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 19th @ 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 19th 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 2nd and 3rd
11:50 – 12:50 4th and 5th
WEEK 2 – About 510 Students Tracks 1 and 3
Monday, March 26th @ 8 AM in Media Center = Teacher Party for Track 1
Monday, March 26th 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 1st
1:05-2:05 2nd and 3rd
2:15-3:15 4th and 5th
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!
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 3rd 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 13th "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
http://www.bookshare.org/ - Books without Barriers
Teacher Link of the week
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