Captain's Log #9 Aug 27 - Aug 31

Celebrations:

Thank you Darren O'Hanlon!  Darren went on a hunt to locate the SmartBoard flash drive. Not only did Darren find a flash drive, he found 2!  Also during the hunt, he located two Elmos.  One tagged "need bulb", the other a missing part. Since that time, Darren has plugged in the "light bulb" Elmo and there was LIGHT!  The other Elmo still needs a part, but is still usable.  Darren has contacted ELMO sent pictures, and described the part and received an invoice!  We now have two working ELMOs!

Happy Birthday!

August 26--Debbie Roundtree

Tracked Out this week!

Track 2
Kathy Evans
Lorrie Sardiello
Alice Geiss
Whitney Todd


Coming Soon...New Media Specialist

I continue to be in contact with our recommended Media Specialist.  (Just in case you are not aware; if you leave a position either in Wake Co. or another county, the administration has the right to hold you in your position at least 30 sometimes 60 days.  In this case, Chapel Hill as chosen to hold our new Media Specialist 27 days!)  Start date...SEPTEMBER 11!  Until then, we will continue to have a substitute in the Media Center to provide support.

Transportation!

What can I say...it's a work in progress!  Thank you to everyone who has been working to improve the process at carpoool.  Please help you students remember their numbers and remind them that QUIET is an essential part of getting home.  If parents requested a carpool number, you should have received it.  Please put a note in your weekly newsletter asking parents to remember to hang the tags on the rearview mirror and to help their child(ren) remember the number.

BUS SITUATION for this week!  I just received the most recent update to the buses.  It appears they have added new routes to our school!  Students will be confused getting off the bus and in the afternoon going to the correct bus!  We could need more "hands" on bus duty for the next couple of weeks, in the morning and afternoon.  You will also want to check the bus "number" of your student when they come in the room.  We will try and give each of them a tag as they walk off the bus.  Please complete the tag and place it on the backpack.

Keep in your thoughts:

Please keep Patty Anderson and her family in your thoughts during this time of sadness at the loss of her father. Also, Alice Geiss as her family goes through this time of sadness in the loss of her father-in-law.

Fire Drill

We will have a Fire Drill by Friday.  I would tell you the day, but with the unpredictable weather, we will have it when we can.  Track 4, we haven't had one since you have been tracked in, so this will be an experience for our Kindergartners. 
Please review with the students the expectations during Fire Drills.The  field will be full since tracks 1,3 and 4 are in session.  If you are uncertain where you should go during the drill, please refer to your map. (If you do not have a map, please send an e-mail to Janet.) Exit routes need to be posted in all classrooms.  Also, if you do not have a "Name" sign to carry we need to know that as well.

Specials:

I am reviewing the current specials schedule in an effort to make certain you are having an acceptable amount of planning time. While I could have put a teacher in the 21st century position, I was certain you did not want just anyone teaching your students, but someone who had the same values and expectations as each of you. Until the person is in place, I am working on getting a substitute, for the position. Your professionalism and patience during this transition time is truly appreciated!

 

Testing Info: 

Carol and I met recently to review and determine dates for Cogat, ITBS, and the EOGs. We took into consideration track in/out, and holidays.  Needless to say there were times when our windows didn't provide us a lot of options.  Below are the CURRENT dates.  Carol and I reserve the right to change them with each new e-mail she receives as a Testing Coordinator.

Tests	TR1 OCE Dates	TR2 OCE Dates	TR3 OCE Dates	TR4 OCE Dates	Time
COGAT Third Grade	Verbal Aug 28 Quan  Aug 29 Nonverbal Aug 30 Makeup Aug 31	Verbal Sept 18 Quan   Sept 19 Nonverbal Sep 20 Makeup Sep 21	Verbal Sept 18 Quan   Sept 19 Nonverbal Sep 20 Makeup Sep 21	Verbal Sept 18 Quan   Sept 19 Nonverbal Sep 20 Makeup Sep 1	10:30-11:30
ITBS Third Grade	Reading Oct 30 Math       Nov 7 Makeup Nov 1,2,8,9	Reading  Oct 30 Math       Nov 7 Makeup Nov 1,2,8,9	Reading Nov 27 Math Nov 28 Makeup Nov 29	Reading Nov 27 Math Nov 28 Makeup Nov 29	10:30-11:30
EOG Third-Fifth Grades	May 10 Science May 14 Reading May 15 Math Cal Active May 16 Math Cal Inactive Makeup May 17,20,21,22	June 11 Reading June 12 Math Calculator Active June 13 Math calculator Inactive June 17 Science Makeup June,18,19,20,21	June 11 Reading June 12 Math Calculator Active June 13 Math calculator Inactive June 17 Science Makeup June ,18,19,20	June 11 Reading June 12 Math Calculator Active June 13 Math calculator Inactive June 17 Science Makeup June 18,19,20,21	9:25-12ish

                                                      
                            Remember...there are no EOG make-up

Performance Matters:

I met with Kathy and Lorrie following their training for Performance Matters, which is the Profile Cards software program . Kathy has received e-mails from a few of you asking for assistance in getting into the software.  I realize several of you are anxious to get into the program and begin your documentation, but PLEASE be patient while the appropriate information is being created for you to access and manipulate the system. 

Each grade level will have a designated guided lesson PLT held in the computer lab, devoted to your professional development on the Profile Cards .  The PD will focus on accessing and becoming aware of the "cheat" sheet, designed to .assist you when you are the independent user  Once the information has been finalized I will let you know the dates your PLT will be in the computer lab.

 

Landlubbers Club:

Please forward to your families. Our season will begin in a few weeks and I need to have permission forms before runners can participate.

Thanks,

We are excited for the fall season of Landlubbers to begin? If your third through fifth grader is interested, please complete the google doc.

Thanks so much,
Holly Kane, Mary Petersen, and Rachael Staufferhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/formResponse?formkey=dDd2VGRvZ01vUGxtTUpfbFlueXpOZHc6MQ&theme=0AX42CRMsmRFbUy1iODQwMzFlYi1iZjJhLTRmNmUtODQ0My1iNjJmYTUzNjQ2ZWE&ifq

Rachael Stauffer

Teacher Resources:

I really enjoyed watching the short videos. Plus, the site has lots of links to other great resources!

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/differentiating-in-math?fd=1


https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/making-vocabulary-lesson-interactive

 

Captain's Log #8 Aug 20 - Aug 24

You make a difference...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KWA0iKh6Cs&feature=related 

Welcome Back:

Welcome back track 3!  We have missed you! 

Beginning this week, we will have the MOST students and staff in the building! Please remind your students to follow the SAIL expectations at all times. Also, please stand at your doors in the AM and PM to help monitor hallway movement.  It's amazing how quickly students remember to walk when they see an adult. :) 

Media Center:

We have a substitute in the Media Center!  If you have any questions concerning technology, software or books, please go to her.  She may or may not have the answer, but she will give me the information, so we can get it taken care of in a timely manner.  This will also help us begin to collect data on areas of need, which I will be able to provide our new Media Specialists.  I understand it is often easier to go across the hall and ask a peer, but that interrupts learning for the students or takes away from their planning time. Thanks in advance for your help as we continue to move forward during this transition time.

Profile Cards:

Profile cards are now electronic!  They have been loaded into Performance Matters, the software selected for housing system data. Kathy, Lorrie and I will be working on a plan to provide the neccessary training needed. You will be able to  login and enter your information before the end of the first 9 weeks.  (We will get Track 1 teachers trained first, since the end of their 9 weeks is coming quickly!).

SIP:

Thank you to those who have completed the Daily Cafe survey.  If you haven't had a chance yet, here is the link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVDeEE4NFJzV3NYdWZmTGpaYWZoMEE6MQ#gid=0

Landlubbers Club:

Just a reminder for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teachers:

Please forward to your families. Our season will begin in a few weeks and we need to have permission forms before runners can participate.

Thanks,

We are excited for the fall season of Landlubbers to begin? If your third through fifth grader is interested, please complete the google doc.

Thanks so much,
Holly Kane, Mary Petersen, and Rachael Staufferhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/formResponse?formkey=dDd2VGRvZ01vUGxtTUpfbFlueXpOZHc6MQ&theme=0AX42CRMsmRFbUy1iODQwMzFlYi1iZjJhLTRmNmUtODQ0My1iNjJmYTUzNjQ2ZWE&ifq

Field Trips

Please send me the name of your grade level Field Trip representative by the end of this week.  The Field Trip Committee will need to meet and review all proposed Field Trips for the school year.

What's happening this week at OCE:

Leadership Team has been cancelled

OCE 2.0: Monday afternoon in the Media Center at 4:00.

BT/Mentor/Mentee meeting:Wednesday at 4:00

OCE Blood Drive: Thursday beginning at 9:30

Happy Birthday:

August 20^th         Martha Anderson

August 23^rd         Lori Young

August 26^th         Debbie Rountree

Teacher Resources:

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2011/08/using-the-ipad-as-a-digital-whiteboard-plus-4-cool-free-apps-to-use-to-try-it-out/

Captain's Log #7 Aug 13- Aug 17

Superintendent's Message:

It was exciting last Monday (8/6) at the "beginning" of the year meeting with the Superintendent Tata where the focus and theme was  "It's all about Growth".  We began the process last year through our our PLTs and conversations with the students.  This year we will continue to build on what we started last year. We will continue to demonstrate growth as we set high expectations for ourselves and our students each day.

Landlubbers:

Landlubbers are starting soon!  Currently, Ms. Stauffer is the only staff member "running" the Landlubbers. Please let me know if you will be the co-staff leader running club. 

3-5 teachers:
Please forward to your families

We are excited for the fall season of Landlubbers to begin? If your third through fifth grader is interested, please complete the google doc. below.

Thanks so much,
Holly Kane, Mary Petersen, and Rachael Staufferhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/formResponse?formkey=dDd2VGRvZ01vUGxtTUpfbFlueXpOZHc6MQ&theme=0AX42CRMsmRFbUy1iODQwMzFlYi1iZjJhLTRmNmUtODQ0My1iNjJmYTUzNjQ2ZWE&ifq

Let's Play:

Recently it has been brought to my attention that some teachers may be taking away recess for students to complete their work, or using it for "punishment".  Recess can not be used for any type of discipline/punishment.  The activity at recess can be modified; no basketball today but walking the track or 4 square, no running the track but playing a game, etc.  Students must have a thirty minute PE each day. 

Grading Guidelines and Rubrics for Standards Assessments

Please refer to an e-mail Kathy is sending out on Monday, August 13 with information and attachments which include grading guidelines and rubrics for standards assessments.  Both documents will provide valuable information as we continue to move forward to set high expectations for all students.

Early Release and Race to the Top

This Friday is Early Release.  The topic will be "How are we teaching differently with the new Common Core and Essential Standards?"  More to come later.  We also have a group attending Daily 5 training Friday and Monday. The group attending will be able to provide more information to their grade levels when they return. 

Race to the Top:  Sept 11---Day 2---Track 2 and others on Tracks 5, 6 or 7 if schedules permit.  Training is mandatory for all teachers. Training begins at 1:00.  Room will be announced closer to the date.

Staff Birthdays:

Belated Happy Birthday: 

August 10:  Soha Nasrallah
August 12:  Charles Langley

Happy Birthday:

August 15:  Amanda Svenson

Staff Resources: 

CMAPP---continues to update.

Captain's Log # 6 - Aug. 6 - Aug. 10

Celebrate!

The 2011-12 scores are in and we are in celebration mode!  Yes, we did it.  We set high expectations for all and the outcome was success.  I continue to receive the "drill down" data and will meet with the Data Team to add this data to our Comprehensive Needs Assessment. 

That said, let's pause and celebrate for a FANTASTIC job of learning and teaching in 2011-2012!  So....I've been thinking (I know that is dangerous!)  What would be a great way to celebrate this accomplishment???  To celebrate this event of being an Honors School of Excellence...we will have JEANS FRIDAY for the rest of the year! 

As you can tell, I am so excited that your students demonstrated all you had been teaching them all year.  I know you will set those same high expectations this year, and knowing our staff...set a higher goal!

Great job everyone!  

Self Assessments and PDPs:

Please make certain you have completed your self assessment and PDP.  https://mxweb3.media-x.com/home/ncval/  You self assessment will guide you in the area(s) needed for your Professional Development Plan for the Year. 

Please make certain when you are creating your PDP:
Goals for the Elements are the areas for your personal growth, e.g., I will effectively implement ****  instruction...; I will stay abreast of current research...
Activities and Actions: are the how you are going to do it..
Expected Outcomes and  Evidence of Completion: What will be the outcome?  Can you measure it?  Where are you starting and where do you want to end?  Are you showing growth?  e.g., If you are integrating technology into your lessons, what is the increase? 
Resources: What do you need to be successful?  PLT, SmartBoard, Daily Five training?
Timeline:  Provide yourself benchmark checks to see if it is working. If it is great, if not, then we can adjust.

Professional and Student Growth: 

We will continue to focus on our professional growth and the growth of our students for the 2012-13 school year.  Last year we set the expectations high and we did well making improvements.  Let's set the bar higher this year and demonstrate more growth for all students. While walking around, I'm seeing HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) become the norm.  Remember, changing the way we ask the questions can make all the difference.  More to come during our Admin. Fridays.  Revised schedule for Admin. Fridays will come out next Monday!

Staff Updates:

Mr. Langley arrived on August 1 to begin his time at OCE.  Thank you to all of you who have already signed up for your PDP conference with him. 

Kelley Bryan our track 4-5th grade teacher arrived last Tuesday!  Welcome Kelley!

This Friday is Pete's last day. Until we find a new Media Specialists, Pete and I have discussed having a volunteers in the Media Center so students can still check-in and out books without staff taking them and providing the supervision. 

Second Step: Note from Alice Geiss

Thank you to the 30 staff members who completed the Second Step Implementation Survey.  Out of the 30 staff members who responded, 6 indicated that they needed to have a review session on the use of the Second Step Violence Prevention program.  Please send me your names by email (by Friday, August 10^th) so that I know specifically who needs the review session.   Anyone is welcome to attend the review session if you are interested.  The review session date will be announced soon. The Second Step Kits will be distributed during the week of August 6^th.  You will receive a Second Step kit; a memo describing the program; a lesson log to record lesson dates; and a list indicating which kit is assigned to you.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  Thanks, Alice Geiss.

Benchmark Assessments:

Below is the Benchmark Assessment calendar for the year. 

School Calendar	Quarter 1 Days 40 – 50	Quarter 2 Days 85 – 95	Quarter 3 Days 135 – 145	Quarter 4 Days 146– 180
Assessments	Grades 3-4:  Reading, Math Grade 5:  Reading, Math, Science	Grade 2:  Reading, Math Grades 3-4:  Reading, Math Grade 5:  Reading, Math, Science	Grades 3-4: Reading, Math Grade 5:  Reading, Math, Science	Grade 2:  Reading, Math
Track 1	September 4 – October 5	November 26 – January 8	February 25 – March 28	May 1 – May 9
Track 2	September 25 – October 9	December 10 – January 4	March 27 – April 10	May 6  – June 7
Track 3	September 24 – October 8	December 13 – January 8	March 14 – March 28	May 29 – June 7
Track 4	September 24 – October 28	December 14 – January 28	March 14 – April 22	May 29 – June 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

Hospitality:

Thank you Hospitality Committee for the breakfast last Friday!  It was a great way to end the week.  Looking forward to our monthly breakfast hosted by different groups!  If you haven't joined the Hospitality Committee, you might want to think about it.  Ask one of the committee members for some of the plans for the 2012-13 school year!

SAILing:

Students and Staff are doing a good job in the hallways of SAILing!  I have had lots of parents comment on how nice the students are moving about and how much more "calm" in seems this year.  Keep up the good work of reinforcing the SAIL expectations in the hallways throughout the day.  Remember, being specific and positive really does make the difference.  I've also noticed staff giving more compliments to other classes!  The students, and staff, really appreciate the recognition!  Great job everyone!  FYI:  "Walking" lines are going down in the other hallways this week.

Carpool:

All carpool numbers have been given to tracks 1, 2, and 3 and Annie is working on track 4, for families who requested carpool tags. Over the last two weeks we have been transitioning to the number system.  Thank you to the staff on carpool duty as we have been working with: names, numbers and students who have yet to learn their carpool number or parents who have forgotten to hang the number on the rearview mirror. Even during this transition, we are still getting all the cars through the carpool line between 4:05 and 4:10!  Please help out everyone by putting a "blurb" in your newsletter about "hanging the carpool number on the rearview mirror and helping your child learn their carpool number to make carpool go faster".  Thank you!

Teacher Resources

Learn It in 5 is for professionals, students, and parents who want to increase their Web 2.0 skills. A series of videos, all 5 minutes or less, guide users through lessons of their choice. Users can search for specific topics or browse to discover new techniques. Tip: Include videos in your weekly newsletter. http://learnitin5.com/

Teacher Links

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/07/23/fifty-of-the-best-ed-tech-products-for-schools/