Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers on our staff! I hope you got spoiled by the people in your life on Sunday.
All Kid Can Learn at High Levels
All Kids Will Learn at High Levels Because of What WE Do
Resource of the Week
The majority of our staff have been exploring the impact that effective Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) can have on the experience for both students and staff. The article this week outlines the characteristics of effective PLC's and shares links for resources that will help ensures the groups are effective.
"How to Create an Effective Professional Learning Communities" - Andrew Miller
STAR Testing This Week
We will be hosting our Spring STAR testing this coming week for all of our students. Our in-person students will be taking the STAR Reading Test on Tuesday (5/11) and the STAR Math Test on Thursday (5/13). The students will be taking the STAR test in their respective ELA and Math classes. Our virtual students will be coming in on Wednesday (5/12). This is an important data point for us as we look at the overall data from this past year, but we'll also use this data as we look to start targeting areas of student need right away in the fall.
Forward Testing Group Recap
An awesome group of teachers met on Wednesday afternoon to review the execution of the Forward Exam this year, and use our experience to plan for next Spring. We focused on how we can set up our testing sessions so that kids don't feel rushed or pressured, and looked at what a potential schedule could look like when all sessions are back next year.
Puma Pride & the Puma Way
It's time to take a closer look at our Puma Pride standards and rubrics. If you would like to join the conversation around the Puma Pride standards and rubrics, and plan for potential improvements, please let me know you are interested and join me at 2:50 Thursday (5/13) in the Professional Development Room (downstairs next to the Art room).
Additions (sort of) to Our Team for 21-22
As we look ahead to next year, I want to take this opportunity to welcome the staff members who will find themselves in new roles. Patti Hutchinson will be taking over for Mrs. McNicol in the front office, and her start date will be on Monday, May 24th. Niki Alford will be filling in for Patti over the last 2 weeks of school. Also, Lexie Stark will be joining our 8th grade team next year, teaching a section each of ELA and Math and being a key person in our intervention plan.
Leaders of Learning Book Study Update
We had our latest book study session on Thursday afternoon. All participants have finished reading the book, and are in the beginning stages of planning for how our learning will impact our practice starting next fall. We had important initial conversations about how/when we will collaborate, the RTI process, and what student data we will review. I wanted to share a few quotes from our participants in the session about what the book was all about (see below):
-Focused efforts, clear goals and expectations focusing on the learning that is taking place will make all the difference for our kids
-This book is about how to collaboratively and systematically improve your school through a PLC process and high expectations for all students.
-Servant first leaders are willing to constantly grow in order to better educate those around them.
-All students can learn at high levels
-empowerment of a PLC for students and staff
-"To be the best leader you can be, don't hoard power; give it away."
-Stolen from Dr. Shappell: "All of us, all in, for all of them". We need to be a collaborative team with a common goal and processes to be successful.
-The PLC process is a never ending collaborative effort that has to be led by administration and focused on all students achieving. It needs to have time built in and a clear structure.
-"Change is inevitable; Growth is optional"
-It takes passionate leaders who are willing to grow and be uncomfortable to make changes that are impactful for our students everyday.
-We are ALL leaders within the school. Constant improvement.
-You must first touch the heart before you can affect the mind!
-We are all leaders and we all have the potential to make a difference in our students lives.
Policy Reminder
It's been a goal of mine to share routine reminders about the school district's policies to serve as a reminder for all of us. I have been falling short of the goal, but plan to put in a policy or two each week. Please let me know if you have any questions about the policies.
Injuries to Students
All student injuries should be reported to the building principal/direct supervisor immediately. Attention should be given to all injuries, however minor. An accident report must be filled out for all injuries and submitted to the building principal within twenty –four (24) hours or the next scheduled District workday. The building administrator will submit the completed form to the business office as soon as possible. Forms are located in the front office.
Personal Communications
Personal communications should be kept to a minimum and cannot interfere with employment expectations. Personal cell phone use, text messaging or other personal communication by district staff must be kept to scheduled breaks, duty free lunch and outside of the school day.
Emergency exceptions can be made with an employee’s direct supervisor.
Professional Appearance
Employees are expected to dress in a professional manner appropriate to their working conditions and type of work performed. Certain departments, such as Food Service and Buildings and Grounds require special attire for work. Employees should consult their supervisor regarding dress code requirements specific to departments. For most instructional and secretarial staff, business casual is most appropriate. Casual dress is appropriate for certain field trips, shop experiences, lab experiments or times when clothing could become soiled. Piercings and/or tattoos cannot be distracting or contain inappropriate material. Administration may require removal of piercings or covering of tattoos.
Beach or “gel” style footwear (flip flops, shower shoes, Croc® style) are prohibited.
All employees are District representatives at co-curricular activities and conferences and should appear as such.
Fire Drill in May
All cohorts should participate in a fire drill sometime in the month of May.
This will be flexible. Please take your cohort group out to your designated location and discuss the situation.
Please email me when you have completed the drill with your group.
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