Laminating should be used for only those items that need to last YEARS.  Make sure thermostats are programmed properly.  Turn off lights when you leave the room.