Good evening,
We are on a 5 day count down to a much needed holiday break! There is still much to be done and we are all going to have to give it our all the last 5 days. Please read the information below carefully. If there are any questions or concerns, please see me!
RTI: I will not be meeting with teams this week. If you have questions about RTI or the data, please see me.
Observations: I will be performing formatives (30 minute observations) this week. I will send a calendar invite informing you of the day but not the specific time.
Specific documentation needed for the platform or that have been observed
Standard 1: Professional Knowledge
Documentation of attendance in collaborative planning meetings, professional development, articles or books that have been read, evidence that a professional goal has been set for the year
Standard 2: Instructional Planning
Lesson plans, evidence that the instructional framework was used, attendance in collaborative planning, evidence that data was used to drive planning, higher order thinking strategies embedded in lessons
Standard 3: Instructional Strategies
If you have documented specific instructional strategies (compare & contrast, Q &A, advance organizers, summarizing and note taking, cause and effect, use of digital tools, cross curricular connections) in your lesson plans that you would like to use as additional support on this standard please bring hard copies or upload it into the platform.
Standard 4: Differentiated Instruction
Use of varied instructional strategies to meet all of the students learning needs, scaffold instruction, re-teaching or extending opportunities, small group,
Standard 5: Assessment Strategies ( How are you monitoring student's progress)
Commentary on assignments, think, pair,share in class, availability of rubrics, quick check ins (unit mini check ins, quizzes,), grade book, rti documetation,
Standard 6: Assessment Uses: How are you adjusting instruction based on assessment data?
RTI documentation, lesson plans, evidence of student work
Standard 7: Positive Learning Environment
Use of merits, demerits, number of discipline write ups, classroom management plan, parent contact,
Standard 8: Academically Challenging Environment
Use of technology (digital tools), evidence of written or verbal feedback, evidence that students could use of the language of the standard or explain what they were doing, enriching activities in lesson plans, rigor during instructional time
Standard 9: Professionalism
Absences, tardies, interactions with peers, parents, and teachers, lesson plans turned in on time, participation in professional learning
Standard 10: Communication
Blogs, News letters, interaction with parents, students, administrators, grade book updates
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
News, News, News
Good afternoon,
Below you will find a few updates for the week. Please read carefully and if you have any questions, see me.
RTI
Below you will find a few updates for the week. Please read carefully and if you have any questions, see me.
RTI
- RTI: It is important for all teams to ensure that you are on my calendar monthly for RTI meetings. We must meet at least once a month to review data and discuss our students.
- New GRASP scores are ready to be entered into your grade level's RTI spreadsheet. Every math teacher should have the scores entered by the end of the day Wednesday.
- Remind students that as we are taking the second round of universal screeners that they need to focus and do their best. If not, we will not have an accurate picture of the students and what is needed to impact their performance.
- Make sure that you can show your classroom progress monitoring for all of your students as you will need this in your RTI meetings.
Walk-throughs and Formals
I will be completing walk throughs and observations for the remainder of the time in December. Please make sure that you have planned innovative, engaging, and standards based lessons. If you have not seen me this is a hint that I am coming at some point this week!
Behavior Referrals
Remember that we are nearing a time in the year that student behaviors will begin to escalate. As we are handling the situations, let us keep this is mind. Follow the procedures for referring a student and I will get it processed. Do not put students in the hallway or call to have students removed unless it is a tier 4 behavior (extreme disrespect, fight). We will make every effort to be present in the halls during transitions and to make a stronger presence in the building. Let's all be consistent in our rituals and routines so that we can maintain an environment that is safe and conducive to learning! We can do it!
Final Words
Thank you for the many birthday wishes, gifts, and cards. You all made me feel like a super star! I love my job and all that comes with it. I work with most awesome and finest teachers/staff in CCSD!!!! Have a great week!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
AP News
PSP Update:
Teachers,
Please promote and encourage the students to return the PSP applications this week. I must have the names and addresses of students turned into transportation this week. PSP will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-6. We will also serve students one Saturday a month. PSP is expected to begin on the 16th of November. If you are interested in working, please see me ASAP. We will have a brief meeting Thursday after school. Please schedule to attend.
Benchmark Testing:
Remember that Friday, November 13th is the absolute last day to have all extended responses scored in Edperformance. There is no exception to this date. Please adhere to the deadline and see me if you need any assistance.
If you have students that need to make up a test, please add their name to the list so that we can administer the test this week.
Thank you for getting the job done the last two weeks with benchmarks! Testing went well despite the issues with the schedule.We will need to adjust testing schedule to ensure we are in compliance in other areas. Thank you for the feedback. Have a terrific week and make it a goal to make a positive difference in a child's life every day!
Monday, November 2, 2015
AP Update
Good morning teachers,
I hope that each of you had a restful three day weekend! If you have not reviewed the video, You Matter, please do. It is just a small reminder of why we all do what we do daily. A special thanks to Mrs.Gonzalez for helping me out at the last minute!
https://youtu.be/nkGSeA2kBrw
Wednesday we will resume benchmark testing. Social Studies and Math will be administered Wednesday and Thursday. Be sure to read over the Benchmark at a Glance for important testing information and encourage your students to come to school. We will continue to use the same testing schedule. I understand that we had some students arrive late but remember we blocked off 2 hours for testing so they should still be able to complete their test within the allotted time frame.
Now that we have all have had a moment to refuel! Be sure to reinforce our PAWS Expectations and be Consistent. Have a great week!
I hope that each of you had a restful three day weekend! If you have not reviewed the video, You Matter, please do. It is just a small reminder of why we all do what we do daily. A special thanks to Mrs.Gonzalez for helping me out at the last minute!
https://youtu.be/nkGSeA2kBrw
Wednesday we will resume benchmark testing. Social Studies and Math will be administered Wednesday and Thursday. Be sure to read over the Benchmark at a Glance for important testing information and encourage your students to come to school. We will continue to use the same testing schedule. I understand that we had some students arrive late but remember we blocked off 2 hours for testing so they should still be able to complete their test within the allotted time frame.
Now that we have all have had a moment to refuel! Be sure to reinforce our PAWS Expectations and be Consistent. Have a great week!
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Benchmark Message to Parents and Students
Parents and Students,
This week we will begin our Fall administration of our district's benchmarks. Benchmarks will be administered in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. All students in grades 6th-8th will be administered the test on the days identified below. The teachers have done an outstanding job of preparing our students for the assesments and I have no doubt that our students will rise and meet/exceed the expectations. You are encouraged to ensure that your child is present and on time at school. We are striving to have 100% participation! Also, encourage your child to relax and to do their best. We are The Panthers and all we do is WIN!
Fall Benchmark Administration Dates
- ELA: October 27th
- Science: October 28th
- Make ups: October 29th (ELA, Science)
- November 4: Social Studies
- November 5: Math
- November 6: Make ups (Social Studies, Math)
Testing Schedule
Benchmark News
Happy Sunday!
Benchmark Update:
This week begins the Fall administration of Benchmarks! I know that you are all so excited. In an email you will find the Benchmark at a Glance. It is a lot of information but I encourage you all to read it in its entirety. I shared the training presentation from last week. If you were absent, please review it and see me if you have any questions. I will be out Tuesday for my AP meeting at the BOE. Please see Dr.Blankenship, Ms. Hayes, or Mrs. Luthi if you need immediate assistance. I will also be available by email.
A Request for the Panther Pride:
I also have a special request. Our students had some difficulty last week during transitions.We had several incidents of verbal and physical altercations that occured in the halls. Please make sure that you are on duty and helping to remind our students of the hallway expectations. In addition, limit hallway passes to the restroom and unneccessary passes to the front office.
Uniforms:
Be sure to check for uniform violations, specifically jackets. If students are not in uniform, gently remind them and send them to see Mrs.Griffith. This should happen during homeroom.
Cafeteria:
A special shout out to 7th and 8th grades for the students' behavior in the cafeteria! They were AWESOME! Keep up the good work! Continue to encourage them to follow the Panther PAWS! It was a pleasant experience.
Final Word
Thank you for going the extra mile in the classrooms! While conducting walk throughs I have observed nothing but excellence in teaching! You are all doing a phenomenal job! Thank you.
Benchmark Update:
This week begins the Fall administration of Benchmarks! I know that you are all so excited. In an email you will find the Benchmark at a Glance. It is a lot of information but I encourage you all to read it in its entirety. I shared the training presentation from last week. If you were absent, please review it and see me if you have any questions. I will be out Tuesday for my AP meeting at the BOE. Please see Dr.Blankenship, Ms. Hayes, or Mrs. Luthi if you need immediate assistance. I will also be available by email.
A Request for the Panther Pride:
I also have a special request. Our students had some difficulty last week during transitions.We had several incidents of verbal and physical altercations that occured in the halls. Please make sure that you are on duty and helping to remind our students of the hallway expectations. In addition, limit hallway passes to the restroom and unneccessary passes to the front office.
Uniforms:
Be sure to check for uniform violations, specifically jackets. If students are not in uniform, gently remind them and send them to see Mrs.Griffith. This should happen during homeroom.
Cafeteria:
A special shout out to 7th and 8th grades for the students' behavior in the cafeteria! They were AWESOME! Keep up the good work! Continue to encourage them to follow the Panther PAWS! It was a pleasant experience.
Final Word
Thank you for going the extra mile in the classrooms! While conducting walk throughs I have observed nothing but excellence in teaching! You are all doing a phenomenal job! Thank you.
Monday, October 5, 2015
AP Student Expectation Reset
Greeting Parents!
We are excited about the direction that we are headed in this school year. The students heads are in the game and the teachers are working diligently to provide an engaging and challenging learning environment. As administrators we are working to continue maintaining a positive school culture that hold ALL students to excellence in academics, leadership, and service.
We are almost half way through the first quarter and to ensure that we are all on the same page we are gathering in a huddle to review our game plan for the remainder of the school year. Today we met with students to review our PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) plan and other daily student expectations. As parents, we want to make you aware of the expectations so that we can continue to strengthen our partnership. Below you will find a brief overview of what will be delivered to the students in grade level town hall meetings.
Uniforms
We are excited about the direction that we are headed in this school year. The students heads are in the game and the teachers are working diligently to provide an engaging and challenging learning environment. As administrators we are working to continue maintaining a positive school culture that hold ALL students to excellence in academics, leadership, and service.
We are almost half way through the first quarter and to ensure that we are all on the same page we are gathering in a huddle to review our game plan for the remainder of the school year. Today we met with students to review our PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) plan and other daily student expectations. As parents, we want to make you aware of the expectations so that we can continue to strengthen our partnership. Below you will find a brief overview of what will be delivered to the students in grade level town hall meetings.
Uniforms
- Students are expected to wear a solid white, black, or gold collar shirt. Undershirts that are visible must be one of the identified colors.
- Students are expected to wear khaki bottoms. No jeans, jeggings, joggers, or leggings are permitted
- We understand that the weather is beginning to change and students are now wearing jackets. Jackets must be solid black, white, yellow, or grey.
- Gentlemen are expected to have their shirts tucked inside their pants at all times
There will be no exception to the uniform policy. If there are students that are in need of assistance, they will be referred to Mrs. Griffith.
Behavior
- Students are expected to follow the PAWS expectation at all times. Our PBIS plan allows students to earn merits when they are observed going above and beyond the expectations. Merits are then used to participate in class, team and school wide incentives.
- Demerits are given to students that are in violation of the PAWS expectations. Once a student earns a specific number of demerits, a consequence will be given. Consequences range from silent lunch, after school detention, parent conference, and ISS.
- Merits can offset demerits
- Emails are sent weekly to students informing them of their status. Please check with your child to see their weekly standing with the system.
- PAWS posters are located on the walls throughout the school. Feel free to request a copy of the expectations or read them throughout the school
Buses
- There are PAWS expectations identified for the school buses. Students are aware of the expectations and are expected to comply. It is a major safety hazard when students are not complying with the safety rules on the bus. We take discipline referrals from the bus seriously and consequences are in place for habitual violators.
Cafeteria
- Students are doing a great job of following PAWS expectations in the cafeteria. Soft jazz music is being played as a way to help students monitor their noise level. Students are expected to respect the cafeteria and custodial staff. In addition, they are also held accountable for cleaning their eating area. Please encourage your child to keep up the great work!
News That You Can Use!
Good evening teachers,
I hope that you are off to a great week. Listed below are some very important updates. Please read carefully and email me any questions or concerns.
Benchmarks:
The window for Benchmarks opens on the 25th of October. In an effort to provide you with more instructional time the tests will be administered on the following dates:
I hope that you are off to a great week. Listed below are some very important updates. Please read carefully and email me any questions or concerns.
Benchmarks:
The window for Benchmarks opens on the 25th of October. In an effort to provide you with more instructional time the tests will be administered on the following dates:
- October 27 ELA
- October 28 Science
- October 29 Make Ups (ELA, Science)
- November 4 Social Studies
- November 5 Math
- November 6 Make Ups
This is a hard deadline! Due to the extra instructional time provided, we must be sure to get everyone tested! Push for perfect attendance during the administration of the tests.
Discipline:
Many of you have expressed concerns about the number of demerits and the consequences. I will send a more detailed email that will allow you to make better decisions about the consequences. However it is important to remember that a merit offsets a demerit. Be sure that you are following the protocol for consequences (phone call to parent, detention, in-team, kid talk, referral).
Last week we held grade level meetings to reset expectations building wide. Please make sure that we are all holding the students accountable for PAWS expectations and uniforms. Transitions and uniforms continue to be an issue for us. It is important for every adult to communicate the same message to the students. We MUST be consistent.
All teachers that do not have an afternoon duty are expected to be on the bus loop. The bus drivers reported that this is extremely helpful to them and it has also reduced the number of verbal/physical altercations on the bus loop. We have been doing a great job! Keep up the good work.
In a like manner, we need everyone at their morning duty at 8:00 sharp. We want to greet every student with a smile and help them feel welcomed to school. Please know that your presence in the morning is greatly appreciated and the students are beginning to clear the halls in less time each day. Thank you for your help with this!
RTI:
If your team has not met with me for the first RTI meeting, you must schedule it this week. RTI meetings are to be held during planning on Thursdays. I have also agreed to do a grade level on Tuesday. Considering that this is a component in our SIP, we must meet to place proper data collection procedures in place to address our students academics/behavior concerns.
Parent/Teacher Conference:
If you are in need of an administrator to attend a conference, please send an invite as soon as possible. This will allow me to properly plan to attend the meeting.
Tomorrow you will receive the comment form to complete for students that are failing your class. It is suggested that you begin filling out the information so that homeroom teachers can be properly prepared to share the feedback to the parents.
Discipline:
Many of you have expressed concerns about the number of demerits and the consequences. I will send a more detailed email that will allow you to make better decisions about the consequences. However it is important to remember that a merit offsets a demerit. Be sure that you are following the protocol for consequences (phone call to parent, detention, in-team, kid talk, referral).
Last week we held grade level meetings to reset expectations building wide. Please make sure that we are all holding the students accountable for PAWS expectations and uniforms. Transitions and uniforms continue to be an issue for us. It is important for every adult to communicate the same message to the students. We MUST be consistent.
All teachers that do not have an afternoon duty are expected to be on the bus loop. The bus drivers reported that this is extremely helpful to them and it has also reduced the number of verbal/physical altercations on the bus loop. We have been doing a great job! Keep up the good work.
In a like manner, we need everyone at their morning duty at 8:00 sharp. We want to greet every student with a smile and help them feel welcomed to school. Please know that your presence in the morning is greatly appreciated and the students are beginning to clear the halls in less time each day. Thank you for your help with this!
RTI:
If your team has not met with me for the first RTI meeting, you must schedule it this week. RTI meetings are to be held during planning on Thursdays. I have also agreed to do a grade level on Tuesday. Considering that this is a component in our SIP, we must meet to place proper data collection procedures in place to address our students academics/behavior concerns.
Parent/Teacher Conference:
If you are in need of an administrator to attend a conference, please send an invite as soon as possible. This will allow me to properly plan to attend the meeting.
Tomorrow you will receive the comment form to complete for students that are failing your class. It is suggested that you begin filling out the information so that homeroom teachers can be properly prepared to share the feedback to the parents.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
WOW
Good Day!!!
Here are your AP updates:
SLOs were administered last week in Connection classes. There are some classes that will be administering some this week. Please continue to be flexible as we work to test all of our students.
Screeners/RTI:
At this point all screeners have been administered to the students. Adequate data should be available to determine RTI placement for students in need of academic/behavior interventions. RTI training will be held Tuesday during your second planning as a Wow session. Please make sure that you are present and on time.
Discipline/Routines:
Cafeteria: Please continue to reinforce our PAWS Expectations in the cafeteria. Encourage the students to hold productive and positive conversations. Remember to help monitor students' behavior by alternating walking throughout the cafeteria and reminding the students of their noise level.
15/15: Remember to observe this expectation. There should be NO passes the first and last 15 minutes of every class unless there is an emergency. This allows the administrators an opportunity to perform hallway sweeps and safety checks. It is important that we all adhere to this expectation.
Uniforms: Continue to reinforce the uniform policy. The weather is changing and students are going to begin to wearing sweaters/jackets. Sweaters and jackets should be solid black, yellow, grey, or white. There is no exception. If there is an issue with a student, please refer them to the appropriate person for assistance (Tolbert/Griffith).
Pre-Conferences:
If your are scheduled to meet with me for your pre-evaluation conference, you will receive a link this week that will allow you to choose a time on my calendar. We must be complete with conferences before the end of the month. You are encouraged to finish your self-assessment this week.
Have a great week! Remember that what you do to children matters! Let's make a a difference in the lives that we touch!
Here are your AP updates:
SLOs were administered last week in Connection classes. There are some classes that will be administering some this week. Please continue to be flexible as we work to test all of our students.
Screeners/RTI:
At this point all screeners have been administered to the students. Adequate data should be available to determine RTI placement for students in need of academic/behavior interventions. RTI training will be held Tuesday during your second planning as a Wow session. Please make sure that you are present and on time.
Discipline/Routines:
Cafeteria: Please continue to reinforce our PAWS Expectations in the cafeteria. Encourage the students to hold productive and positive conversations. Remember to help monitor students' behavior by alternating walking throughout the cafeteria and reminding the students of their noise level.
15/15: Remember to observe this expectation. There should be NO passes the first and last 15 minutes of every class unless there is an emergency. This allows the administrators an opportunity to perform hallway sweeps and safety checks. It is important that we all adhere to this expectation.
Uniforms: Continue to reinforce the uniform policy. The weather is changing and students are going to begin to wearing sweaters/jackets. Sweaters and jackets should be solid black, yellow, grey, or white. There is no exception. If there is an issue with a student, please refer them to the appropriate person for assistance (Tolbert/Griffith).
Pre-Conferences:
If your are scheduled to meet with me for your pre-evaluation conference, you will receive a link this week that will allow you to choose a time on my calendar. We must be complete with conferences before the end of the month. You are encouraged to finish your self-assessment this week.
Have a great week! Remember that what you do to children matters! Let's make a a difference in the lives that we touch!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Routine Update
Teachers,
In my last post, I forgot to remind you all of the 15/15 rule. Students should not be allowed in the halls the first and last 15 minutes of every class period. This allows time for us to clear the halls and ensure that all students are where they should be for the class period. Please be sure to communicate and enforce the expectation with the students.
In my last post, I forgot to remind you all of the 15/15 rule. Students should not be allowed in the halls the first and last 15 minutes of every class period. This allows time for us to clear the halls and ensure that all students are where they should be for the class period. Please be sure to communicate and enforce the expectation with the students.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Rituals and Routines Update
Teacher Duty Station
- It is imperative that you arrive to work on time and be in your designated areas for morning duty. All teachers are expected to greet your students as they are entering your classes.
- In a like manner, please report to your afternoon duty stations in a timely manner. All teachers are expected to walk the bus loop in an effort to get students on the buses safely.
Uniforms
- Students are expected to have on a black, gold, or white collar shirt. Undershirts should be one of our school colors. Boys should have their shirts tucked at all times and pants pulled up. Jackets should be solid black, white, grey, or gold. Please hold students accountable. There is no exception to the rule.
Classrooms
- Students should not be placed in the hallway for discipline infractions. Please follow the protocol so that we are better able to assist the student.
- Although we give every student 25 merits at the beginning of each week, you are expected to recognize positive behaviors with merits. The data indicate that we are giving a lot of demerits. Remember the plan should be positive not punitive. Give the merits.
- Please be sure that you have a classroom management plan in place to address student academic and behavior concerns. Start now being firm, fair, and consistent!
No Flex Zone
- Remember that we have a "NO FLEX ZONE". This means that students should not have cell phones out from 8:00 - 3:40. If students need to call home, they should use the classroom phone to make calls. They should not be sent to the front office. Please follow the school's protocol for handling a student for violating this expectation.
RTI Update
Teachers,
It is time to begin looking at our students' progress and behavior. Beginning the week of September 14th we will be ready to implement our RTI school-wide plan. All data from the screeners should be available along with approximately 4 weeks of data. Please plan to participate in the RTI Wow session that will be held September 15th during your 2nd planning period. If your team has not sent me an invitation for RTI meetings, please do so immediately.
It is time to begin looking at our students' progress and behavior. Beginning the week of September 14th we will be ready to implement our RTI school-wide plan. All data from the screeners should be available along with approximately 4 weeks of data. Please plan to participate in the RTI Wow session that will be held September 15th during your 2nd planning period. If your team has not sent me an invitation for RTI meetings, please do so immediately.
Important Assessment Information
We are about to embark upon a week of testing! Please be sure to plan accordingly and be flexible. Beginning Wednesday, September 9th, Connection teachers will be administering SLOs. SLOs will be administered in AgriScience, Art, Orchestra, Band, Chorus, Spanish, French, and FCA. Be prepared to not have a collaborative teacher as they will be needed to help administer tests to students with IEPs.
Wednesday, September 10th: All students will be given the GRASP screener during their Math class. Information has been provided to teachers from Mrs. Baldwin. No accommodations will be given to students as we want to get a more accurate picture of where the students are academically. September 11th will be used to administer make up tests.
Scantron- The Scantron test is being administered to students by Mrs. Gianassi and Mrs.Clark. Please be flexible if students are being pulled or arriving to your class late.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
SLOs Update
SLOs
SLOs were delivered to our building last Thursday. Please begin to prepare your schedule so that you are able to administer SLOs in a secure yet timely manner. We will begin to administer SLOs September 9-11, 2015. Accommodations will be provided for students with IEPs or 504s. Collaborative teachers please expect the SpEd teacher to be pulled to assist with testing. Thank you in advance for understanding!
SLOs will be administered in the following courses:
6th Grade
- Visual Arts
- Beginning Band
- Beginning Chorus
- Beginning Orchestra
7th Grade
- Spanish
8th Grade
- French
- AgriScience
- Family and Consumer Science
- P.E. (Fitness Gram)
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