MS Weekly Staff Memo – May 10, 2015

Leslie’s newsletter was so perfect this week that I asked her permission to share it with ms staff as well.  To me, this is #whatmatters . Thanks for the inspiration Leslie and Shawnee!

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Relationships…

I have been thinking about them a lot lately.  Maybe because it’s that time of the year when things are winding down, we are getting ready to say goodbye to our students for the summer, and some of us will be saying goodbye to a group of students we have had for two years.  And then this happened….if I were techy enough I could very smartly insert the photos right here where I want them to go.  Alas, I have failed yet again in the technology area.  Never fear…I do know how to attach photos, at least I hope I do!  Please, please, please take a look at the attached photos or this email won’t make sense!  🙂  (But I have actually fixed this for you, sweet Leslie.)

 

The photos and the post happened on none other than Facebook! 🙂  The picture you see is of one of my dearest friends in the world.  I met her my very first year teaching at David Cox Elementary.  This is a picture of her in her first  year teaching with her first class of 5th graders.

The post you see in the next photo is from Zhykia, the cute little girl in the gray shirt under my friend Shawnee’s right arm. 

In the beginning of 5th grade Zhykia  had a lot of gaps in the areas of reading and math.  She did not consider herself a reader at all.  In fact, it is probably safe to say she wasn’t a huge fan of school because she lacked confidence in herself.  Lucky for her she got Miss Voelp for a teacher that year!  She spent the year building her up and forming a relationship with her that was important enough for Zhykia to find her seventeen years later on Facebook to say thank you!  WOW!  Isn’t that what we all want?  To make a difference in someone’s life, to be that someone who helped him or her gain the confidence to know that they could read and think about text and grapple with numbers, but more importantly do it while having fun and with someone who they know deeply and genuinely cares about them.  She changed this child’s life and knowing Shawnee as I do, feel confident in saying has changed many more along the way.  I attached the next photo because I wanted you to see what Zhykia’s mom posted on Facebook.

“She was great, a true teacher…dedicated!” Now, what you don’t know about Zhykia’s mom is that when she found out that her daughter had a new, young teacher she tried to have her moved out of that classroom into another class.  The principal refused to move the child, and two weeks later Zhykia’s mom came into the classroom in the middle of math hugged Shawnee so hard that she lifted her off the floor and told her that this was the first time Zhykia had wanted to come to school and that she was sorry that she had made a quick judgement about her, she was a fine young teacher!  Pretty amazing, especially for a first year teacher, right?  Or is it?  There was no magic to what she did, or maybe there was.  Magic in that she took the time to really get to know Zhykia.  She understood how she learned and what worked best for her.  She formed a relationship with her, one that Zhykia has remembered for seventeen years!  As you wrap up the last few weeks of school with your students I hope you will think about Zhykia and Shawnee and the relationships you have with your students.  Are they the kind of relationships that students will hold on to for seventeen years or longer?  If not, what can you do with these last few weeks to make them ones that they will remember you as a game changer in their lives?  Remember laughter and fun go a long way with our sweet kiddos, especially when they get stressed about EOG’s, getting new teachers, the hectic pace of the end of the year.    Read books, sing songs, dance, go on walks, stop and really listen to what they are saying.  You may not realize the impact you are having.  You never know when your thank you might come, or in what shape, form, or fashion.  When it does I know it will mean more to you than any score on a test, award or paycheck! 

Finally, check out the last photo, it is of Zhykia all grown up.  She is a speech pathologist in Charlotte, and beautiful to boot! 

Have a fantastic week, and I can’t wait to spend time with all of you at the retreat!

Looking Ahead….

5/13/15 – Admin depart for retreat; Dorothy Pagan teacher leader

5/14/15 – Last day of MS Electives classes; 5th Grade Science EOG in Media Center; clean out lockers!

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG – carpool begins at 2:15 (all week this week!)

5/19/15 – Reading EOG – carpool begins at 2:15

5/20/15 – Math EOG – carpool begins at 2:15

5/21/15 – carpool begins at 2:15

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1 carpool begins at 2:15

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation – Belk Theater

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

Go ahead and begin to think about year-end close out.  The close out list will come to you soon but the NUMBER #1 challenge is collecting all EOG books, novels, and calculators.  It is critical that you begin to figure out NOW if students have lost things so that they can be paid for before school is out.

Please read these important notes from the Staff Meeting that was held on Friday’s workday.  This document contains important information about student safety and injury protocol as well as overall procedures for student supervision during these last few weeks of school.  Let me know if you have any questions.  https://docs.google.com/a/csdnc.org/document/d/1HdlhcahJWDrDcUMHdpmlEQUADMh-06CrShcIACG_uWc/edit?usp=sharing

Here is the link to the MS May Calendar which contains events as well as staff and room assignments.  Make sure you are familiar with this document and have this information at your fingertips over the next few weeks!

https://docs.google.com/a/csdnc.org/document/d/10A5Xd8luJoOAnu6rB6yaNhCni_oxdOHPpOU4ZXfgMLs/edit?usp=sharing

Gumby

MS Weekly Staff Memo – May 3, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

This weekend I read an article that really moved me, and then this morning I heard a really interesting sermon that I have been thinking about all day.  I think these two things go in hand-in-hand, so I hope you’ll indulge me as I try to recap and pull the two together.  In a nutshell, my priest made me think about something that hasn’t crossed my mind in years.  He alluded to the “games” that children make up when they are little.  I’m sure you all experienced this.  It’s impromptu – not planned – but out of nowhere you now have a new game or “drama” that you enact with your friends.  And as the game unfolds or the plot thickens, the set of rules become more complex.  Is this ringing a bell?  I totally remember doing this as a child – both with made up games and with dramas!  His point was that he was watching his own children do the same thing and he had an “aha” moment as I like to call them.  (Okay, I stole that from Oprah).   He said that at some point, it becomes too much…the rules are too overwhelming and complex…and kids tend to abandon the current situation and declare a “new game.”  How often do we do the same thing as adults?  I know in my role as administrator, I see more and more constraints being placed upon us, all with good intentions of course, but at what point do we throw our arms in the air and scream “Uncle?”  My Rector’s point was that it’s in these moments that we have to recalibrate and focus on #whatmatters.  Why are we doing what we’re doing?  Why does everything have to be so complicated?  This lined up beautifully with an article I read this weekend, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share it with you.  In the craziness of May and testing season, I hope that we all will pause and take deep breaths to remember #whatmatters.  What are we trying to accomplish here?  Are we focused on our mission and vision or are we losing sight and falling victim to the rat-race?  I’ll be the first to admit that I need to take DEEP belly breaths on some days as I have a tendency to get swept away in the rules we impose on ourselves.  I encourage each of you to stop – take some time – and be with your students in the upcoming weeks.  This time will pass us by ever so quickly, and not only do they deserve our presence and awareness, we deserve these gifts as well.

Here’s the link to the article.  It resonated deeply with me, and I hope it will resonate with you.

7 Things Every Kids Should Master:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2015/02/26/things-every-kid-should-master/uM72LGr63zeaStOp9zGyrJ/story.html

Upcoming Events:

Monday, May 4th

Tuesday, May 5th

Wednesday, May 6th

MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

Thursday, May 7th

MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

Friday, May 8th

Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

Looking Ahead….

5/14/15 – Last day of MS Electives classes

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG – carpool begins at 2:30

5/19/15 – Reading EOG – carpool begins at 2:30

5/20/15 – Math EOG – carpool begins at 2:30

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation – Belk Theater

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

Go ahead and begin to think about year-end close out.  The close out list will come to you soon but the NUMBER #1 challenge is collecting all EOG books, novels and calculators.  It is critical that you begin to figure out NOW if students have lost things so that they can be paid for before school is out.

 

MS Staff Weekly Memo – April 26, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

Hi Everybody,

Please forgive the brevity of this week’s newsletter, but I have been out of town for the past weekend celebrating life, love, and happiness with some of my dearest childhood friends.  I admit that I am sliding back into town in total “catch up” mode, and I need to wade through mounds of email, but I am delighted to report that I had a great time and my stomach is officially sore from belly laughing. 🙂  I want to extend a huge thank you the colleagues who stepped up and covered for me in my absence.  You are appreciated and valued more than you know!  May this week be a pleasant, productive one for all of us.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 27th

Juli registering new MS students in her office (by appointment)

Tuesday, April 28th:

Juli registering new MS students in her office (by appointment)

Wednesday, April 29th:

11:00 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in Elem Gym

11:25-12:00 – MS Guest Author Speaker (MS Gym)

Thursday, April 30th:

6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

Friday, May 1st:

Juli at Power School Training – Beth Knight Teacher Leader

UNCC Botanical Gardens Field Trip – 6th Grade

Looking Ahead….

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K & Half Marathon

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/14/15 – Last day of MS Electives classes

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

We will be finishing up “formal” observations over the next two weeks, so expect Juli in and out of your classrooms.  And as always, feel free to give me a job!  I love interacting with the students, so I would be delighted to help in any way possible.

Go ahead and begin to think about year-end close out.  The close out list will come to you soon but the NUMBER #1 challenge is collecting all EOG books, novels and calculators.  It is critical that you begin to figure out NOW if students have lost things so that they can be paid for before school is out.

Thought for the Week:

MS Staff Weekly Memo – April 19, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

This parent blog post went out right before Spring Break, but because of the timing, I worry that it may have been missed (link below).  This is important stuff from our fearless leader, Joy.  Please take a moment to read.  She raises excellent points that we all should heed.

http://csdpowerofwe.org/2015/03/29/whatmatters/

I’m still moved by the notion of “being in the here in now.”  It seems so simple, yet it is often so hard to accomplish, let alone maintain.  Maybe it’s our need for control that drives our focus to the future.  Maybe it’s our doubt and insecurities that keep us hung up on the mistakes of our past.  I’m not really sure why being fully present can be so elusive, but I do know this: by worrying about the future or dwelling on events of the past, we are missing the only thing that is absolutely certain – the here and now.  One of my favorite spiritual teachers, Marianne Williamson, puts it this way. “To the extent that we use the present to focus on past or future, we disempower ourselves.  The tennis player doesn’t have time to think about the ball he or she just missed because it would take way from the effort to hit the next one.”  When things are uncertain and change is upon us, it is natural to wonder how things will all play out (the MS restructure being a perfect example).  But I know from my own personal experiences, my concerns and worries often stem from fear and uncertainty rather than genuine curiosity.  Being reflective is hugely important, and for that reason, it is highly effective to look back and analyze various situations.  Being prepared is also hugely important, and for that reason, it is essential to look forward and identify what will be needed to be successful in future endeavors.  But to be happy and productive, we often need to look nowhere other than the present moment, for in essence, that’s really all we have.  Let’s try to keep these thoughts in perspective as we travel through these final few weeks of school.  Rather than projecting into the future and into the unknowns (How will my kids do on this test?  What will next year hold for me?), let’s dive deeply into the here and now and unwrap the gifts that are right in front of us and waiting to be discovered.  Our students deserve that.  WE deserve that.  After all, we never know what we may find.  #bepresent #whatmatters

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 20th

Pep Rally during Explore Electives.  Please eat in 4th block class.  Students will be called to gym around 11:30.

Tuesday, April 21st 

8:30-10:00 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

Wednesday, April 22nd

MS 7/8 Dance Sharing

Thursday, April 23rd 

Juli Out – Dorothy Pagan Teacher Leader

Friday, April 24th

6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

CSD Golf Tournament

Juli out – Chris Hoover Teacher Leader

Looking Ahead….

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/1/15 – UNCC Botanical Gardens Field Trip – 6th Grade

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/14/15 – Last day of MS Electives classes

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

We will be finishing up “formal” observations over the next two weeks, so expect Juli in and out of your classrooms.  And as always, feel free to give me a job!  I love interacting with the students, so I would be delighted to help in any way possible.

Go ahead and begin to think about year-end close out.  The close out list will come to you soon but the NUMBER #1 challenge is collecting all EOG books, novels and calculators.  It is critical that you begin to figure out NOW if students have lost things so that they can be paid for before school is out.

Professional Development:

Don’t Quit: 5 Strategies for Recovering After Your Worst Day Teaching

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-recovering-worst-day-teaching-johanna-rauhala

The Heart of Teaching: What It Means to be a Great Teacher

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/heart-teaching-what-it-means-be-great-teacher?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=discussion

MS Weekly Staff Memo – March 22, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

The most beautiful part of our job is that it’s all about the relationships.  The most difficult part of our job is that it’s all about relationships.  With the passing of Alison Davies this week, I want us just to take a moment to stop and reflect on #whatmatters.  Tracie Bailey and I sat together for a few moments in our shock and sadness.  In that time, Tracie said it perfectly as she recounted the beautiful things she sees each day.  “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”  You know what, she’s right?  What if we went through the next week “not sweating the small stuff,” and assumed that everyone is doing the best they can?  How would that change our relationships?  How would that change our world?  So I’m going to try it this week and see what happens.  I’m sure I’ll fail miserably, but I know I can count on my wonderful colleagues to gently coax me back on track when I slip.  Let’s be intentional about enjoying each other – our students, their parents, our colleagues, our entire school community – and let’s be intentional about making each day count.  In memory of Alison, let’s try to emit that same peaceful sunshine she spread everywhere she went.  She’s the perfect example of leaving the world a little better than she found it, and I for one, want to follow in her footsteps.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, March 23rd

11:10 – 7th/8th grade teacher meeting about rising 8th grade students

11:30-12:00 – Juli and Leslie to meet with 6th grade LASS – Book Club Discussion/Brainstorm/Sharing

Tuesday, March 24th

Wednesday, March 25th

Juli off campus during morning for BTSP Peer Review with DPI & Corvian

Alison Davies Memorial Service (a.m.) – Thanks for pulling together and covering classes so that staff can attend.

Thursday, March 26th

Sara Keys Teacher Leader

Friday, March 27th

7th Grade SLC’s

8:00-12:00 – 8th Grade Civil Rights Museum

Early dismissal for 8th graders (due to 8th grade dance)

4:45-9:00 – 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance (dinner at Carrabas)  Huge thank you to staff serving as chaperones!

Looking Ahead….

3/30/15 – Ms Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

4/3/15 – Snow Make Up Day

4/6/15 through 4/12/15 – Spring Break

4/13/15 – Classes resume

4/13/15 – Parent Advisory at HS – 7:30 p.m.

4/14/15 – K-12 Waitlist Tours

4/15/15 – Mandatory Testing Training at Staff Meeting – 3:30 in MS Gym

4/17/15 – CSD Prom

4/20/15 – CSD Board Meeting – 6:30 CSD HS

4/21/15 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

4/22/15 – 7/8 Dance Sharing in MS Gym

4/24/15 – 6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

4/24/15 – CSD Golf Tournament

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/2/15 – 8th Grade SLC’s (p.m.by appointment)

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

EOG Prep – Please keep in mind that we will begin an intensive EOG review and prep period six weeks prior to the test (the week of March 30th right before Spring Break).  That means that diagnostic pre-tests need to be administered prior to this prep-period so we can use that data to inform our instruction and help students devise specific learning goals so they can attain mastery by year’s end.  I will be meeting with all teachers of tested subjects in the next couple of weeks to touch base about EOG Test Prep plans and see what I can do to help!  Please remember that while we want students to take these tests seriously and perform to their fullest potential, we are committed to maintaining a low-stress environment for both students AND teachers!  I only put this reminder out there so these dates don’t creep up on us and we call all be thinking ahead!

With warmer temperatures gracing our region, please remember that we ask that staff refrain from propping doors open.  We need all exterior doors closed at all times.  If you see a door propped open, close it!  Thank you for your help with this.

Please offer a few gentle reminders about dress code in Advisory.

For Fun:

MS Weekly Staff Memo – March 15, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

Here’s a thought that’s both terrifying and delightful.

What do you want to be remembered for?  I ran across this post and along these same lines, it struck me as well.  Fill in the blank…. I want to be the kind of teacher….http://pernillesripp.com/2015/02/10/i-want-to-be-the-kind-of-teacher/

Upcoming Events:

Monday, March 16th

Explore Electives cancelled – Katie Knowles Presentation on Mental Illness in Gym beginning at 11:20.  See email for logistics.

Tuesday, March 17th

Wednesday, March 18th

3:30 – K-8 Staff Meeting in Elem Gym – Connie will be discussing Technology at CSD!

2:00 – 8th grade core teachers to meet with Joy about scheduling/grouping

3:30 – any 8th grade teacher is welcome to join the group but will also be asked to view video of Connie’s presentation about technology as well

Thursday, March 19th

Beth Knight Teacher Leader

Friday, March 20th

7th Grade Asia Day

Canned Food Drive Hot Chocolate Celebration

Looking Ahead….

3/19-3/22 – MS Musical – Starmites

3/20/15 – 7th Grade Asia Day

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Civil Rights Museum

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Dance

3/30/15 – Ms Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

4/3/15 – Snow Make Up Day

4/6/15 through 4/12/15 – Spring Break

4/13/15 – Classes resume

4/13/15 – Parent Advisory at HS – 7:30 p.m.

4/14/15 – K-12 Waitlist Tours

4/17/15 – CSD Prom

4/20/15 – CSD Board Meeting – 6:30 CSD HS

4/21/15 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

4/22/15 – 7/8 Dance Sharing in MS Gym

4/24/15 – 6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

4/24/15 – CSD Golf Tournament

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/2/15 – 8th Grade SLC’s (p.m.by appointment)

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

This topic has been rescheduled to our next Staff Meeting – March 18th

We are excited to have Connie join us for the March 18th staff meeting as she goes over some key points and issues dealing with Technology at CSD.  This will be a K-8 meeting occurring in the elementary gym.  In an attempt to answer any questions you may have regarding technology at CSD, we are asking that you submit questions ahead of time by filling out this quick google form.  https://docs.google.com/a/csdspartans.org/forms/d/1Qiy01X0276JaYg8e4dg7K4UahiF_8tfKx8aM4zJW99g/viewform?usp=send_form

EOG Prep – Please keep in mind that we will begin an intensive EOG review and prep period six weeks prior to the test (the week of March 30th right before Spring Break).  That means that diagnostic pre-tests need to be administered prior to this prep-period so we can use that data to inform our instruction and help students devise specific learning goals so they can attain mastery by year’s end.  I will be meeting with all teachers of tested subjects in the next couple of weeks to touch base about EOG Test Prep plans and see what I can do to help!  Please remember that while we want students to take these tests seriously and perform to their fullest potential, we are committed to maintaining a low-stress environment for both students AND teachers!  I only put this reminder out there so these dates don’t creep up on us and we call all be thinking ahead!

MS Weekly Staff Memo – March 7, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

 

Reflection.  This is a word that comes up a lot in our profession.  Research tells us how critical it is for teachers to carve out deliberate time for students to reflect on their learning if we want them to dig deeply into the content and make meaning of the learning experiences we have designed.  Reflecting makes us more self-aware and increases our problem-solving capacities.  In a word, reflection makes us more effective.

Now I know that reflection is not everyone’s cup of tea.  Not everyone longs for some quiet time alone to ponder big ideas and think about alternate solutions to perplexing problems, but here’s my confession.  I do.  I love the act of reflecting.  Being an introvert at heart, I do some of my best thinking alone (and through writing), so solo, written reflection time is like gold to me.  Aside from reflecting alone, the admin team does a great deal of collaborative, verbal reflection – something else which I highly value!  We come to the table to assess our current conditions – what’s working, what’s not working – and then design action plans to strengthen our deficits while also capitalizing on our what’s going well.  Once again, research shows that teams who engage in regular reflection are proven to be more effective in their endeavors.

But clearly it’s not just the act of reflecting that makes a difference.  One has to be willing to act on what he/she is learning through the process of reflection.  This notion makes me think of my younger teacher self.  I have always been a Professional Development junkie, and I would sign up for just about any PD experience my school or district was offering.  I would go to these workshops in the middle of the year as a young teacher and soak in these ideas, but for whatever reason, I would find myself “saving” these ideas I learned for “next year.”  When I think back on that now, I wonder, “Why on earth did I do that?”  Maybe I waited because I didn’t want to mess up what I had already spent so much time creating.  Maybe I waited so I wouldn’t come off as a flake to my students and colleagues.  Maybe I waited because it was just too much work to start implementing the change right away.  I’m not sure.  But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more adept at embracing change, and in the words of my beloved guru Maya Angelou, “When you know better, you do better.”  And why on earth would we ever “save” getting better for later?

So….I’m sure many of you noticed my rather impromptu office move on Friday.  Thanks to Marianne’s awesome coordination skills and the help of Mr. Craig and his handy-dandy handcart, I was able to make a change that the admin team has been reflecting on for some time.  While being in the back of the building has its advantages, it also has its downsides as well.  One of the major disadvantages is sheer geography.  Even with walkies and phones, it was hard for the administrators to communicate throughout the course of the day.  For those of you in co-teaching situations, you know the importance of regular check-ins with your teaching partners and understand how this type of communication can strengthen your teaching practice and improve the learning experiences of your students.  The same is true for the admin team.  We each have our own unique skill sets we bring to the table, and as is the case with any team, we capitalize on those strengths for the good of the whole.  We believe that by being in closer proximity to one another and in a centralized location, we will be able to better serve teachers and students.  I have to admit that I was falling into my old ways of “saving” the solution for “next year,” but then after talking as a team, I thought “Why wait?  If it’s going to make you better at what you do, do it now!”

So I tell you all of this for two main reasons.  1)  I wanted everyone to know about my new location.  I’ll be sharing space with Amy Light in the office right beside Marianne.  My “old office” is set up as a mini conference room and can be utilized for small groups, EC testing, etc…  2) I wanted to emphasize the importance of reflection and  encourage  you to not only make sure you are carving out reflection time for your students, but to make sure you are carving out reflection time for yourself and your team.  Reflection is an essential component of personal and professional growth, and we need to engage in reflection frequently so that we can avoid complacency and that unexciting place of becoming stale or stagnant.

In closing, I would like to share a quite entertaining piece on reflection.  You will probably recognize this slam poetry artist.  Her stellar performance actually inspired this week’s blog, so I definitely wanted to share.  I’m hoping all of you have Facebook pages so you can open the link.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=825689140818709&pnref=story

And to copy her hashtag, #lovemyjob

Have a great weekend!  Enjoy the sunshine and extra hour of daylight tomorrow.

Love,

Juli

Upcoming Events:

Monday, March 9th

 

Tuesday, March 10th

9:00-10:00 – Rising K Open House

Wednesday, March 11th

Thursday, March 12th

7:30 – Love and Logic Parent Workshop Session 3 w/ Marianne

Friday, March 13th

9:30 & 1:00 – Starmites Lite performances for 5th grade

Looking Ahead….

3/12/15 – Snow Make Up Day

3/13/15 – Snow Make Up Day

3/16/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

3/19-3/22 – MS Musical – Starmites

3/20/15 – 7th Grade Asia Day

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Civil Rights Museum

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Dance

3/30/15 – Ms Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

4/3/15 – Snow Make Up Day

4/6/15 through 4/12/15 – Spring Break

4/13/15 – Classes resume

4/13/15 – Parent Advisory at HS – 7:30 p.m.

4/14/15 – K-12 Waitlist Tours

4/17/15 – CSD Prom

4/20/15 – CSD Board Meeting – 6:30 CSD HS

4/21/15 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

4/22/15 – 7/8 Dance Sharing in MS Gym

4/24/15 – 6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

4/24/15 – CSD Golf Tournament

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/2/15 – 8th Grade SLC’s (p.m.by appointment)

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

This topic has been rescheduled to our next Staff Meeting – March 18th

We are excited to have Connie join us for the March 18th staff meeting as she goes over some key points and issues dealing with Technology at CSD.  This will be a K-8 meeting occurring in the elementary gym.  In an attempt to answer any questions you may have regarding technology at CSD, we are asking that you submit questions ahead of time by filling out this quick google form.  https://docs.google.com/a/csdspartans.org/forms/d/1Qiy01X0276JaYg8e4dg7K4UahiF_8tfKx8aM4zJW99g/viewform?usp=send_form

EOG Prep – Please keep in mind that we will begin an intensive EOG review and prep period six weeks prior to the test (the week of March 30th right before Spring Break).  That means that diagnostic pre-tests need to be administered prior to this prep-period so we can use that data to inform our instruction and help students devise specific learning goals so they can attain mastery by year’s end.  I will be meeting with all teachers of tested subjects in the next couple of weeks to touch base about EOG Test Prep plans and see what I can do to help!  Please remember that while we want students to take these tests seriously and perform to their fullest potential, we are committed to maintaining a low-stress environment for both students AND teachers!  I only put this reminder out there so these dates don’t creep up on us and we call all be thinking ahead!

HUGE thank you to the 6th grade Arts Team for all of the work you put into Friday’s performances!  I heard nothing but rave reviews from parents and students, so you are to be commended for your hard work.  We LOVE you!

Professional Development:

This week I am sharing an article by one of my favorites, Carol Ann Tomlinson.  I would love for us all to ponder this notion of good vs. great.  It’s easy to become complacent and settle for “good,” but I truly don’t think any of us are okay with that.  Striving for greatness is hunger that is never quite satiated.  Keep in mind, we are ALL leaders.  As she states, “To do so (being an effective leader) is not to dabble with fairy dust, but to understand and respond to hungers in the human spirit. This sort of leadership, I believe, is the genesis of educational excellence.”  I hope you find some nuggets of wisdom and inspiration here!

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb15/vol72/num05/Pondering-Good-vs.-Great.aspx

Funny:

I know I say this every year, but one year, I think we should actually do this!!!

MS Weekly Staff Memo – February 28, 2015

What’s On My Mind:

 

As luck would have it (and for those of you who know me well, you know I don’t really believe in luck), I have had the opportunity to have a few eye-opening conversations lately.  These conversations occurred with all three sectors of our population – staff, students, and parents.  Interestingly enough the overall “theme” seemed to be consistent, therefore, I thought maybe this was a sign that I should address this topic with all staff members in this week’s memo.  It has to do with #csdpowerofwe.  

First off, in The Basic School Model, the leadership is shared.  Teachers are empowered as leaders and parents are viewed as partners.  The Principal’s role is that of leading learner and keeper of the mission and vision.  Learning should be student-centered, and in that regard, students should have a large voice in the role of his/her education.  Plus, we all know that “choice” is the key element in student buy-in and overall ownership in his/her learning.  Therefore, we are all considered leaders, and it takes each of us working together on a consistent basis in order to keep the school community on track.  #csdpowerofwe

Community is precious and does not happen by accident.  It requires a constant, deliberate effort on everyone’s part in order to keep it healthy, functional, and strong.  In my experience, one of the most destructive forces against community is something known in the field of psychology as “emotional triangling.”  This occurs when people have concerns or frustrations with someone in the community (or family), and rather than going directly to the source, they go a third party (who is typically not directly involved).  I have seen staff members do this with their colleagues, and I have seen parents do this with teachers.  I am convinced that 90% (or more) of our problems would disappear if we eliminated this “triangling” approach and dealt with our issues/concerns/problems head-on by going directly to the person with whom we have the conflict.  Of course, this needs to be done in a mature, professional manner while assuming the best of the other person.  It also means that we have to be open to others and set our egos aside for the sake of our students and the school community.  But these types of courageous, collaborative conversations, however hard they may be in the moment, can be extremely effective in promoting the health of our organization as a whole.  In the event someone comes to you (whether it be a colleague, a parent, or a student) to express concerns about a third party, we should always redirect them back to the source.  (And I would add that it is extremely helpful to give that “source” a heads up so they won’t be caught off guard!)   Not only is it okay to tell a colleague or a parent that you can’t participate in a discussion about someone else, it is expected.  Once again, it is best done in a nonjudgemental, mature, and professional manner, but out of respect for our community, we must be bold about defining boundaries as to what is not acceptable when put in uncomfortable situations.  As leaders and keepers of the vision, we must be diligent about not having conversations with others (or about others) that do not directly involve us as it is unprofessional and breeds dysfunction within our precious community.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered situations where that “third party” was completely unaware of the issue!  As we all know, it’s impossible to fix something that we don’t even realize is broken, so let’s always give the other person the benefit of the doubt and respect them enough to go directly to them with our concerns.  #csdpowerofwe

In closing, I want to be upfront about some recent feedback I have received, myself, as leader of our school.  Out of concern and out of love, a staff member shared with me that I always appear to be very busy and that as a result of my “busy-ness,” I come across as unavailable, thereby leaving staff members feeling unsupported.  Gulp.  Now while this was hard to hear, I am so grateful for this person sharing this perception with me.  I would never, ever in a million years want anyone to feel unsupported at this school.  Yes, like all of you, I am very busy, and I don’t expect this to ever change.  If it did, then I think we should all be worried as people who are constantly striving to be better should be rather active!  BUT I never want my “busy-ness” to send the message that I don’t have time for anyone at this school.  Because this person’s approach was loving, kind, and truly coming from a place of care and concern, I was able to hear the message without feeling personally attacked.  The key is in how tactfully we deliver the message.  Our approach is everything.  As as a result of this courageous conversation, I realized I needed to more clearly (and frequently) articulate my “availability plan” so that everyone knows how to reach me in the event I am needed.

In non-emergency situations, you can email me anytime to set up a meeting.  I will try to be as accommodating as I can for folks who show up at my door, but in the name of full transparency, scheduling appointments ahead of time is very helpful to me.  However, I understand that sometimes things arise in the moment, so never refrain from “popping in” if a situation arises.

In unexpected or emergency situations, please follow the steps below:

• The best way to reach me is by text.  My cell number is 704-437-0837.  I carry my phone with me at all times.  If you do not hear back from me rather quickly, it is because I am in a situation that I can’t respond (an emotional meeting where someone is sharing delicate info, a crying child or adult, I’m on the phone and physically can’t respond to the text at that moment, etc…).  If that’s the case, drop down to the next bullet.
• Notify the front desk that you need admin support.  If I am not available,  Leslie, Marianne, or a teacher leader will help out.  I was recently made aware of a giant misconception that I want to clear up now.  Although Juli spends most of her time in MS, it is absolutely OKAY to involve another admin if Juli is not available.  In fact, we expect you to!  The admin team is exactly that – a team!  So we work together to address issues as they arise.  (Along those same lines….. A teacher recently confessed to not handling a situation in the moment because another staff member told her that Juli needed to handle it.  She refrained from addressing the situation for fear of stepping on my toes.  I am SO glad she shared this with me as this is something I want to clear up immediately!  ALL teachers are responsible for ALL students ALL of the time.  It takes ALL of us working as a team to address things as they arise!  Never refrain from addressing something because “admin” should handle.  If you need further support or you feel the situation or student(s) require another layer of accountability, by all means involve admin.  But please know that we expect ALL staff members to address any inappropriate behaviors they may witness in the moment.  Always.)
• If a student needs to be removed from your room immediately, please do so!  Once again, notify the front desk that you are sending a student their way and that you need admin involvement asap.  We would never, ever want you to compromise the learning environment of your class, nor would we ever want a situation to go unaddressed simply because we weren’t in our office at that moment.  Remember – we believe mistakes are how people learn, and we would never want to rob a student from this opportunity for growth.  The Front Desk folks play a huge role in this, so please communicate with them as needed.  And if you started by texting Juli (as mentioned in the first bullet), she will already have a heads up that there is an issue waiting. 🙂

So in the spirt of leading by example and practicing what I preach, I want to take this opportunity to solicit some feedback from you in hopes of strengthening our school community in the weeks and months to come!  If you would, please take two moments to complete this brief survey that will provide me with formative data I can use to become a more effective leader and serve you better in this final stretch of the school year.  I thank you, in advance, for your time, and deeply appreciate your willingness to help me better serve you and our school.  I also encourage you to take some time getting similar feedback from your students.  It takes so little time to do and the impact on the overall environment can be significant!

Teacher Feedback for Juli

https://docs.google.com/a/csdspartans.org/forms/d/1m1QGbfFJ9W7iVOn6rFveQBKwg8hHHdGPlX9m0OcVcK8/viewform?usp=send_form

#csdpowerofwe – I love the “me’s” in our “we.”  It is an honor and privilege to be a member of this community!  Thank you for your everyday leadership and bravery.  Our students are blessed to have such caring, respectable adults in their lives.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, March 2nd

8:00-11:00 – 7th Grade ELA EOG Prep planning (half day – a.m.) in Juli’s office (Janet, Dorothy, Christy G)

11:00-12:00 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in MS Media Center – Chinese New Year!

7:30 – Parent Advisory Meeting at HS

 

Tuesday, March 3rd

8:00-11:00 – Andrew Dearmin planning half day (a.m.) with Juli in Juli’s office

Wednesday, March 4th

3:30 – Staff Meeting – MS/HS vertical planning at HS

Thursday, March 5th

Dorothy Pagan Teacher Leader

Juli in classrooms! 🙂

Friday, March 6th

6th Grade Play in Black Box

Section 3 – 8:30

Section 4 – 9:45

Section 1 -12:15

Section 2 – 1:30

MS Showtime Choir Competition  that evening in Hickory.  Good luck!

Looking Ahead….

3/12/15 – Snow Make Up Day

3/13/15 – Snow Make Up Day

3/16/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

3/19-3/22 – MS Musical – Starmites

3/20/15 – 7th Grade Asia Day

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Civil Rights Museum

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Dance

3/30/15 – Ms Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

4/3/15 – Snow Make Up Day

4/6/15 through 4/12/15 – Spring Break

4/13/15 – Classes resume

4/13/15 – Parent Advisory at HS – 7:30 p.m.

4/14/15 – K-12 Waitlist Tours

4/17/15 – CSD Prom

4/20/15 – CSD Board Meeting – 6:30 CSD HS

4/21/15 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

4/22/15 – 7/8 Dance Sharing in MS Gym

4/24/15 – 6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

4/24/15 – CSD Golf Tournament

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/2/15 – 8th Grade SLC’s (p.m.by appointment)

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips:

This topic has been rescheduled to our next Staff Meeting – March 18th

We are excited to have Connie join us for the March 18th staff meeting as she goes over some key points and issues dealing with Technology at CSD.  This will be a K-8 meeting occurring in the elementary gym.  In an attempt to answer any questions you may have regarding technology at CSD, we are asking that you submit questions ahead of time by filling out this quick google form.  https://docs.google.com/a/csdspartans.org/forms/d/1Qiy01X0276JaYg8e4dg7K4UahiF_8tfKx8aM4zJW99g/viewform?usp=send_form

EOG Prep – Please keep in mind that we will begin an intensive EOG review and prep period six weeks prior to the test (the week of March 30th right before Spring Break).  That means that diagnostic pre-tests need to be administered prior to this prep-period so we can use that data to inform our instruction and help students devise specific learning goals so they can attain mastery by year’s end.  I will be meeting with all teachers of tested subjects in the next couple of weeks to touch base about EOG Test Prep plans and see what I can do to help!  Please remember that while we want students to take these tests seriously and perform to their fullest potential, we are committed to maintaining a low-stress environment for both students AND teachers!  I only put this reminder out there so these dates don’t creep up on us and we call all be thinking ahead!

Thought-Provoking:

Speaking of soliciting feedback from students… This is an NPR interview that goes directly to the source – the students!  Take a few moments to listen to what these students said they wanted from their school experience and then think about soliciting similar feedback in your own classroom.  While they are middle schoolers and sometimes offer comments that clearly cannot be taken seriously, they oftentimes offer great ideas and make profound statements that can totally improve the teaching and learning that goes on in our classrooms.  If you haven’t done this type of exercise before, I encourage you to try it.  The results can be amazing!

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/01/what-kids-want-out-of-school/

10 Things Students Want Educators to Know:

MS Weekly Staff Memo – February 22, 2015

What’s On My Mind

The Daffodil Principle – Read this quick parable to be reminded of a powerful lesson.

http://betterlifecoachingblog.com/2011/04/15/the-daffodil-principle-a-story-about-investing-in-the-future/

I ran across this story accidentally while simply scanning the web for imagines of daffodils. Daffodils have been on my mind a lot lately.  I long for the day when I round the corner and see one peeping it’s shoots out of the semi-frozen ground.  I chalked this desire up to a raging case of Spring fever.  But maybe my intuition is trying to tell me something else.  I love this reminder of making progress one step at a time, and the notion that in time, all of those steps do add up to great progress.  With that in mind, never doubt your contribution to CSD.  From my view, I see each of you plant daffodils every single day, and while we don’t always get to witness them blossom to maturity during their time with us, I assure you the bulbs eventually creep through the ground and open up into beautiful flowers that inspire hope in others.  So never stop spreading your magic and never doubt the influence you have over these students.  You are absolutely making a difference.

Upcoming Events

Monday, February 23rd

8:30- Principal/Parent Coffee Talk in Media Center

Juli meeting with electives teachers at 11:00 to discuss next year’s structure and offerings

11:00 – Welcome Baby Merithew Gathering in 7th Grade Resource Room

4:00 – CSD Lottery at HS Black Box

3:30 – MS Dance Team Try Outs

 

Tuesday, February, 24th

Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

Wednesday, February 25th

Beth Knight Teacher Leader – Juli in classrooms conducting observations

Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

Thursday, February 26th

Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

Friday, February 27th

Looking Ahead….

2/23/15 – MS Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

2/23/15 –  MS Dance Team Try Outs – 3:30

2/23/15 – CSD Lottery – 4:00 p.m. at HS Black Box

2/24/15 – Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

2/25/15 – Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

2/27/15 – Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

3/2/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – Chinese New Year!  YUM!

3/2/15 – Parent Advisory 7:30 p.m. at HS

3/6/15 – 6th Grade Play

3/6/15 – MS Show Choir Competition in Hickory

3/12/15 – Snow Make Up Day; (We will come up with an alternate plan for 7th Grade SLC’s. More to come…)

3/13/15 – Snow Make Up Day

3/16/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

3/19-3/22 – MS Musical – Starmites

3/20/15 – 7th Grade Asia Day

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Civil Rights Museum

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Dance

3/30/15 – Ms Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

4/3/15 through 4/12/15 – Spring Break

4/13/15 – Classes resume

4/13/15 – Parent Advisory at HS – 7:30 p.m.

4/14/15 – K-12 Waitlist Tours

4/17/15 – CSD Prom

4/20/15 – CSD Board Meeting – 6:30 CSD HS

4/21/15 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

4/22/15 – 7/8 Dance Sharing in MS Gym

4/24/15 – 6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

4/24/15 – CSD Golf Tournament

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/2/15 – 8th Grade SLC’s (p.m.by appointment)

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips

This topic has been rescheduled to our next Staff Meeting – March 4th

We are excited to have Connie join us for this week’s staff meeting as she goes over some key points and issues dealing with Technology at CSD.  This will be a K-8 meeting occurring in the elementary gym.  In an attempt to answer any questions you may have regarding technology at CSD, we are asking that you submit questions ahead of time by filling out this quick google form.  https://docs.google.com/a/csdspartans.org/forms/d/1Qiy01X0276JaYg8e4dg7K4UahiF_8tfKx8aM4zJW99g/viewform?usp=send_form

EOG Prep – Please keep in mind that we will begin an intensive EOG review and prep period six weeks prior to the test (the week of March 30th right before Spring Break).  That means that diagnostic pre-tests need to be administered prior to this prep-period so we can use that data to inform our instruction and help students devise specific learning goals so they can attain mastery by year’s end.  I will be meeting with all teachers of tested subjects in the next couple of weeks to touch base about EOG Test Prep plans and see what I can do to help!  Please remember that while we want students to take these tests seriously and perform to their fullest potential, we are committed to maintaining a low-stress environment for both students AND teachers!  I only put this reminder out there so these dates don’t creep up on us and we call all be thinking ahead!

In Closing…

MS Weekly Staff Memo – February 16, 2015

What’s On My Mind

Lately, I have watched as a team of teachers has “taken on” a couple of their most challenging students.  What struck me most about their approach was that despite their frustration with the individual students’ lack of motivation, they refused to give up on the students.  Even more importantly, they empowered the students by making them part of the solution.  We talked about involving students in the problem-solving process at our last staff meeting, but I find that all too often, I am very quick to jump in and impose the solution on the child rather than empowering the student to come up with his/her own solutions.  Oftentimes, the kids who are the most discouraged with school are the ones who feel the most powerless (usually because of struggles either with learning, social issues, home issues, or a mixture of all of these). When we involve students in the problem-solving process, we are sending some very strong messages.  First and foremost, we are showing the student that he/she is not expendable and that we care about the outcome.  But more importantly, we are showing the student that we have enough faith in his/her own abilities, intelligence, and character that he/she will come up with a viable solution without us having to impose our wisdom.  I encourage each of you to take some time to reflect on your most challenging students and what is hindering their progress from your perspective.  Then I encourage you to reach out to that student and start a conversation about those challenges and how he/she views the situation.  When the students believe we are actually on their team, they will often move heaven and earth to avoid letting us down.  However, when students feel they are a hinderance to their teachers and those around them, it often turns out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Here is a good article from Edutopia with some tips on dealing with those challenging students.  As teachers, it is so easy to get worn down by these “tough” kids, but in the end, I hope we will remember that they are the very ones who need us the most. http://www.edutopia.org/blog/tips-for-teaching-tough-kids-josh-work?utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=5-tips-teaching-tough-kids&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_term=link-repost

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, February, 17th

Sara Keys Teacher Leader – Juli in classrooms conducting observations all day

Wednesday, February 18th

Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

11:00-12:00 – Mandatory meeting with Arts Teachers in vacant classroom (TBA) to discuss arts selections for next year

11:00-12:00 – Drop in “Welcome Baby Cora Merithew” – 7th grade resource room

11:00-12:00 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – Chinese New Year!  Enjoy! (Elem Gym)

3:30 – K-8 Staff Meeting – Elem Gym – Topic:  Technology at CSD K-8 led by Connie

Thursday, February 19th

Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

Friday, February 20th

12:00-4:00 – Red Cross Blood Drive (Community Builder’s Practicum) in MS Gym

Looking Ahead….

2/18/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

2/18/15 – Staff Meeting

2/20/15 – Red Cross Blood Drive  in MS Gym (8th Grade Practicum)

2/23/15 – MS Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

2/23/15 –  MS Dance Team Try Outs – 3:30

2/23/15 – CSD Lottery – 4:00 p.m. at HS Black Box

2/24/15 – Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

2/25/15 – Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

2/27/15 – Joy registering rising 9th graders for HS in Leslie’s office

3/2/15 – Parent Advisory 7:30 p.m. at HS

3/6/15 – 6th Grade Play

3/6/15 – MS Show Choir Competition in Hickory

3/12/15 – Teacher Workday; 7th Grade SLC’s

3/13/15 – Teacher Workday

3/16/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

3/20/15 – 7th Grade Asia Day

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Civil Rights Museum

3/27/15 – 8th Grade Dance

3/30/15 – Ms Principal/Parent Coffee Talk – 8:30-9:30 in Media Center

4/3/15 through 4/12/15 – Spring Break

4/13/15 – Classes resume

4/13/15 – Parent Advisory at HS – 7:30 p.m.

4/14/15 – K-12 Waitlist Tours

4/17/15 – CSD Prom

4/20/15 – CSD Board Meeting – 6:30 CSD HS

4/21/15 – Miles to Go Drug Prevention Parent Lecture – 8:30 and 7:00 – Elem Gym

4/22/15 – 7/8 Dance Sharing in MS Gym

4/24/15 – 6th Grade Field Trip to UNCC Botanical Gardens

4/24/15 – CSD Golf Tournament

4/29/15 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

4/30/15 – 6th Grade Dance Sharing in MS Black Box

5/2/15 – Spartan 5K

5/6/15 – MS Drama and ShowChoir Show Case in MS Black Box

5/7/15 – MS Band Concert – 6:30 in MS Gym

5/8/15 – Teacher Workday – Kindergarten Screening

5/15/15-5/16/15 – CSD Staff Retreat (arrive by 10 on Friday and leave at dinner time on Sat)

5/18/15 – 8th Grade Science EOG

5/19/15 – Reading EOG

5/20/15 – Math EOG

5/22/15 – Math 1 EOC for 8th graders taking Math 1

5/22/15 – Practicum Sharing Celebration

5/25/15 – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Holiday

5/26/15 – 5/27/15 – 7th Grade Ropes Course

5/27/15-5/29/15 – 8th Grade Kanuga Trip

5/27/15 – 6th Grade Holocaust Museum

6/1/15 – 7th Grade Change Project

6/2/15 – State of the School Address and Volunteer Appreciation 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at HS Black Box

6/2/15 – 8th Grade SLC’s (p.m. – by appointment)

6/3/15 – Last day of school!

6/4/15 – HS Graduation

6/4/15 – 6/6/15 – Teacher Workdays

Nuts/Bolts/Reminders/Tips

We are excited to have Connie join us for this week’s staff meeting as she goes over some key points and issues dealing with Technology at CSD.  This will be a K-8 meeting occurring in the elementary gym.  In an attempt to answer any questions you may have regarding technology at CSD, we are asking that you submit questions ahead of time by filling out this quick google form.  https://docs.google.com/a/csdspartans.org/forms/d/1Qiy01X0276JaYg8e4dg7K4UahiF_8tfKx8aM4zJW99g/viewform?usp=send_form

Professional Development

Here’s a great blog post Joy found about homework.  Definitely some good points to consider! And here are Joy’s words on the matter – great tips and reminders from our beloved leader!

I share the following article as I think it is an exceptional reminder for us about homework.  This article includes what kids wish we knew when we assign homework.  You might be surprised by some of the points in this article.  Assign homework when you need to….just make sure that it is worthy of the time expended.  Occasionally ask your students what they have due in other classes and what other class assignments might be clashing with yours.  The fact that you ask is incredibly powerful as it reminds students that you care.  You may not be able to fix the problem always but caring is definitely the next best thing.  I do ask that you give study guides out for tests at the beginning of units so that students are crystal clear of your expectations for the unit of study.  I also ask that you post assignments as early as possible with at least a week ahead so that they can budget and manage their busy lives, athletics, and academic responsibilities. 

http://pernillesripp.com/2015/02/13/before-you-assign-that-homework-what-students-wish-you-knew/

In Closing…