April 30th - May 4th

Case21 and EOG Dates 

Case 21- April 30 - May 1 (Monday - Thursday) - Track 4
April 30 - Science only fifth grade
May 1-3: 2nd through 5th grade classes taking reading, math, and math.

EOG - Track 2-- Thursday, 5/3 (S. Roach's class) will be taking the Science EOG.  

Early Release feedback - There are 3 questions to complete on the survey for Early Release.  Please provide your input for the April 27 meeting.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG5MX2s2czNmeXVfR2I3SmN3WU1VV0E6MQ.

TWC
The TWC survey is now closed.  Thank you to the 61 people who completed the survey.   We had a 83.56% completion rate. We were 12 people short of reaching 100%.  The survey will be used to gather inforamtion for the School Improvement Plan, and the Leadership Team as we continue to support our school.

Meetings

Behavior - May 4th@8:00 in the media center - Discussion positive implementation of SAIL Expectations.  Thanks to Lorrie Sardiello for leading this discussion.  Agenda will be emailed this week.

Literacy Team - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGtJZkNnSm5INTR0Ty1LMy1jdnFtUUE6MQ - So far 19 people have completed.  Great job 5th grade team, 80% have completed the survey, the most of all teams!

PLT notes - here is the link to blackboard for school notes - http://blackboard.wcpss.net/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_4003_1

Scheduling team - May 14th.  Minutes were e-mailed to team members. We will meet to finalize special times and look at adding in lunch and recess to preserve value statements.

SIP -  Article that aligns with the OCE vision! http://ascd.typepad.com/blog/2012/04/7-more-ways-to-go-from-on-task-to-engaged.html

Teacher Links - -

PBL (Project Based Learning) - here is a site from the state of West Virginia that goes in depth in definitions, lesson templates, etc - http://wvde.state.wv.us/instruction/pbltemplate.html.  Also if you click on the Teach21 you will see "standards for 21st century learning per grade level" per WV.

Seen this resource link before?  Never hurts to republish a good one!   http://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html

Teacher Resources -

As we are thinking about Common Core and vocabulary taught....
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/matching-teaching-student-learning-ben-johnson

TED Animation meets Education - http://ed.ted.com/ - this is a site that has short videos from national presenters (also includes multiple choice and open-ended questions about that topic).  I found out why we vote on Tuesday, do you know?

Captain's Log #17 April 23-27

Quote of the Week: “The good teacher makes the poor student good and the good student superior.” Marva Collins

TWC (Teacher Working Conditions) Survey- Extended Deadline to 4/27!

The deadline has been extended for completing the TWC. Your participation is essential. Thank you to the 51 teachers who have completed the survey so far! ***2nd grade teachers have all completed the TWC!***  Our school response rate is 69.86%. (as of 4/21 9:55 a.m.) We have 22 teachers who have not completed the survey. The expectation is 100% participation. If you would like to look at the participation rate of schools in WCPSS, and compare us to others, check out the state site. It is updated constantly with the numbers and percentages. If you have misplaced your access number, Rahnesia has them in her trailer. http://www.ncteachingconditions.org/response_rate/#920

Duties and being visible

If you have a morning duty, it is critical you stay on the duty until the bell rings.  With all the construction getting closer to the front of the school, parents are becoming more aware when staff are not visible out front or in the building.  We have had several phone calls about no one around.  I know this isn't the case, but us make certain that we are "out" there and they "see" us, at carpool, bus, and in our doors in the am and pm. 

Field Day 

Today is Field Day for Tracks 2 and 4.  See Katie's e-mail about specifics.  Also, please follow the lunch schedule that was sent out via e-mail by Travis (4/10/12), lunch coverage applies for track 1 only. Also see e-mail about specials' schedule.

Classroom Interruptions

We want to continue to limit the number of classroom interruptions. Please check by the office on your way to lunch to see if a parent has dropped off lunch/lunch money or forgotten homework. This will hopefully take care of time any lag time getting the e-mail message or if parents "run" it in right before your lunch time. 

Also, there has been an increase of parents coming in the last few minutes of the day and checking out their child(ren). Many parents see the last 15 minutes of the day as "fluff" time in the classroom. All of you have provided them your daily schedule, but you may want to send something out with an updates on what is happening during the day..all the way up to the end with instruction.

Please let us know if you begin to see an increase of intercom interruptions, so we can be more mindful on our side.  Thank you for helping us, we want to continue to honor your teaching time.

Case 21 - Data from Tracks 1, 2, and 3 - EXCELLENT Job by our students, attributed to our teachers.  

Math - Students showing growth 59%.  Not showing growth 14%, and inconclusive growth 27%

Reading - Students showing growth 68%.  Not showing growth 12%, and inconclusive growth 20%

SAILing

As we start into the last few weeks of Track 1 and begin the end of year activities, it is easy for the students to forget to SAIL.  In many ways, it is like the beginning of the year when we are teaching the behavior expectations.  Many of you have found creative ways to remind your students to follow SAIL expectations.  Love the "I have tickets in by pocket for those I see SAILing!"  "Oh, I like the way Josh is staying in line and SAILing today.", or the Stay on the Right chant/cheer/rap in the 4-5 hallway!  Just as we need reminders during this busy time of year (ME ESPECIALLY!), the students do as well.  Thanks for all you are doing to keep our school a safe and nurturing place to learn all the time.

EOG Dates and Specials Schedules

Track 2 -
May 3 Science
May 8 Reading
May 9 Math Cal Active
May 10 Math inactive
Track 2 specials flipped
K (9:30-10:20), 1st (10:30-11:10), 2nd (11:45-12:15), 4th (1:00-1:45), 5th (1:50-2:35), 3rd (2:45-3:30).

Track 1
May 10 Science
May 15 Reading
May 16 Cal Active
May 17 Math inactive
Track 1 specials flipped
K (9:30-10:20), 1st (10:30-11:10), 2nd (11:45-12:15), 4th (1:00-1:45), 5th (1:50-2:35), 3rd (2:45-3:30)

Track 3 & 4
May 31 Science
June 5th - Reading
June 6th - Math Active
June 7th - Math inactive
Track 3 &4 specials flipped
K (9:30-10:20), 1st (10:30-11:10), 2nd (11:45-12:15), 4th (1:00-1:45), 5th (1:50-2:35), 3rd (2:45-3:30)

EOG and PLTs

During the weeks of EOGs there will be no PLTs in the mornings.  This will allow the proctors to report the the assigned classrooms early enabling the teachers to pick up the test from John.  For any TAs who are not proctoring they will fill in for duties left vacant by individuals who are administering or proctoring.  We will check the schedule prior to Track 2 EOG and infom everyone who is impacted by the changes. 

Proctoring for the EOGs

If you are tracked out during EOGs and IF you would like to volunteer to be a proctor for the EOG, e-mail Nanette, Travis and John.  We are still in need of several proctors, so if you would be willing to volunteer for a few hours, that would be great.

Teacher Resources - 

Here is a list of 101 Web 2.0 tools that all educator should know (based on Erik Schreefel in Educational Technology, Web 2.0 Tools )  http://web20education.bo.lt/6o6pa ("I can say I have used 40 of them and know about 10 others" - Travis).  There are description after each one of them.

Some Summer Reading / Track out books - http://reflectionsofmyteaching.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/must-reads-for-teachers.html - 28 "must reads for teachers" - per D Fawcett Well, i'm a Secondary School PE teacher & Learning Innovator in Southampton. My main passion within teaching is independent learning and 'Learning to Learn'

Teacher Links - 

More information on using Google Docs - http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2012/04/04/52-great-google-docs-secrets-for-students/

What does digital literacy look like in primary school (could apply for all elementary classes)?  Take a look at one opinion  - http://www.ictsteps.com/2012/04/digital-literacy-in-the-primary-classroom/

#16 April 16-20

Captain's Log #16

Welcome Back Track 4!  Have a restful track out Track 3!

Field Test

Field Test will take place Monday, 4/16 in grades 3-5.  When moving about the building remember to SAIL.

Field Day

Field Day for Tracks 1/3 is Tuesday, April 17 and Tracks 2/4 is Wednesday, April 18.  You will receive a reminder flyer for families to be e-mailed home on Monday. (Please forward the e-mail to Katie Caggia when e-mailing home. )  You will also receive your Teacher Information packet from Katie.  (Katie and Nanette are meeting this morning to discuss weather and make-up days if needed. You will receive an e-mail from Katie with information later in the day.)

TWC (Teacher Working Condition Survey)

Thank you to those of you who have completed the TWC.  If you have not completed the survey, please do so as soon as possible.  If you have not met with Megan Runion, you will need to arrange a time to meet with her for a few clarifications and access number.

Case 21 Testing and Data 

Our track 1 and 3 students performed VERY well on the Case21 assessments.  Track 2 completed the assessment this week and will get results back shortly.  Track 4 will be taking the assessment in a few weeks.

Web 2.0 - modeling 21st Century Learning

We have had two sessions, if you were tracked out or missed out here is the link ( http://olivechapelelementary.wikispaces.com/file/view/OCE_2_0+%281%29.pdf/316257396/OCE_2_0%20%281%29.pdf ) to the presentation that we started with our next collaboration meeting will be April 26th.

Scheduling Committee

The Scheduling Committee will meet on Monday, April 23rd at 8:00  in the Media Center.  Currently, the following teams have representatives on the committee: K, 3, 4 and Specialist.  We would like to have one representative from each team to serve on the committee. The committee will gather input during meetings.  The April 23 agenda will focus on - "What do we value in our instructional time (i.e. schedules)?", we may be able to start looking at specials' times. Prior to the meeting committee members will be given a research article which will help in the development of the schedule for the 2012-13 school year.  The goal is to have the DRAFT schedule completed prior to May 31.

Teacher Resources

http://edte.ch/blog/2008/08/23/10-google-forms-for-the-classroom/ (via Pinetrest - Jennifer Jones via Amber Reagan).  80 ways to use Google Forms in the classroom - some examples - spelling tests, guided reading records, choose your own learning - using qr codes).

http://mgleeson.edublogs.org/2012/04/03/ipads-and-literature-circles/ - two fold - roles for literature circles and using technology devices with them.

Teacher Links 

http://web20education.bo.lt/6o6pa -"101 Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers You Should Know About"

How do you make instruction relevant to students, engaging, combine multiple subjects and promote critical thinking and problem solving?  Project Based Learning --- http://www.edutopia.org/stw-maine-project-based-learning-ten-key-lessons.  Remember start small...

#15 April 9 - 13

Surveys

Teacher Working Condition  (TWC) Megan Runion will meet with teachers Monday, April 9 at 4:00 in the Media Center for a short meeting to clarify a few terms on the TWC.  Megan will also give out the access code at this time.  It is important we have 100% participation on the survey.  This data is used to develop SIP goals and to guide administration.  Megan will arrange to meet with Track 4 teachers when they return from track out.

Tripod Survey State Pilot:  This survey tool is designed to measure student perceptions of teaching in specific classes.  Results have been found to correlate with student achievement scores in other locations and it is being considered as part of the teacher evaluation system in North Carolina in the future. The state has pulled a sample of 5 or 6 classes per school.  The questions are interesting in terms of student perceptions of teaching and relationships.  The administration window is from April 16-27 (tentatively).   Any year-round classes that are out of school do not need to complete the survey. 

WCPSS Survey of Students:  ***4th grade only***   We normally do the WCPSS student survey in the spring.  It is brief, online, the focus is more general, and some schools use items to measure attainment of school goals.  It will likely take them about 15 minutes.  The survey links are open now and will be kept open until May 4.  All tracks are in session part of this time, but let us know if you need a longer window. 

A link to WCPSS elementary students surveys is now available on the intranet announcement page. You may use the link to conduct these survey in your school's computer lab.

Case 21

Looking forward to seeing the Track 1 and 3, 2nd-5th grade teachers one day this week to look over the assessment results.

Remember, the assessment was comprehensive and modeled after the EOG. There would have been items the students had not been taught or had exposure to yet this school year.  We need to focus on how well they mastered the objectives we have taught.  We know we have not taught 4th quarter objectives or provided extension lessons on some objectives, however, we can look at the data and see how many of our students had knowledge of 4th quarter objectives prior to instruction.  

The results will give us more data to answer the questions for our PLTs:  What do we do if they know it? What do we do if they don't know it?  How are we going to remediate or enrich?  

Possible K-2 IRT for 2012-13...Would you be interested?

We are considering a K-2 IRT position for the 2012-13 school year.  This year Kathy has been the K-5 IRT, and taught 3-5 Readers Theatre. We have seen a strong connection with fluency, curriculum connections and student confidence with Readers Theatre.  However, doing both is a great deal of responsibility.  We also are aware that with Common Core more might be required in the IRT position.  For that reason, we are considering having a K-2 and a 3-5 IRT position fo the 2012-13 school year.   Prior to posting the position, we would like to give the opportunity to anyone on staff to interview for the position.  Please e-mail Nanette and Travis is your would like to be considered.  There will be criteria for the position and an interview will be conducted before making a decision.

Lead Team

We need to know by Wednesday, April 11 who the grade chair will be for each grade level.  There will be a chart outside Nanette's door to write the name of the person representing your team for the 2012-13 school year.  Grade Chairs...June 4 is the Lead Team all day retreat.  Mark your calendar now...Janet will get the substitute after we know who the grade chairs will be for 2012-13.  More information will come to grade chairs later.  

Teacher Resources  
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2011/01/21st-century-skills-teachers-should.html  - a power point presentation about 21st century skills that all teachers should know based on Med kharbach.  There are some good videos and visuals.  
http://www.heinemann.com/PD/journal/Calkins_ExploreCC_PDCat_S12.pdf- Lucy Calkins reflects on writing within the common core standards.

#14 April 2nd - April 6th

Captain's Log # 14  April 2nd - April 6th


Quote for the Week....

"It is not our students' attention capabilities that have changed, but rather their tolerance & needs." Marc Prensky

Early Release Plus/Delta:  We have had one response on the Early Release Plus/Delta. The link is included so you can complete the plus/delta.   https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFNWNkkzMnZRSmI2eWloYmdzR3JoLUE6MQ#gid=0

Friday, April 6th:  This Friday is a holiday for all tracks.  Enjoy your day off and long weekend! :) 

Boosterthon: Thank you for your support of the Boosterthon!  If the 80% of the pledges are collected, the PTA will have surpassed their goal of $14,000.  Please complete the comment cards the Boosterthon team placed in your mailbox on Friday. 

Case 21 Assessment:  2nd - 5th grades on Tracks 1 & 3 will be administering the Case 21 comprehensive assessment this week.  Monday, April 2: 5th grade will be administering the Science portion of the assessment.  Assessments will begin at 9:30 each morning. Each of you have done a well providing a caring, nurturing and positive learning enviornment. 

S.A.I.L.ing: Thank you to the those of you who are standing in the hallways at the end of the day, encouraging the students to stay on the right side of the hallway and to use inside voices. It is making a HUGE difference!  Now the students are now reminding their friends to SAIL!   

Effort Rubric: We have compiled the effort rubrics completed at Early Release into one document. We will revisit the rubric as we continue to set high expectations for all students.


Teacher Resource: FYI-- 2012-2013 C-MAPP is available if you would like to look ahead.  
http://www.heinemann.com/PD/journal/Calkins_ExploreCC_PDCat_S12.pdf - Lucy Calkins explores the Common Core and its impact on teaching writing
http://mashable.com/2012/03/16/kids-and-tech-parenting-tips-for-the-digital-age/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29 - Tips for the Digital Age - Parenting Tips for the Digital age


Teacher Websites -  http://kidblog.org/home.php  - students able to work on their writing via a blog
http://www.youtube.com/user/TEDEducation - TED-Ed: Lessons Worth Sharing

Looking Ahead....Teacher Appreciation Week for Track 1 & 3. PTA will sponsor a breakfast Monday, April 9th, at 7:30 a.m.