In our first full week after Labor Day, it sure has been a bit crazy. I thought for sure it was a full moon, but it's not. What could possibly be in store for us with a full moon? Although we are as busy as ever, I feel like things are feeling a bit more settled. We got our classrooms moved, and Mrs.McLenna opened her own classroom. It sure relieved a lot of pressure in the 5th grade; I can't believe the difference in the feel of the 5th grade classrooms. Our baseline testing and IRI is nearly complete; special services are finalizing their schedules; we've been working on finalizing EA schedules; the master schedule changed...so...I'm hoping I'm about done with schedules for awhile! ;-) The final item I'm working on is lunch duties inside and outside.
Information:
* Boise Towne Square sponsors DonorsChoose. It is an opportunity to post wish list, and donors are able to contribute to your project/items. Visit donorschoose.org/teachers to post your wish. Think back on your team and classroom priority lists to post information to support instruction.
* Jayna sent out information regarding a training on "Think Through Math" (formally Apangea) for grades 3 -5. This is a web-based program the kids will have access to at school and home. It will help with math differentiation and is aligned to Idaho Core Standards. September 26th 3:00 - 4:30 @ Heights Computer Lab.
* CPI training--We will be having CPI training for those staff who need (sp ed, etc.) I need to know who is already certified. I will be submitting names for those to re-certify and for new certifications. The trainings will be on the 26th and 27th and will be 1/2 day sessions. Let me know if you have been certified ASAP.
* Math Unit Study Team--There will be another Math Unit Study Team class on Nov 14th or Dec 5th. I believe Kayla, Cathy, Susan, Sandy attended. We need to replace our 5th grade rep and our 1st grade rep. Let me know who the 5th and 1st grade rep will be for this training. There is a 1 credit opportunity. I will probably shoot for the November date.
* Free flu-shot clinic at Heights on September 25th during lunches 12:40 - 1:30. This is free for yourselves and family members.
* Congrats to Wendy Jeffes for winning the non-fiction Mentor Texts Books Contests by following the G/T blog.
* In our prayers--Eva Law (kitchen staff) lost her husband. Please continue to support the kitchen staff, and Eva in this time of loss. She is a great asset to our staff and will need our on-going support.
* Alyssa Rogers (counselor) continues to recover from her auto accident. She is undergoing concussion and vision therapy. She will be out this week and plans to return 3, half days next week, and gradually work into full time. She is greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers continue to go to her for a quick recovery.
* Sandy has been out ill and returned today. We thank Troy for undertaking such a huge task without additional support. Thank you for your patience and understanding as everything was not able to be complete.
* As I continue to work through schedules and the most needs for students, I am scheduling EAs to support as necessary. With the loss of Federal 21st Century Grant money, our full-day kindergarten grant money, and Merilyn's position being filled with Medicaid monies, we are short 3 staff members to help with duties and coverage. It is a struggle, and I know you are feeling the effect in the support you've perhaps had in the past. This also affects the times we are able to meet as teams/committees...these will be shifting to the prep time after school (for the most part).
* Overwhelmingly, our staff indicated they would like to collaborate more on technology and technology integration to help support instruction and student learning. One of the October days will focus on technology; however, I don't feel that is going to be adequate. Our TIAT team is working to identify collaboration opportunities for our staff to have more in-depth training during 2nd quarter. Be looking for a questionnaire after the October days.
* Posting to the blog later this week--finalized schedules; SBAC practice test phase 2 information; PBIS forms/info; IRI Parent Letter;
TO DO:
* Collaboration Focus--1--Continue to work on focus grouping--all groups and special services should be underway next week 2--Common Assessments for math units (our district will be working to create common assessments for each math unit for all the elementary schools) In preparation for this, you will need to identify which units you have complete, how these should be measured, and how you will identify proficient scores. Is what you have done aligned with common core and does it reflect MTI/SBAC strategies/assessment? We will be working with the other elementary schools, so it will be important for us to know where we are. 3--Action Plans--Due September 27th. 4--Discuss creation of at least 1 more Core Knowledge unit this year. Turn in collaboration notes by Friday. These are turned into the district office, and we were a couple short last week...
* "Teach To" this week is-- bathroom and for next week--Lunchroom Ms. Waters has been doing fidelity checks in each class to see if kids have been taught items specified on the rubric. Some have been doing well and others are hit or miss. It is important we all have the same message and we all consistently reinforce.
* Hawks Tickets--Our month goal is 2000 (see our hawk nest in front entry way--point it out to the kids--make it an important visual). After last week, we were just under 200 (which is good for a 4-day week) Remember--your goal is to give at least 5 tickets a day to any student/any grade demonstrating positive character. Please use the new Hawk Ticket with the classroom teacher space. It helps Yvonne so much in sorting.
* Discipline needs to be recorded in Skyward and the office referral form needs to be completed and given to Yvonne. If we are not being consistent in reporting/recording, information for PBIS is not reliable. All teachers/All the time
* Please discuss bus safety, importance of pockets in seat, back against seat, facing forward, remain seated, and following directions of driver. I have had 13 bus citations already, a few parent calls, and one injured student. I need your help teaching expectations. The number of citations seem excessive to me this early in the year.
* PTA Bounce Back to School Event--Thursday, September 12, 5:00 - 7:00
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