Captain's Log #13 March 26 - 30th

Captain's Log March 26 - 30th

Booster Thon for Tracks 1 and 3

If you want to learn more about Boosterthon http://www.boosterthon.com/

Monday, March 26^th @ 8 AM in Media Center = Teacher Party for Track 1

Monday, March 26^th in Gym = Pep Rally for Track 1 and 3

1:30 – 2:15 K-2nd

2:35 – 3:15 3-5th

Friday, March 30th on Back Field = Boosterthon Fun Run for Track 1 and 3

11:55-12:55 K and 1^st

1:05-2:05 2^nd and 3^rd

2:15-3:15 4^th and 5^th

Student Assignment:

A welcome to OCE letter will be sent home on Monday, March 26.  The letter contains information concerning year round calendars, and other information it also contains a sentence that is the same as the letters that went home in November; "Track assignments may change based upon actual enrollments."  Current student information is subject to change due to Round 2 and Magnet choice. The student information we currently have is what was used at this time for creating our track assignments. If anyone ask about being on a waitlist, please refer them to Student Assignment if it is about track assignments, please refer them to either Nanette or Travis. 

Student Assignment - http://assignment.wcpss.net/?campaign_id=1&school_code=920001. Round 2 will be open from March 27nd to April 9th.

Early Release:

We will combine the Effort Rubrics created and post them so everyone can view the work collectively.  Several of you asked during the development of the rubric, "Is this for behavior or for academics?"  In many ways we have the outline of the behavior rubric with S.A.I.L.  we need to direct teach the expectations and hold everyone, even ourselves, accountable to the rubric.  The Clipper Behavior Committee is working on this for the SIP. I think it was great when someone stated they thought they would create an effort rubric with the class at the beginning of the year so everyone knew what Level 4 effort "looked and sounded" like. 

Today's Meet transcript - http://www.todaysmeet.com/oceearly32312/transcript

Flipped Classroom (How to Diigo = full version) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpI9SYzCDOI&feature=plcp&context=C46875a0VDvjVQa1PpcFO9cmqUP1hoGK6lZg-6Cvht0NKNTfPssn8%3D

Plus/Delta for Early Release:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFNWNkkzMnZRSmI2eWloYmdzR3JoLUE6MQ

Web 3.0:

Web 3.0 will be meeting on Thursday March 29th (team will discuss days of future meetings) at 4:00 in the media center. Please bring a device that has internet capability (Ipad, laptop, Smart Phone, desktop, etc). We will be discussing professional learning networks, readers, bookmarking and team feedback on discussing topics.

Essential Standards Glossary of Terms Available on the ACRE Website

A glossary of terms has been added to the Essential Standards Instructional Tools page on the Accountability and Curriculum Reform Effort (ACRE) website at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/acre/standards/support-tools/#glossary. Glossaries are available for English as a Second Language, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Arts Education and Healthful Living. The glossaries address critical terms and definitions that are essential in building content knowledge so educators can effectively teach the new Essential Standards. Glossaries are also available for the Common Core State Standards in English/Language Arts and Math, and can be found at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/acre/standards/common-core-tools/#glossary.

Race to the Top Weekly Update Features Latest Program News

Check out the latest news regarding Race to the Top (RttT) programs and resources by reading the weekly updates at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/rttt/updates/2012/. The March 7 issue features more information about the benefits of online assessments, sample graphic organizers and more. The edition for March 14 features articles about online instructional modules, tools and webinars related to the Common Core State Standards and Essential Standards, and other resources to help districts and schools prepare for online assessments.

Teacher resources

https://www.teachingchannel.org/ - Inspiring teaching, inspiring classrooms - great site to check out

http://powermylearning.com/ - games, activities, lessons for different subjects

Teacher Links

http://mrspripp.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/it-is-not-about-gadgets-why-every.html - why we should integrate tech into the classroom

Captain's Log #12 March 19 - 24

Captain's Log #12 March 19- 24

Quote for the Week....

The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth."  Dan Rather

Admin Thursday: 
A lot of important information was provided during a short amount of time.  I will keep you informed on workdays and Standard 6 as needed.  Each team did a super job getting their classes on time from Specials!  Thank you for holding us accountable to the norms. :)  Thank you to the specialist for giving us the positive feedback!


Leap into Literacy Track 2:
Track 2 met their reading goals and "Pie in the Face" won again.  Thank you to Mr. Caggia and Mr. Saunders for taking pies!  It was a great time for everyone in the gym!  I think that is 5 pies I've taken for reading!  It was well worth it! 

Boosterthon:
Boosterthon has begun!  Refer to  Captain Log # 11 for detailed information.

Professional Development Opportunity: Saturday March 24
The future is NOW...Are you ready?
Prepare yourself @ the 21st Century Learning Conference--created by WCPSS educators.  For more information, review the flyer attached to the Kathy Evan's March 15th e-mail  and the conference website http://21centuryconference.pbworks.com/
Registration is now open.  Sessions will fill up fast!


Early Release: March 23
This Friday is an Early Release.  It will be great to have all tracks here for the early release! The afternoon's major focus will be on Math Common Core.  Since several grade levels bring treats to share during early release, I wanted to let you know we will be sitting by vertical teams for the afternoon. Agenda will be sent out by Wednesday this week.

E-mails sent this week with important information for you to reference:
Janet:  3/14/12--New Area Code dates
Kathy:  3/15/12--Case 21 assessment dates
John: 3/15/12--EOG/Extend2 Test dates


Teacher Resource:

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2011/11/26/the-best-resources-for-showing-students-that-they-make-their-brain-stronger-by-learning/

Captain's Log #11 March 12 - 16

Captain's Log #11  March 12 - 16

Quote for the week: 

"Always look for the positive, because the negative will always find you."

We are entering a very stressful time of the school year.  So here is something I use to make each day just a little better.

My high school Chemistry teacher, Mr. Sowers, always started our class by saying "Have you hugged someone today?"  He also used the "Smiley Face in HS!" I always thought that was a bit strange, but I always was in better mood when I left Chemistry especially when I thought the stress of high school was crushing me. He was always happy and one of the my most motivated teachers.  Yes, I did get A's and NO, I DO NOT like Chemistry!  Then in college I had Ms. Aurthur. She greeted us with a big smile and would say "greet your neighbor and tell them something good". She had the highest rate of attendance and the highest rate of achievement. Recently, research was published on the value of touch (even high fives), positive comments, and the positive impact on motivation and outcomes.

Why am I telling you all of this in your extremely busy day?  Well...we have a lot going on right now, and it's easier to put the good to the side while we look at all we have to do and the weight of teaching begins taking it's toll and we become overwhelmed...So, take a second and think have I hugged or smiled at someone today? if so, I bet you got one back.  Have a great day!  Remember you make the difference in our future each day by teaching a child.  

Use of classroom phones
Friday morning between 9:00 - 9:15 am the Apex Police received a 911 call from our school. (Now you know the reason for the intercom interruption during instructional time.) I met with Apex Police and WCPSS Security during the investigation of the call, and to determine steps to prevent this from happening again. We learned much during the investigation, two critical are:  1.)  If we call 911 from a classroom...we have no idea the location of the call.  2.) No students should be using the phones in the classroom at any time. 

I realize the classroom phones are often used to keep parents informed of when the students; aren't feeling well, have forgotten homework, lunch money, etc.  But as events happen around the nation, the Ohio school incident last week, security reassesses security measures in all schools.  Many of our security measures today are a direct result of Columbine. (ex. Keeping all doors, but the main door, closed and locked at all times, district-wide ID badges to name a couple.)

One thing we have already done with calling parents of students who are sick is the discussion of what determines sick and when/who calls home.  The office should be doing the calling so you can do the teaching.  In terms of lunch money...the Child Nutrition Services gives a generous amount of fruits and vegetables to students who forget their lunch money.  After a day or two of forgotten money, maybe the student will remember or they will wear the yellow reminder tag home.  Forgotten homework...well...it would not be fun in the classroom if I were the only who didn't have my homework. Especially if I did it the night before and I should have put it in my agenda/folder/backpack.  It doesn't count  toward the academic grades, but it does show responsibility and when mom/dad brings the homework they are enabling the child. 

I know this will mean educating our parents. I have a PTA Board meeting and will let them know what happened and why we are taking the steps.  As long as they know it is about student learning and safety the majority will support the findings of Security. All parents want a safe school.

Thank you for your support on this very important matter.  Seems every incident this year has revealed a kink in our safety armour...HOWEVER...each of you has been great in making the adjustment! 

Emergency Weather Drill
GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!  WOW...you did a great job with new directions!  We were excited at the amount of room we had in the hallways, and nooks!  Each of you did a super job getting your students to the location quickly and quietly.  We will conduct another drill when Track 1 returns.  Teachers who brought their "Fire Drill" signs, that was great!  We could quickly locate you and "check" you off our list!  On your PLT celebrations..this would be a great celebration!

Boosterthon!

As you can tell, the school in becoming a Jungle!  Boosterthon is rapidly approaching.  The PTA will be sending a letter home to parents on Monday 3/11 about the Boosterthon explaining the "what and when".  All the money raised from the Boosterthon will support our Technology Plan.  During the Teacher Party you will be given the details of how this will impact you in the classroom.  Captain Kyle (our leader on our Epic Journey) and his team will work with you to come into your room to do a short character building lesson during the Boosterthon week.  You will get ALL the details at the Teacher Party.  Highlighted in RED is the Teacher Party for each track which will be held in the Media Center.  If you want to learn more about Boosterthon http://www.boosterthon.com/

Boosterthon: Times and important dates below:

WEEK 1 – About 430 Students Tracks 2 and 4

Monday, March 19^th @ 8 AM in Media Center = Teacher Party for Tracks 2, 3, and 4  ***Track 3 you attend this Teacher Party although your Boosterthon does not happen until March 26!***

 Monday, March 19^th in Gym = Pep Rally for Track 2 and 4

1:30 – 2:15 K-2nd

2:35 – 3:15 3-5th

Friday, March 23rd on Back Field = Boosterthon Fun Run for Track 2 and 4

9:30 – 10:30 K and 1st

10:40 – 11:40 2^nd and 3^rd

11:50 – 12:50 4^th and 5^th

WEEK 2 – About 510 Students Tracks 1 and 3

Monday, March 26^th @ 8 AM in Media Center = Teacher Party for Track 1

Monday, March 26^th in Gym = Pep Rally for Track 1 and 3

1:30 – 2:15 K-2nd

2:35 – 3:15 3-5th

Friday, March 30th on Back Field = Boosterthon Fun Run for Track 1 and 3

11:55-12:55 K and 1^st

1:05-2:05 2^nd and 3^rd

2:15-3:15 4^th and 5^th

Leap Into Literacy:

This is the week for Track 2 to celebrate Reading!  Several of you have shared your thougths and those of parents about our week of reading.  I wanted to share with you an e-mail we received from a parent about the week! 

I wanted to personally thank you for a wonderful Leap into Literacy week.  I’m sure you have heard from many parents about how their child was inspired to read more, because I have heard many parents saying just that.  I am fortunate to have children who are avid readers and truly enjoy reading.  The week did re-energize them to read more which was great - my kids love competition so the reading competition was perfect!  However, the week had another positive impact on my children.  They were truly excited to go to school!  Please don’t think they don’t like school, because they do love school - thanks to all our wonderful teachers.  But I have not seen my 3^rd grader this excited about school in a while.  They came home every day so excited about the week.  The last day when you all had to dress up in your rival school’s colors and get a “pie in the face” was so much fun to them.  I think last week really brought the children together as a school and reminded them that learning is fun.  I just want to thank you for your creativity and keeping the “fun” in school and learning.  The entire week really made a positive impression on my children – so thank you! 

Thank you!

Admin. Friday (Which will be on Thursday!) March 15

The PLT survey results for the school and each level are here!.  When looking at the results by grade level they are very good! This week we will focus on the survey results; what the data tells us, how we can use our strengths to overcome our areas of need, next steps for our PLTs.  Before arriving, please have a Time Keeper...we want to make certain we are on time picking up our students from Specials. :)

Cultural Arts Performance – March 13^th "Garbage is My Bag"  Jack's Golden Garbage.  1:30 - 2:20 pm K-2, 2:30 - 3:20 pm 3-5 

Data Team Meeting – Team members that participated in the August Data Team meeting were e-mailed this information.  We would like to review and meet on March 13th at 2:30 in the conference room, (during the 3-5 cultural arts performance) to decrease the amount of instructional time lost and one less morning meeting.  If you would like to participate in this data meeting, please e-mail Travis and we will e-mail you the necessary material to review prior to our discussion. 

Teacher Resources of the week

http://www.learnnc.org/ - always a good site for lesson planning, materials, standards  (it is also from the UNC school of Education)

http://www.bookshare.org/ - Books without Barriers

Teacher Link of the week

http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2012/03/01/02cafe.h05.html - interview with the “sisters” of the Café - Creating a Menu for Reading Instruction.

http://www.techlearning.com/article/52260 - this is a  21^st Century Student Handbook: Teaching Today’s Web-Centric Kids  

Captain's Log 10---March 5 - 10

Dates to Remember:

Clipper Distributed--March 5
Walk to School Wednesday--March 7
Admin. Friday--March 9
Turn your clocks ahead an hour---We spring forward this weekend.  Be sure to turn you clocks ahead before you go to bed on Saturday night/Sunday morning.  :)

Leap into Literacy!

WoW!!! What more can we say! I'm certain that I have found a new moisturizer and now am quite certain what clogs arteries! But of the fun of getting a "PIE IN THE FACE!" ...Oh wait, there was more than one! :) We had an amazing week of reading and events. Each of you did a fantastic job of promoting all the activities and engaging the students and families. We have had so many positive comments from parents about Wednesday evening. They enjoyed the ability to interact with students and staff in a relaxed atmosphere. Thank you again for making it a great week.  

Track 2...Kristen Bruce provided a daily list of activities prior to track out so Track 2 could participate in the fun. Below is a copy of the e-mail.

Hi Fellow Track 2 Teachers!

Just because we are going to be tracked out during Leap into Literacy week doesn't mean we have to miss all the fun!!! My class always celebrates Read Across America and Dr. Seuss's birthday the week we track back in on March 5. In addition to guest readers we have a theme for each day related to a Dr. Seuss book. If you'd like to participate with our class that would be great ~ or tweak to fit your classes interests/needs! I send a note to the parents before we track out informing them of each day's activities and then post it to my black board page. Feel free to use if you want! Attached is my parent letter.

Monday:Oh the Places You’ll Go Day (Wear something from a place you have been ~ fun after track out!)

Tuesday:Hop on Pop Day (Wear a tie)

Wednesday:Socks on Fox Day (Wear your crazy socks)

Thursday: Green Eggs and Ham day (Wear green)

Friday: Cat In The Hat Day (Wear red and white to honor Dr. Seuss)

Boosterthon!

Below are the dates for the Teacher Party for Tracks 2, 3, 4 and for the Track 2 and 4 Pep Rally and Fun Run.  The Teacher Party is essential for kicking off the week.  Captain Kyle will be our guide through our Epic Adventure and will give you all the information needed to make the week a success.  Captain Kyle along with several of his staff will schedule times with you to come to your class to do a short lesson on Character Traits, which is a key part of the Boosterthon program.  Our PTA is expecting this to be a huge fund raiser which will ultimately be money allotted toward their technology focus for our school.

WEEK 1

Monday, March 19^th @ 8 AM in Media Center = Teacher Party for Tracks 2, 3, and 4

Monday, March 19^th in Gym = Pep Rally for Track 2 and 4

1:30 – 2:15 K-2nd

2:35 – 3:15 3-5th

Friday, March 23rd on Back Field = Boosterthon Fun Run for Track 2 and 4

9:30 – 10:30 K and 1st

10:40 – 11:40 2^nd and 3^rd

11:50 – 12:50 4^th and 5^th

Recycling at OCE! 

The students are doing a great job of recycling their Capri Sun or juice pouches!  I know our PTA moms who are handling the recycling have been very pleased.  Please remind the students to recycle before they go to lunch.  If you would like to recycle the juice pouches in your classroom from snack time, just have the students take them to the cafeteria at your lunchtime. 

We are adding another opportunity for recycling!  GoGo Squeez applesauce on-the-go snack pouches.  In case you haven't seen them, they are one of the "neatest" ideas!  They look like a smaller drink pouch, but have applesauce in them instead!  Nice and neat!  I was in Ms. Davis' class the other day and they were able to make the first donation to our newest "going green" effort!  Ms. Davis, thank you for putting the pouches in a ziplock bag until the new bin was placed in the cafeteria!

Landlubber Running Club

We will be starting back up on March 20^th.  Please send this link to 3-5 parents http://ocelandlubbers.blogspot.com/.  We have 76 runners signed up.  We would love to have staff members participate in the club..  We run every Tuesday from March 20^th to June 12^th. 

Teacher Professional Development Opportunties

I received an e-mail on March 1 with opportunities for teacher professional growth. Below is the information for a 21st Century Learning Conference at Crossroad and Add-on Licensure at ECU.

21st Century Learning Conference

We are excited to announce a special event for WCPSS teachers!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Crossroads II 8:30-4:30

Save the date!

A variety of sessions will be offered, more information forthcoming.

Add-on Licensure at ECU.

The Add-On AIG Licensure Program is comprised of a FOUR Course Sequence taught at the Graduate Level. A new cohort begins every summer and is taught ONLINE with the exception of ONE WEEK face-to-face each summer at our AIG CAMP. Affordable, Accessible, Applicable (I will place a flyer in the workroom and teacher's lounge with all the information.)

Teacher Resources of the week

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/- “Discovery Education supports teachers in accelerating student achievement, bringing the world of Discovery into classrooms to ignite students' natural curiosity”

https://docs.google.com/present/embed?id=dhn2vcv5_779cnssm5g7&size=m– another power point on ways to use Google Forms in schools

Teacher Link of the week

http://daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/file/view/NoelleCombsInquiryLesson.pdf - “Noelle Combs – Site Coordinator    East Bakersfield High School  Region 8     Kern County “ – revised Bloom’s taxonomy -uses action verbs.