SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011
I hope that all of you have a restful and enjoyable holiday break. Each of you deserve it! Thank you for all of your hard work and the hours you put in at SEMS. It certainly makes a difference with our children. Know that every day is a challenge, but you always rise to the occasion and create opportunities for our students to be successful. Thank you for being a part of the SEMS family. Enjoy the time with your family the next two weeks.
1. Congratulations once again to Sherri Worrell. She is this year's Teacher of the Year! Sherri, you are an excellent representation of Southeast Middle School!
2. Results of the progress report voting were 41-3 in favor of moving to the new paper progress report plan. A letter was sent out to parents in Wednesday folders this week. In addition, we will add this to our Sunday alert messages for parents as well as putting another copy of the letter on next month's newsletter. I hope that this new plan will make our system more efficient and save you all some time. We will work out the fine details in January for discussing grades with your students. I will email you a copy of that letter for your information.
3. The Athletic Department will sponsor several grade level socials in January. The dates are as follows:
Jan. 6 - 6th grade social
Jan. 13 - 7th grade social
Jan. 20 - 8th grade social
4. Upcoming holiday festivities:
Friday, December 16 - PTSA will be serving breakfast to the staff
Monday, December 19 - Student Council will provide breakfast to the staff
Tuesday, December 20 - Hospitality Committee will provide lunch for all staff members who have paid dues
5. Monday, December 19, and Tuesday, December 20, will be casual days. In addition, any 2-hour delay day will be a casual day.
6. Please visit Learning Village for additional resources for your intructional planning. The Technology Department has just added several more links that are quite helpful, including information on the Common Core/Essential Standards.
7. A-B Schedule Change! Due to the high school exam schedule in January, there have been two changes in the A-B day encore schedule. All schools are to follow this schedule:
Thursday, Jan. 12 - A day
Friday, Jan. 13 - A day
Monday, Jan. 16 - Holiday
Tuesday, Jan. 17 - A day
Wednesday, Jan. 18 - B day
Thursday, Jan. 19 - B day
Friday, Jan. 20 - B day
8. Please remember to check the online calendar for updates. During the holiday break, I will update the calendar as much as possible for the second half of the year for your planning purposes.
Happy Birthday!
Don Fought - December 14
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Weekly Update 12/8/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011
1. Please keep Blanca Oliver in your thoughts and prayers. Her mother-in-law passed away today.
2. With winter weather approaching quickly, it is important to prepare for any possible 2-hour delays. We have already made the first 2-hour delay schedule for your planning purposes. I emailed that out to all staff earlier this week. Future 2-hour delay schedules will be sent out to staff on mornings of a delay. The expectation for staff arrivals on these days: Please report to work as quickly but as safely as you can. We do realize that many of you have children to make arrangements for on these days, so please use caution in getting to work on those days.
3. Don't forget to vote on Friday! Voting for Teacher of the Year and the progress report proposal will be in the Guidance Office all day on Friday. Voting closes at 2:30pm.
4. In an effort to improve communications with the main office through Bogen phones......if you have an emergency and are trying to contact the main office/administrators, please use the following Bogen extensions. They are listed in order of priority:
Sharon Pitt - #111
Cindy Wilkes - #107
Sandy Derrah - #200
Susie Hook - #101
Administrators are rarely available by the Bogen phone. These individuals can assist in locating an administrator if needed.
5. The Athletic Department will sponsor several grade level socials in January. The dates are as follows:
Jan. 6 - 6th grade social
Jan. 13 - 7th grade social
Jan. 20 - 8th grade social
6. Monday, December 19, and Tuesday, December 20, will be casual days. In addition, any 2-hour delay day will be a casual day.
7. Upcoming holiday festivities:
Friday, December 16 - PTSA will be serving breakfast to the staff
Monday, December 19 - Student Council will provide breakfast to the staff
Tuesday, December 20 - Hospitality Committee will provide lunch for all staff members who have paid dues
8. On Monday, December 12, we will have an EC development meeting at 2:15pm.
Happy Birthday!
Don Fought - December 14
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011
1. Please keep Blanca Oliver in your thoughts and prayers. Her mother-in-law passed away today.
2. With winter weather approaching quickly, it is important to prepare for any possible 2-hour delays. We have already made the first 2-hour delay schedule for your planning purposes. I emailed that out to all staff earlier this week. Future 2-hour delay schedules will be sent out to staff on mornings of a delay. The expectation for staff arrivals on these days: Please report to work as quickly but as safely as you can. We do realize that many of you have children to make arrangements for on these days, so please use caution in getting to work on those days.
3. Don't forget to vote on Friday! Voting for Teacher of the Year and the progress report proposal will be in the Guidance Office all day on Friday. Voting closes at 2:30pm.
4. In an effort to improve communications with the main office through Bogen phones......if you have an emergency and are trying to contact the main office/administrators, please use the following Bogen extensions. They are listed in order of priority:
Sharon Pitt - #111
Cindy Wilkes - #107
Sandy Derrah - #200
Susie Hook - #101
Administrators are rarely available by the Bogen phone. These individuals can assist in locating an administrator if needed.
5. The Athletic Department will sponsor several grade level socials in January. The dates are as follows:
Jan. 6 - 6th grade social
Jan. 13 - 7th grade social
Jan. 20 - 8th grade social
6. Monday, December 19, and Tuesday, December 20, will be casual days. In addition, any 2-hour delay day will be a casual day.
7. Upcoming holiday festivities:
Friday, December 16 - PTSA will be serving breakfast to the staff
Monday, December 19 - Student Council will provide breakfast to the staff
Tuesday, December 20 - Hospitality Committee will provide lunch for all staff members who have paid dues
8. On Monday, December 12, we will have an EC development meeting at 2:15pm.
Happy Birthday!
Don Fought - December 14
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Weekly Update 12/1/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011
1. Congratulations to Kathy Albertelli. She is retiring after the holiday break. We will honor her on Monday at the staff meeting with a short retirement party.
2. With winter weather approaching quickly, it is important to prepare for any possible 2-hour delays. We have already made the first 2-hour delay schedule for your planning purposes. I will email that out to all staff this week. Future 2-hour delay schedules will be sent out to staff on mornings of a delay. The expectation for staff arrivals on these days: Please report to work as quickly but as safely as you can. We do realize that many of you have children to make arrangements for on these days, so please use caution in getting to work on those days.
3. We are still taking nominations for Teacher of the Year. We will accept nominations through Monday. Good luck to all candidates!
4. EC Development meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 12.
5. In an effort to improve communications with the main office through Bogen phones......if you have an emergency and are trying to contact the main office/administrators, please use the following Bogen extensions. They are listed in order of priority:
Sharon Pitt - #111
Cindy Wilkes - #107
Sandy Derrah - #200
Susie Hook - #101
Administrators are rarely available by the Bogen phone. These individuals can assist in locating an administrator if needed.
6. The School Improvement Team has decided to present a proposal to the staff regarding paper progress reports. The information will be presented to staff at Monday's staff meeting. Teachers will be able to vote on their preference of whether or not to hand out paper progress reports. After the voting this month, we will roll out the appropriate plan to the parents to prepare them for any future changes.
7. We are predicting ISS to start filling up more than usual in the next few weeks. So please remember to call ahead to the ISS room before sending any students to ensure space is available. Also, please be sure to send work with the student so that it can be completed in the ISS room.
8. The Athletic Department will sponsor several grade level socials in January. The dates are as follows:
Jan. 6 - 6th grade social
Jan. 13 - 7th grade social
Jan. 20 - 8th grade social
9. We are now on schedule for the building to be painted later in December. We will share details at Monday's staff meeting.
Happy Birthday!
Don Fought - December 14
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011
1. Congratulations to Kathy Albertelli. She is retiring after the holiday break. We will honor her on Monday at the staff meeting with a short retirement party.
2. With winter weather approaching quickly, it is important to prepare for any possible 2-hour delays. We have already made the first 2-hour delay schedule for your planning purposes. I will email that out to all staff this week. Future 2-hour delay schedules will be sent out to staff on mornings of a delay. The expectation for staff arrivals on these days: Please report to work as quickly but as safely as you can. We do realize that many of you have children to make arrangements for on these days, so please use caution in getting to work on those days.
3. We are still taking nominations for Teacher of the Year. We will accept nominations through Monday. Good luck to all candidates!
4. EC Development meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 12.
5. In an effort to improve communications with the main office through Bogen phones......if you have an emergency and are trying to contact the main office/administrators, please use the following Bogen extensions. They are listed in order of priority:
Sharon Pitt - #111
Cindy Wilkes - #107
Sandy Derrah - #200
Susie Hook - #101
Administrators are rarely available by the Bogen phone. These individuals can assist in locating an administrator if needed.
6. The School Improvement Team has decided to present a proposal to the staff regarding paper progress reports. The information will be presented to staff at Monday's staff meeting. Teachers will be able to vote on their preference of whether or not to hand out paper progress reports. After the voting this month, we will roll out the appropriate plan to the parents to prepare them for any future changes.
7. We are predicting ISS to start filling up more than usual in the next few weeks. So please remember to call ahead to the ISS room before sending any students to ensure space is available. Also, please be sure to send work with the student so that it can be completed in the ISS room.
8. The Athletic Department will sponsor several grade level socials in January. The dates are as follows:
Jan. 6 - 6th grade social
Jan. 13 - 7th grade social
Jan. 20 - 8th grade social
9. We are now on schedule for the building to be painted later in December. We will share details at Monday's staff meeting.
Happy Birthday!
Don Fought - December 14
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Weekly Update 11/17/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
I hope that all of you have a great Thanksgiving break. Please enjoy the time with your family and friends. This is a well-deserved break for the entire staff!
1. Good luck once again to Leigh Ann Shelor. She will be leaving us in December to take on a new teaching assignment outside of WSFCS. We wish you the best!
2. Thanks to all of you on your participation in the staff development sessions on Monday afternoon. They were a huge success! Please make sure that you registered online and complete an evaluation in order to receive credit.
3. Please do not forget to pay your hospitality dues for this school year. The Hospitality Committee will soon be serving us a holiday lunch in December, and only members will have access to that luncheon. You can pay cash or check and drop it off in the Guidance Office.
4. If you need to drop off any paperwork to me when I am off campus or away from my desk, please place it in the new mailbox right outside of my door. Please do not drop it off on my desk.
5. Don't forget that all PTSA fundraiser money must be turned in by Tuesday, November 22. Please remind your students.
6. Last chance to sign up for PTSA membership. Membership dues are $5.00 and supports our awesome PTSA. All staff that join will be in a drawing for local business and restaurant certificates.
7. Please remember that starting November 28, teachers will be responsible for their own copies. We will monitor usage and then make a decision on the maximum number allowed per teacher. You are highly encouraged to take advantage of the Print Shop - it makes copying a lot easier if you have it ready. The turnaround time is usually about 4-5 days.
8. All students received a card from the cafeteria in their Wednesday folders this week regarding upcoming changes. The cafeteria will have a new look starting December 1. There will be expanded choices for students and healthier options available. It will look similar to the high school menus. Check it out!
9. We are getting a second social worker on staff part-time. Her name is Angela Cowell. She will begin right after Thanksgiving and will be with us about 2.5 days per week. We will introduce Angela at our next staff meeting and she can fill you on the services that she can offer our students. Shasta will still remain with us as a social worker, but Angela will work more with the mental health services. Please welcome her when she arrives.
Happy Birthday!
Brad Rhymes - Nov. 17
Lisa Turner - Nov. 17
Collette Holbert - Nov. 20
Don Fought - December 14
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
I hope that all of you have a great Thanksgiving break. Please enjoy the time with your family and friends. This is a well-deserved break for the entire staff!
1. Good luck once again to Leigh Ann Shelor. She will be leaving us in December to take on a new teaching assignment outside of WSFCS. We wish you the best!
2. Thanks to all of you on your participation in the staff development sessions on Monday afternoon. They were a huge success! Please make sure that you registered online and complete an evaluation in order to receive credit.
3. Please do not forget to pay your hospitality dues for this school year. The Hospitality Committee will soon be serving us a holiday lunch in December, and only members will have access to that luncheon. You can pay cash or check and drop it off in the Guidance Office.
4. If you need to drop off any paperwork to me when I am off campus or away from my desk, please place it in the new mailbox right outside of my door. Please do not drop it off on my desk.
5. Don't forget that all PTSA fundraiser money must be turned in by Tuesday, November 22. Please remind your students.
6. Last chance to sign up for PTSA membership. Membership dues are $5.00 and supports our awesome PTSA. All staff that join will be in a drawing for local business and restaurant certificates.
7. Please remember that starting November 28, teachers will be responsible for their own copies. We will monitor usage and then make a decision on the maximum number allowed per teacher. You are highly encouraged to take advantage of the Print Shop - it makes copying a lot easier if you have it ready. The turnaround time is usually about 4-5 days.
8. All students received a card from the cafeteria in their Wednesday folders this week regarding upcoming changes. The cafeteria will have a new look starting December 1. There will be expanded choices for students and healthier options available. It will look similar to the high school menus. Check it out!
9. We are getting a second social worker on staff part-time. Her name is Angela Cowell. She will begin right after Thanksgiving and will be with us about 2.5 days per week. We will introduce Angela at our next staff meeting and she can fill you on the services that she can offer our students. Shasta will still remain with us as a social worker, but Angela will work more with the mental health services. Please welcome her when she arrives.
Happy Birthday!
Brad Rhymes - Nov. 17
Lisa Turner - Nov. 17
Collette Holbert - Nov. 20
Don Fought - December 14
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Weekly Update 11/3/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011
1. Please keep Kay Hoag in your thoughts. She is out sick again. We are not sure of her exact return date, but we are keeping in touch with her regularly. Take care of yourself, Kay! Please send her well wishes if you get a chance.
2. We wish Chris Hancock the best as she retires this month. Her last day with us will be November 15. We will celebrate her retirement at the end of our staff meeting on Monday. If you need retirement gift ideas, please see Susie or Sandy.
3. Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend! Daylight Savings time will earn you an extra hour to relax!
4. If you need to drop off any paperwork to me when I am off campus or away from my desk, please place it in the new mailbox right outside of my door. Please do not drop it off on my desk.
5. If you have grade changes after you have finalized your grades, you cannot go into the system and change them. Instead, you must fill out a grade change form and submit it to me. After I approve the form, I will give it to Cindy Wilkes to change in the system. Grade change forms can be picked up in Cindy's office or from Sandy Derrah.
6. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies during encore blocks. All teachers received a memo regarding the details and instructions via email and in teacher mailboxes. In addition, fundraiser information went out in Wednesday folders on October 26. If any students turn in a permission slip prior to November 4, please turn them into the PTSA mailbox in the teacher workroom. All students will report back to homebase on this day at 1:40pm so that students can receive their chocolate boxes.
7. Please be sure that you have registered online for the CCES: A Call for Change for Southeast Middle School in the staff development link. We will watch the first few segments of this video at Monday's staff meeting.
8. The Family Financial Fitness Forum will be held on Tuesday, November15, from 6-8pm. All staff, students, and parents are welcome to attend. We will be using many classrooms in the building for this event, so please be aware that this is taking place. You will be notified by us ahead of time if your classroom will be used.
Happy Birthday!
Jennifer Sherman - Nov. 2
Sun Kim - Nov. 10
Janie Murray - Nov. 11
Jennifer Hairston - Nov. 14
Megan Speziale - Nov. 16
Joe Rice - Nov. 16
Brad Rhymes - Nov. 17
Lisa Turner - Nov. 17
Collette Holbert - Nov. 20
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011
1. Please keep Kay Hoag in your thoughts. She is out sick again. We are not sure of her exact return date, but we are keeping in touch with her regularly. Take care of yourself, Kay! Please send her well wishes if you get a chance.
2. We wish Chris Hancock the best as she retires this month. Her last day with us will be November 15. We will celebrate her retirement at the end of our staff meeting on Monday. If you need retirement gift ideas, please see Susie or Sandy.
3. Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend! Daylight Savings time will earn you an extra hour to relax!
4. If you need to drop off any paperwork to me when I am off campus or away from my desk, please place it in the new mailbox right outside of my door. Please do not drop it off on my desk.
5. If you have grade changes after you have finalized your grades, you cannot go into the system and change them. Instead, you must fill out a grade change form and submit it to me. After I approve the form, I will give it to Cindy Wilkes to change in the system. Grade change forms can be picked up in Cindy's office or from Sandy Derrah.
6. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies during encore blocks. All teachers received a memo regarding the details and instructions via email and in teacher mailboxes. In addition, fundraiser information went out in Wednesday folders on October 26. If any students turn in a permission slip prior to November 4, please turn them into the PTSA mailbox in the teacher workroom. All students will report back to homebase on this day at 1:40pm so that students can receive their chocolate boxes.
7. Please be sure that you have registered online for the CCES: A Call for Change for Southeast Middle School in the staff development link. We will watch the first few segments of this video at Monday's staff meeting.
8. The Family Financial Fitness Forum will be held on Tuesday, November15, from 6-8pm. All staff, students, and parents are welcome to attend. We will be using many classrooms in the building for this event, so please be aware that this is taking place. You will be notified by us ahead of time if your classroom will be used.
Happy Birthday!
Jennifer Sherman - Nov. 2
Sun Kim - Nov. 10
Janie Murray - Nov. 11
Jennifer Hairston - Nov. 14
Megan Speziale - Nov. 16
Joe Rice - Nov. 16
Brad Rhymes - Nov. 17
Lisa Turner - Nov. 17
Collette Holbert - Nov. 20
Friday, October 28, 2011
Weekly Update 10/27/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011
I hope that everyone has a great extended (sort of) weekend. Thanks to all of you for your hard work during the first quarter. It is hard to believe that November is already here! Take care of yourselves, take a deep breath, and soon it will be time for a holiday break!
1. Thanks to the entire staff for stepping up yesterday with Dorris' passing. This has been devastating for us, the students, and the family. I appreciate all of you helping out our students and fellow staff members. It's difficult to lose a member of the SEMS family! I will keep all of you posted on the arrangements by phone and email.
2. Congratulations to Jennifer Wells on the new addition. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Tuesday night.
3. Robin Lytton will be our new EC Case Manager. She will start on November 28. You may see her in the building a few times prior to that. Debi Kopchik will begin at Wiley sometime during the first week of November, but she will be with us a few days in November to conduct IEP meetings. Please welcome Robin when she arrives. Good luck to Debi at Wiley Middle. We will miss you!
4. If you have grade changes after you have finalized your grades, you cannot go into the system and change them. Instead, you must fill out a grade change form and submit it to me. After I approve the form, I will give it to Cindy Wilkes to change in the system. Grade change forms can be picked up in Cindy's office or from Sandy Derrah.
5. Please be sure that you register for your staff development on October 31 in the system.
6. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies during encore blocks. All teachers will receive a memo regarding the details and instructions. In addition, fundraiser information went out in Wednesday folders on October 26. If any students turn in a permission slip prior to November 4, please turn them into the PTSA mailbox in the teacher workroom. All students will report back to homebase on this day so that students can receive their chocolate boxes.
7. Report cards will go out on Wednesday, November 2. All students will return to homebase at 1:50 on Wednesday to receive their report cards. Encore teachers, we will need your assistance with afternoon dismissal. We will get with you to let you know where you need to be.
8. We were hoping to have the Instant Recess plan finalized by now. With the events from this week, this plan has been postponed. We will get with you when the plan is completed and we are ready to move forward. We will give you plently of notice.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011
I hope that everyone has a great extended (sort of) weekend. Thanks to all of you for your hard work during the first quarter. It is hard to believe that November is already here! Take care of yourselves, take a deep breath, and soon it will be time for a holiday break!
1. Thanks to the entire staff for stepping up yesterday with Dorris' passing. This has been devastating for us, the students, and the family. I appreciate all of you helping out our students and fellow staff members. It's difficult to lose a member of the SEMS family! I will keep all of you posted on the arrangements by phone and email.
2. Congratulations to Jennifer Wells on the new addition. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Tuesday night.
3. Robin Lytton will be our new EC Case Manager. She will start on November 28. You may see her in the building a few times prior to that. Debi Kopchik will begin at Wiley sometime during the first week of November, but she will be with us a few days in November to conduct IEP meetings. Please welcome Robin when she arrives. Good luck to Debi at Wiley Middle. We will miss you!
4. If you have grade changes after you have finalized your grades, you cannot go into the system and change them. Instead, you must fill out a grade change form and submit it to me. After I approve the form, I will give it to Cindy Wilkes to change in the system. Grade change forms can be picked up in Cindy's office or from Sandy Derrah.
5. Please be sure that you register for your staff development on October 31 in the system.
6. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies during encore blocks. All teachers will receive a memo regarding the details and instructions. In addition, fundraiser information went out in Wednesday folders on October 26. If any students turn in a permission slip prior to November 4, please turn them into the PTSA mailbox in the teacher workroom. All students will report back to homebase on this day so that students can receive their chocolate boxes.
7. Report cards will go out on Wednesday, November 2. All students will return to homebase at 1:50 on Wednesday to receive their report cards. Encore teachers, we will need your assistance with afternoon dismissal. We will get with you to let you know where you need to be.
8. We were hoping to have the Instant Recess plan finalized by now. With the events from this week, this plan has been postponed. We will get with you when the plan is completed and we are ready to move forward. We will give you plently of notice.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Weekly Update 10/20/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
1. The last day of the quarter is Thursday, October 27. October 28 is a reserved school day, so staff members may take annual leave if they wish. October 31 is a protected central office day, so certified staff are required to work and may not take an annual leave day. Building hours are 7:00am-4:00pm on both days. We will post a spreadsheet in the workroom on Monday for certified staff to indicate their plans for October 28.
2. On October 31, most of you will be in the first session of the Common Core training. I am sending you a separate email with details on this. The School Board just voted in the deployment plan, which will also be forwarded to you.
3. The cafeteria has a new system for students who accumulate a large negative balance on their accounts. If a student goes over the limit ($15.00), then we will give them one week to pay it off. If not paid, the student will go on a voucher meal in the cafeteria until it is paid off. Debbie Miller, Cafeteria Manager, will give the homebase teacher a voucher slip for that particular student. So far this year we have 12 students on this plan. We are still ironing out the details for teacher notification, so we will continue to communicate with you during this process.
4. There will be a brief staff meeting on October 24. We must present the process for SAT referrals to staff members. This is an important topic that we must give you information on. This is the only topic on the agenda, so the meeting will be extremely brief. It will begin at 2:15 in the Media Center.
5. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies during encore blocks. More details will be handed out closer to that date. In addition, fundraiser information will be sent out in Wednesday folders on October 26.
6. The School Board just approved a new policy regarding grant writing. This will affect most of you, since you are all such wonderful grant writers! I will forward the new policy to you for your review. There are new guidelines whenever you apply for a grant. Please be sure to follow the new policy.
7. ISS Notification - When a student is assigned a full-day ISS or OSS session, you will be notified via email by the appropriate administrator. This will be your signal to send work to ISS for the student to complete while serving their time. If OSS, the parent has the option of requesting work for their child, which we must honor. You will be notified of this as well.
8. Tutoring - will begin during the first week of November (Wednesday and Thursday). All staff will receive the details regarding the tutoring, including student groups, general information, schedules, and requirements. We are making this process as simple as possible. Deb Neal will be getting with groups of teachers in the next few days to write some tutoring lessons for all teachers. Staff members will have all information in their hands the week prior to the second quarter so that there is time to plan and notify students.
9. John Downs recently sent an email regarding when quarter grades are due - Friday, October 28, at 12:00pm. Please be sure to follow all directions from his email. Normal procedures apply.
10. Please be sure that you are posting your grades once a week to avoid any issues from parents. Also, be sure to post them to Parent Assist. I will be completing a check on any assignments not posted. I will notify those teachers individually to make those corrections.
11. The School Improvement Team meeting was held this past Monday. Several items were discussed (see the SIT blog for details or contact your grade level rep). Your representatives should be speaking to you about an idea to stop or decrease the number of paper progress reports that we send home. The SIT team will discuss this topic again after they have had a chance to talk with all of you to bring ideas to the table.
Happy Birthday!
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
1. The last day of the quarter is Thursday, October 27. October 28 is a reserved school day, so staff members may take annual leave if they wish. October 31 is a protected central office day, so certified staff are required to work and may not take an annual leave day. Building hours are 7:00am-4:00pm on both days. We will post a spreadsheet in the workroom on Monday for certified staff to indicate their plans for October 28.
2. On October 31, most of you will be in the first session of the Common Core training. I am sending you a separate email with details on this. The School Board just voted in the deployment plan, which will also be forwarded to you.
3. The cafeteria has a new system for students who accumulate a large negative balance on their accounts. If a student goes over the limit ($15.00), then we will give them one week to pay it off. If not paid, the student will go on a voucher meal in the cafeteria until it is paid off. Debbie Miller, Cafeteria Manager, will give the homebase teacher a voucher slip for that particular student. So far this year we have 12 students on this plan. We are still ironing out the details for teacher notification, so we will continue to communicate with you during this process.
4. There will be a brief staff meeting on October 24. We must present the process for SAT referrals to staff members. This is an important topic that we must give you information on. This is the only topic on the agenda, so the meeting will be extremely brief. It will begin at 2:15 in the Media Center.
5. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies during encore blocks. More details will be handed out closer to that date. In addition, fundraiser information will be sent out in Wednesday folders on October 26.
6. The School Board just approved a new policy regarding grant writing. This will affect most of you, since you are all such wonderful grant writers! I will forward the new policy to you for your review. There are new guidelines whenever you apply for a grant. Please be sure to follow the new policy.
7. ISS Notification - When a student is assigned a full-day ISS or OSS session, you will be notified via email by the appropriate administrator. This will be your signal to send work to ISS for the student to complete while serving their time. If OSS, the parent has the option of requesting work for their child, which we must honor. You will be notified of this as well.
8. Tutoring - will begin during the first week of November (Wednesday and Thursday). All staff will receive the details regarding the tutoring, including student groups, general information, schedules, and requirements. We are making this process as simple as possible. Deb Neal will be getting with groups of teachers in the next few days to write some tutoring lessons for all teachers. Staff members will have all information in their hands the week prior to the second quarter so that there is time to plan and notify students.
9. John Downs recently sent an email regarding when quarter grades are due - Friday, October 28, at 12:00pm. Please be sure to follow all directions from his email. Normal procedures apply.
10. Please be sure that you are posting your grades once a week to avoid any issues from parents. Also, be sure to post them to Parent Assist. I will be completing a check on any assignments not posted. I will notify those teachers individually to make those corrections.
11. The School Improvement Team meeting was held this past Monday. Several items were discussed (see the SIT blog for details or contact your grade level rep). Your representatives should be speaking to you about an idea to stop or decrease the number of paper progress reports that we send home. The SIT team will discuss this topic again after they have had a chance to talk with all of you to bring ideas to the table.
Happy Birthday!
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Weekly Update 10/13/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 2011
1. Good news! Southeast Middle is being recognized by the Board of Education on October 25 for five consecutive years of growth. Something to celebrate!
2. I know that there have been lots of questions about this Friday's grade level meeting. The purpose of this training is to get to know some of the new online resources available for you. There will be a second part of this training in November. The meetings will start at the following times: 8th grade - 7:35, 6th grade - 9:45, Encore - 11:30, and 7th grade - 12:30. There are two reasons why we are meeting on a Friday - first, Central Office staff will be assisting with this training and that was one of the only dates that they had available, and second, we need to get used to having grade level meetings on Mondays or Fridays when the tutoring begins next month on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We will be limited in our grade level choices.
3. All staff are highly encouraged to join the PTSA. The cost is $5.00. There are incentives for any staff members who join. You will receive a new SEMS car magnet and have your name in the drawing for some gift certificates to area businesses and restaurants.
4. When a student leaves your room to go to another location (i.e. main office, administrator, bathroom, etc.), please remember to sign their planner. They must carry their planner or they will be asked to return back to your classroom.
5. Don't forget to fill out your United Way contribution forms and return to Janie Murray. Staff are highly encouraged, but not required, to donate to the cause. The United Way has some excellent programs that benefit our students and families, so please consider giving.
6. The last day of the quarter is Thursday, October 27. October 28 is a reserved school day, so staff members may take annual leave if they wish. October 31 is a protected central office day, so staff are required to work and may not take an annual leave day.
7. The cafeteria has a new system for students who accumulate a large negative balance on their accounts. If a student goes over the limit ($15.00), then we will give them one week to pay it off. If not paid, the student will go on a voucher meal in the cafeteria until it is paid off. Debbie Miller, Cafeteria Manager, will give the homebase teacher a voucher slip for that particular student. So far this year we have three students on this plan. We are still ironing out the details for teacher notification, so we will continue to communicate with you during this process.
8. There will be a brief staff meeting on October 24. We must present the process for SAT referrals to staff members. This is an important topic that we must give you information on. This is the only topic on the agenda, so the meeting will be extremely brief. It will begin at 2:15 in the Media Center.
9. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies similar to the format used last school year. More details will be handed out closer to that date. In addition, fundraiser information will be sent out in Wednesday folders on October 26.
Happy Birthday!
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 2011
1. Good news! Southeast Middle is being recognized by the Board of Education on October 25 for five consecutive years of growth. Something to celebrate!
2. I know that there have been lots of questions about this Friday's grade level meeting. The purpose of this training is to get to know some of the new online resources available for you. There will be a second part of this training in November. The meetings will start at the following times: 8th grade - 7:35, 6th grade - 9:45, Encore - 11:30, and 7th grade - 12:30. There are two reasons why we are meeting on a Friday - first, Central Office staff will be assisting with this training and that was one of the only dates that they had available, and second, we need to get used to having grade level meetings on Mondays or Fridays when the tutoring begins next month on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We will be limited in our grade level choices.
3. All staff are highly encouraged to join the PTSA. The cost is $5.00. There are incentives for any staff members who join. You will receive a new SEMS car magnet and have your name in the drawing for some gift certificates to area businesses and restaurants.
4. When a student leaves your room to go to another location (i.e. main office, administrator, bathroom, etc.), please remember to sign their planner. They must carry their planner or they will be asked to return back to your classroom.
5. Don't forget to fill out your United Way contribution forms and return to Janie Murray. Staff are highly encouraged, but not required, to donate to the cause. The United Way has some excellent programs that benefit our students and families, so please consider giving.
6. The last day of the quarter is Thursday, October 27. October 28 is a reserved school day, so staff members may take annual leave if they wish. October 31 is a protected central office day, so staff are required to work and may not take an annual leave day.
7. The cafeteria has a new system for students who accumulate a large negative balance on their accounts. If a student goes over the limit ($15.00), then we will give them one week to pay it off. If not paid, the student will go on a voucher meal in the cafeteria until it is paid off. Debbie Miller, Cafeteria Manager, will give the homebase teacher a voucher slip for that particular student. So far this year we have three students on this plan. We are still ironing out the details for teacher notification, so we will continue to communicate with you during this process.
8. There will be a brief staff meeting on October 24. We must present the process for SAT referrals to staff members. This is an important topic that we must give you information on. This is the only topic on the agenda, so the meeting will be extremely brief. It will begin at 2:15 in the Media Center.
9. The PTSA fundraiser kickoff will take place on Friday, November 4. We will have grade level assemblies similar to the format used last school year. More details will be handed out closer to that date. In addition, fundraiser information will be sent out in Wednesday folders on October 26.
Happy Birthday!
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Weekly Update 10/6/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
1. The WSFCS Anti-Bullying Day is now scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12, NOT Thursday as previously announced. All staff and students are encouraged to wear orange on this day to support anti-bullying efforts. I will communicate this to our parents on the next AlertNow message.
2. All staff are highly encouraged to join the PTSA. The cost is $5.00. There are incentives for any staff members who join. You will receive a new SEMS car magnet and have your name in the drawing for some gift certificates to area businesses and restaurants.
3. When a student leaves your room to go to another location (i.e. main office, administrator, bathroom, etc.), please remember to sign their planner. They must carry their planner or they will be asked to return back to your classroom.
4. Don't forget to fill out your United Way contribution forms and return to Janie Murray. Staff are highly encouraged, but not required, to donate to the cause. The United Way has some excellent programs that benefit our students and families, so please consider giving.
5. Please be sure that your safety clipboards are hanging by your classroom doors. Your clipboard should have an updated copy of all of your rosters. In addition, please carry your safety clipboard with you during any drill or emergency.
6. In November, we will have a Monday afternoon staff development session where staff members can choose their mini-workshop. We will provide a variety of sessions to choose from and everyone will receive credit for attending. More information will follow as we plan.
7. We are very excited about the activities and lessons that we are seeing in the classrooms during our walkthroughs. We will share classroom walkthrough data with you after the first quarter. Our focus question on the walkthrough is the level of questioning taking place, either through class discussion or the actual activity that the students are completing. Are you asking recall questions, or are you taking it to a higher level? Categories on the walkthrough form are: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating. Consider these when planning your daily lessons and activities.
8. We no longer have a traffic officer at the main entrance in the afternoons for dismissal. Please let us know if you have any parent complaints regarding the dismissal.
9. Please do NOT send any students to the Guidance Office or Main Office to make up a test or assignment. You will need to take care of that in your classroom or coordinate with another teacher. The staff in these offices do not provide services for supervising students in that capacity.
10. This month is Bully Prevention Month. WSFCS has come up with some lessons for teachers to use related to bullying. I will forward those to you should you want to use them. In addition, we will post announcements or scrolls every few days related to bullying. If you have any great ideas, let us know!
11. Please remember that if you need to take a sick day, register that with the Subfinder system as quickly as possible. If it's after 5:30am and you have not registered your absence, please call Susie at 399-6102.
12. If you need to contact me after hours or on weekends, first call my school Blackberry at 345-7985. If you have an emergency, you may call or text my personal cell at 317-4412. But please do not contact me on my personal cell if it is not an emergency (i.e. you want permission for something the next day).
13. The cafeteria has a new system for students who accumulate a large negative balance on their accounts. If a student goes over the limit ($15.00), then we will give them one week to pay it off. If not paid, the student will go on a voucher meal in the cafeteria until it is paid off. Debbie Miller, Cafeteria Manager, will give the homebase teacher a voucher slip for that particular student. So far this year we have three students on this plan. We are still ironing out the details for teacher notification, so we will continue to communicate with you during this process.
14. The first music concert will be the chorus concert on Tuesday, October 18. The orchestra concert will be on Tuesday, December 6, and the band concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 8. There will be two separate shifts available for the chorus concert (setup crew and then the actual concert). I will notify you when the sign-up sheets are ready to be posted for these events. Any certified teachers who did not work one of the September socials are expected to sign up for one of the concert events.
Happy Birthday!
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
1. The WSFCS Anti-Bullying Day is now scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12, NOT Thursday as previously announced. All staff and students are encouraged to wear orange on this day to support anti-bullying efforts. I will communicate this to our parents on the next AlertNow message.
2. All staff are highly encouraged to join the PTSA. The cost is $5.00. There are incentives for any staff members who join. You will receive a new SEMS car magnet and have your name in the drawing for some gift certificates to area businesses and restaurants.
3. When a student leaves your room to go to another location (i.e. main office, administrator, bathroom, etc.), please remember to sign their planner. They must carry their planner or they will be asked to return back to your classroom.
4. Don't forget to fill out your United Way contribution forms and return to Janie Murray. Staff are highly encouraged, but not required, to donate to the cause. The United Way has some excellent programs that benefit our students and families, so please consider giving.
5. Please be sure that your safety clipboards are hanging by your classroom doors. Your clipboard should have an updated copy of all of your rosters. In addition, please carry your safety clipboard with you during any drill or emergency.
6. In November, we will have a Monday afternoon staff development session where staff members can choose their mini-workshop. We will provide a variety of sessions to choose from and everyone will receive credit for attending. More information will follow as we plan.
7. We are very excited about the activities and lessons that we are seeing in the classrooms during our walkthroughs. We will share classroom walkthrough data with you after the first quarter. Our focus question on the walkthrough is the level of questioning taking place, either through class discussion or the actual activity that the students are completing. Are you asking recall questions, or are you taking it to a higher level? Categories on the walkthrough form are: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating. Consider these when planning your daily lessons and activities.
8. We no longer have a traffic officer at the main entrance in the afternoons for dismissal. Please let us know if you have any parent complaints regarding the dismissal.
9. Please do NOT send any students to the Guidance Office or Main Office to make up a test or assignment. You will need to take care of that in your classroom or coordinate with another teacher. The staff in these offices do not provide services for supervising students in that capacity.
10. This month is Bully Prevention Month. WSFCS has come up with some lessons for teachers to use related to bullying. I will forward those to you should you want to use them. In addition, we will post announcements or scrolls every few days related to bullying. If you have any great ideas, let us know!
11. Please remember that if you need to take a sick day, register that with the Subfinder system as quickly as possible. If it's after 5:30am and you have not registered your absence, please call Susie at 399-6102.
12. If you need to contact me after hours or on weekends, first call my school Blackberry at 345-7985. If you have an emergency, you may call or text my personal cell at 317-4412. But please do not contact me on my personal cell if it is not an emergency (i.e. you want permission for something the next day).
13. The cafeteria has a new system for students who accumulate a large negative balance on their accounts. If a student goes over the limit ($15.00), then we will give them one week to pay it off. If not paid, the student will go on a voucher meal in the cafeteria until it is paid off. Debbie Miller, Cafeteria Manager, will give the homebase teacher a voucher slip for that particular student. So far this year we have three students on this plan. We are still ironing out the details for teacher notification, so we will continue to communicate with you during this process.
14. The first music concert will be the chorus concert on Tuesday, October 18. The orchestra concert will be on Tuesday, December 6, and the band concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 8. There will be two separate shifts available for the chorus concert (setup crew and then the actual concert). I will notify you when the sign-up sheets are ready to be posted for these events. Any certified teachers who did not work one of the September socials are expected to sign up for one of the concert events.
Happy Birthday!
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Weekly Update 9/29/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
1. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by Friday, September 30 to Gentry.
2. Administrators will be notifying all teachers in the next day or two about their evaluation status. We will be scheduling pre-conference and observation meetings next week. Please make sure that you are working on getting your self-assessment and PDP on the online system. This will make the process easier and quicker.
3. October is Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many activities going on that month. We will have several announcements throughout each week related to bullying and there will be some information that we will send home with students. October 13 is WSFCS Unity Day in support of anti-bullying efforts. We are asking all staff and students to wear orange on this day to support the cause. More details are on their way.
4. We have added a grade level meeting on Thursday, October 6. Two items will be covered - Career Start and details for the planning period tutoring.
5. All staff are encouraged to join the PTSA. The cost is $5.00.
6. As a grade level, please submit your ideas/proposals for your Instant Recess time to Gentry. We have already received the proposal for 6th grade. Once all information is reviewed, we will come up with a school plan to accommodate as many ideas/proposals as possible. We'll make it work!
Happy Birthday!
Cathy Hayes - Sept. 7
Andrea Stewart - Sept. 17
Curby Griffin - Sept. 19
Laura Lyles - Sept. 19
Frankie Santoro - Sept. 19
Allison Barnes - Sept. 30
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
1. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by Friday, September 30 to Gentry.
2. Administrators will be notifying all teachers in the next day or two about their evaluation status. We will be scheduling pre-conference and observation meetings next week. Please make sure that you are working on getting your self-assessment and PDP on the online system. This will make the process easier and quicker.
3. October is Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many activities going on that month. We will have several announcements throughout each week related to bullying and there will be some information that we will send home with students. October 13 is WSFCS Unity Day in support of anti-bullying efforts. We are asking all staff and students to wear orange on this day to support the cause. More details are on their way.
4. We have added a grade level meeting on Thursday, October 6. Two items will be covered - Career Start and details for the planning period tutoring.
5. All staff are encouraged to join the PTSA. The cost is $5.00.
6. As a grade level, please submit your ideas/proposals for your Instant Recess time to Gentry. We have already received the proposal for 6th grade. Once all information is reviewed, we will come up with a school plan to accommodate as many ideas/proposals as possible. We'll make it work!
Happy Birthday!
Cathy Hayes - Sept. 7
Andrea Stewart - Sept. 17
Curby Griffin - Sept. 19
Laura Lyles - Sept. 19
Frankie Santoro - Sept. 19
Allison Barnes - Sept. 30
Mara-Lea Coston - Oct. 3
Andy Suttles - Oct. 14
Tonia Maxcy - Oct. 14
Blanca Oliver - Oct. 16
Nancy Holmes - Oct. 16
John Watson - Oct. 24
Shasta Lowther - Oct. 25
Bill Martin - Oct. 26
Teresa Hilbun - Oct. 29
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Weekly Update 9/22/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
1. Please keep Susie Hook and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Her aunt passed away earlier this week. The visitation and funeral will be held on Saturday in Graham, NC.
2. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by September 30 to Gentry.
3. Now that NCWISE is up and running, please remember that school board policy states that your grades should be updated once a week in the system. The parents are expecting this, so please update your grades regularly. In addition, teachers are required to send out paper progress reports on the dates listed on the county schedule. Please be sure this takes place.
4. October is Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many activities going on that month. We will have several announcements throughout each week related to bullying and there will be some information that we will send home with students. October 13 is WSFCS Unity Day in support of anti-bullying efforts. We are asking all staff and students to wear orange on this day to support the cause. More details are on their way.
5. In the past, there have been "Rsv" workdays on the calendar. Those days are treated as Rs days, just as they always have been. Now that the calendar laws have changed and due to required Common Core testing, the school board is in the process of changing most of the Rsv days on this year's calendar to Rc days. Rc days mean that all staff are required to work and that you cannot take an annual leave day. October 31 and February 20 are already Rc days. January 23, March 30, and June 8 will all be changed from Rsv to Rc workdays on this year's calendar. The only Rsv day that will remain unchanged will be October 28. In addition, January 23 may become a "snowflake day." This means that if we get bad weather prior to this date, it is possible that day could turn into a student day. It is important that you know this, especially if you are making any travel plans throughout the school year.
6. We have added a grade level meeting on Thursday, October 6. Two items will be covered - Career Start and details for the planning period tutoring.
7. All staff members were sent an earlier email regarding the Student Council schedule. Please be sure your students are aware. All voting will take place according to the schedule on Thursday, September 29. Students will first watch the video and then immediately vote.
8. Deb Neal sent out an earlier email regarding the afterschool tutoring program. Please see her if you are interested in tutoring for one or both sessions.
9. Monday's staff training for the teacher evaluation instrument is for certified teachers only.
10. As a grade level, please submit your ideas/proposals for your Instant Recess time to Gentry. We have already received the proposal for 6th grade. Once all information is reviewed, we will come up with a school plan to accommodate as many ideas/proposals as possible. We'll make it work!
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
1. Please keep Susie Hook and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Her aunt passed away earlier this week. The visitation and funeral will be held on Saturday in Graham, NC.
2. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by September 30 to Gentry.
3. Now that NCWISE is up and running, please remember that school board policy states that your grades should be updated once a week in the system. The parents are expecting this, so please update your grades regularly. In addition, teachers are required to send out paper progress reports on the dates listed on the county schedule. Please be sure this takes place.
4. October is Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many activities going on that month. We will have several announcements throughout each week related to bullying and there will be some information that we will send home with students. October 13 is WSFCS Unity Day in support of anti-bullying efforts. We are asking all staff and students to wear orange on this day to support the cause. More details are on their way.
5. In the past, there have been "Rsv" workdays on the calendar. Those days are treated as Rs days, just as they always have been. Now that the calendar laws have changed and due to required Common Core testing, the school board is in the process of changing most of the Rsv days on this year's calendar to Rc days. Rc days mean that all staff are required to work and that you cannot take an annual leave day. October 31 and February 20 are already Rc days. January 23, March 30, and June 8 will all be changed from Rsv to Rc workdays on this year's calendar. The only Rsv day that will remain unchanged will be October 28. In addition, January 23 may become a "snowflake day." This means that if we get bad weather prior to this date, it is possible that day could turn into a student day. It is important that you know this, especially if you are making any travel plans throughout the school year.
6. We have added a grade level meeting on Thursday, October 6. Two items will be covered - Career Start and details for the planning period tutoring.
7. All staff members were sent an earlier email regarding the Student Council schedule. Please be sure your students are aware. All voting will take place according to the schedule on Thursday, September 29. Students will first watch the video and then immediately vote.
8. Deb Neal sent out an earlier email regarding the afterschool tutoring program. Please see her if you are interested in tutoring for one or both sessions.
9. Monday's staff training for the teacher evaluation instrument is for certified teachers only.
10. As a grade level, please submit your ideas/proposals for your Instant Recess time to Gentry. We have already received the proposal for 6th grade. Once all information is reviewed, we will come up with a school plan to accommodate as many ideas/proposals as possible. We'll make it work!
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Weekly Update 9/15/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
1. We have added a link to the staff calendar on this blog. Please click on the Staff Calendar link (in blue) at the top of the blog page. Thanks to John Downs for helping us to figure it out!
2. If you confiscate any items from students (phones, etc), please label them with the student's name and turn in to the office as quickly as possible. They will be locked away for parents to come and pick up.
3. Please stick to your lunch start and end times. We are overlapping several times during lunch because groups are not exiting on time. In addition, be cautious of the students that you choose to stay behind and clean up. They should be reliable students that can be trusted to quickly clean the tables and return back to class. Please remind your lunch students to clean up their lunch area before they leave.
4. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
5. Please be sure to check your email at least once a day and respond to parents or requests within 24 hours. We want to maintain communication throughout the building and in our community. Also, all staff are expected to check this blog once a week. It will be posted weekly by Thursday afternoon/evening.
6. Please do not send students to the gym during PE classes.
7. I am going to resend the August copy of "Common Cents" to all of you this week. In it, there are MAJOR changes coming regarding teacher pay in August 2012. Please review this information carefully.
8. Now that NCWISE is up and running, please remember that school board policy states that your grades should be updated once a week in the system. The parents are expecting this, so please update your grades regularly.
9. WSSU is recruiting for their Master's in Education program. They will even offer a stipend.
10. October is Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many activities going on that month. We will have several announcements throughout each week related to bullying and there will be some information that we will send home with students. October 13 is WSFCS Unity Day in support of anti-bullying efforts. We are asking all staff and students to wear orange on this day to support the cause. More details are on their way.
11. In the past, there have been "Rsv" workdays on the calendar. Those days are treated as Rs days, just as they always have been. Now that the calendar laws have changed and due to required Common Core testing, the school board is in the process of changing most of the Rsv days on this year's calendar to Rc days. Rc days mean that all staff are required to work and that you cannot take an annual leave day. October 31 and February 20 are already Rc days. January 23, March 30, and June 8 will all be changed from Rsv to Rc workdays on this year's calendar. The only Rsv day that will remain unchanged will be October 28. In addition, January 23 may become a "snowflake day." This means that if we get bad weather prior to this date, it is possible that day could turn into a student day. It is important that you know this, especially if you are making any travel plans throughout the school year.
12. Evaluation Update: The school system is in the process of changing the evaluation policies to match the new state regulations. This is why there has been a delay in handing out information on your evaluation status for this school year. I am sending you an email with instructions on what action to take right now and what's to come in the next few weeks. We will not leave you hanging!
13. SIT Update: The SIT team met on Monday afternoon. All grade levels are to discuss options for Instant Recess with their SIT reps as a grade level group. There are options for this. In addition, there were some decisions made regarding the tutoring plan for this year. Decisions made at meeting: 1) tutoring will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, moving grade level meetings to Mondays, 2) the groups will rotate quarterly, 3) a master calendar will be developed for better communication, 4) there will be a Wednesday tutoring group and a Thursday tutoring group (not the same set of kids), 5) student groups will be predetermined based on EOG scores - non-proficient students will be targeted, 6) Math and Science teachers will tutor in Math, and LA and Social Studies teachers will do Reading sessions. It is important to note that the purpose of the tutoring is to assist our students with the greatest needs and who are considered at-risk. Tutoring will reinforce our goal of our students being successful as well as the goals of the School Improvement Plan. For more details on the meeting, please see our new SIT blog (thanks John Downs!) at
http://semssit.blogspot.com/
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
1. We have added a link to the staff calendar on this blog. Please click on the Staff Calendar link (in blue) at the top of the blog page. Thanks to John Downs for helping us to figure it out!
2. If you confiscate any items from students (phones, etc), please label them with the student's name and turn in to the office as quickly as possible. They will be locked away for parents to come and pick up.
3. Please stick to your lunch start and end times. We are overlapping several times during lunch because groups are not exiting on time. In addition, be cautious of the students that you choose to stay behind and clean up. They should be reliable students that can be trusted to quickly clean the tables and return back to class. Please remind your lunch students to clean up their lunch area before they leave.
4. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
5. Please be sure to check your email at least once a day and respond to parents or requests within 24 hours. We want to maintain communication throughout the building and in our community. Also, all staff are expected to check this blog once a week. It will be posted weekly by Thursday afternoon/evening.
6. Please do not send students to the gym during PE classes.
7. I am going to resend the August copy of "Common Cents" to all of you this week. In it, there are MAJOR changes coming regarding teacher pay in August 2012. Please review this information carefully.
8. Now that NCWISE is up and running, please remember that school board policy states that your grades should be updated once a week in the system. The parents are expecting this, so please update your grades regularly.
9. WSSU is recruiting for their Master's in Education program. They will even offer a stipend.
10. October is Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many activities going on that month. We will have several announcements throughout each week related to bullying and there will be some information that we will send home with students. October 13 is WSFCS Unity Day in support of anti-bullying efforts. We are asking all staff and students to wear orange on this day to support the cause. More details are on their way.
11. In the past, there have been "Rsv" workdays on the calendar. Those days are treated as Rs days, just as they always have been. Now that the calendar laws have changed and due to required Common Core testing, the school board is in the process of changing most of the Rsv days on this year's calendar to Rc days. Rc days mean that all staff are required to work and that you cannot take an annual leave day. October 31 and February 20 are already Rc days. January 23, March 30, and June 8 will all be changed from Rsv to Rc workdays on this year's calendar. The only Rsv day that will remain unchanged will be October 28. In addition, January 23 may become a "snowflake day." This means that if we get bad weather prior to this date, it is possible that day could turn into a student day. It is important that you know this, especially if you are making any travel plans throughout the school year.
12. Evaluation Update: The school system is in the process of changing the evaluation policies to match the new state regulations. This is why there has been a delay in handing out information on your evaluation status for this school year. I am sending you an email with instructions on what action to take right now and what's to come in the next few weeks. We will not leave you hanging!
13. SIT Update: The SIT team met on Monday afternoon. All grade levels are to discuss options for Instant Recess with their SIT reps as a grade level group. There are options for this. In addition, there were some decisions made regarding the tutoring plan for this year. Decisions made at meeting: 1) tutoring will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, moving grade level meetings to Mondays, 2) the groups will rotate quarterly, 3) a master calendar will be developed for better communication, 4) there will be a Wednesday tutoring group and a Thursday tutoring group (not the same set of kids), 5) student groups will be predetermined based on EOG scores - non-proficient students will be targeted, 6) Math and Science teachers will tutor in Math, and LA and Social Studies teachers will do Reading sessions. It is important to note that the purpose of the tutoring is to assist our students with the greatest needs and who are considered at-risk. Tutoring will reinforce our goal of our students being successful as well as the goals of the School Improvement Plan. For more details on the meeting, please see our new SIT blog (thanks John Downs!) at
http://semssit.blogspot.com/
Events: Events are now posted on the online calendar. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Weekly Update 9/8/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
1. We have added a link to the staff calendar on this blog. Please click on the Staff Calendar link (in blue) at the top of the blog page. Thanks to John Downs for helping us to figure it out!
2. All students should have received the copy of the updated Student Code of Conduct today. This document should be permanently secured to their agendas for reference throughout the school year.
3. Please remember that the School Improvement Team, Safety/Discipline Committee, and the 8th grade Graduation Committee will all meet on Monday at 2:15. Locations have not yet been determined.
4. Homebase teachers, please collect the required from your students. The lock fee and the PE fee are required by the school system.
5. Certified teachers - Soon you will be given some information on your evaluation status. You will receive a sheet with your status, your evaluator, and what steps you need to take to start the process.
6. Please plan well ahead for any field trips this year. We are a large school and we have groups on field trips quite often. It is also important to note that the expectation by the district is that we share our buses with the elementary schools. The disadvantage for us is that we have about six elementary feeder schools, so they will also be booking dates (some of them have already given us their field trip dates for the entire school year). So, you will need to plan ahead for any trips. Getting buses will be more difficult to secure compared to years past.
7. If you confiscate any items from students (phones, etc), please label them with the student's name and turn in to the office as quickly as possible. They will be locked away for parents to come and pick up.
8. Please stick to your lunch start and end times. We are overlapping several times during lunch because groups are not exiting on time. In addition, be cautious of the students that you choose to stay behind and clean up. They should be reliable students that can be trusted to quickly clean the tables and return back to class. Please remind your lunch students to clean up their lunch area before they leave.
9. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
10. Please be sure to check your email at least once a day and respond to parents or requests within 24 hours. We want to maintain communication throughout the building and in our community. Also, all staff are expected to check this blog once a week. It will be posted weekly by Thursday afternoon/evening.
11. Homebase teachers - Please turn in a copy of your locker assignment sheet to Mr. Prince.
12. We are looking for any interested individuals who would like to be the official scorekeeper during basketball season. We will offer two months of intramural pay for this duty. If you are interested, please see Nick Pizzino or me.
13. If you park on the left side of the school near the gym area, please park in the provided spaces. Parking on this side is extremely limited, especially with the addition of the second POD.
14. Thank you to the staff members who have been enforcing the dress code with our students. The parents overall have been very cooperative with the process. With our new system, students are able to quickly return to class and not miss instructional time. Just a reminder to be as discreet as possible with any violations - it's all in how we approach the kids. They have responded really well to our requests. Homebase and first period teachers, please remember that you are our first line of defense in catching these violations. It is very difficult to justify to a parent that there is a violation when it's caught halfway through the day.
Upcoming Events: Events are now posted online. This will be the last weekly blog with a complete calendar list. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, September 8 - Grade Level Meetings (NCWISE Grade Setup - required)
Monday, September 12 - Committee meetings 2:15, PTSA Board Mtg. 4:00
Tuesday, September 13 - Gentry at Joint Principals Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 - Grade Level Meetings (Teacher Websites - required)
Wednesday, September 14 - Core Progress Reports go out
Thursday, September 15 - EC Department Meeting 2:15
Thursday, September 15 - Gentry at MS Principals meeting
Friday, September 16 - PTSA 8th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00pm
Monday, September 19 - EC Development meeting (in computer lab), ESL Development Mtg.
Friday, September 23 - PTSA 7th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, September 26 - Staff Development (Teacher Evaluation Tool) 2:15
Wednesday, September 28 - Grade Level Meetings (Online Evaluation Tool)
Friday, September 30 - PTSA 6th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, October 3 - Staff Meeting 2:15
Tuesday, October 4 - Gentry @ Joint Principals meeting
Wednesday, October 5 - Core and Encore progress reports go out
Monday, October 10 - Vertical Planning meetings 2:15
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
1. We have added a link to the staff calendar on this blog. Please click on the Staff Calendar link (in blue) at the top of the blog page. Thanks to John Downs for helping us to figure it out!
2. All students should have received the copy of the updated Student Code of Conduct today. This document should be permanently secured to their agendas for reference throughout the school year.
3. Please remember that the School Improvement Team, Safety/Discipline Committee, and the 8th grade Graduation Committee will all meet on Monday at 2:15. Locations have not yet been determined.
4. Homebase teachers, please collect the required from your students. The lock fee and the PE fee are required by the school system.
5. Certified teachers - Soon you will be given some information on your evaluation status. You will receive a sheet with your status, your evaluator, and what steps you need to take to start the process.
6. Please plan well ahead for any field trips this year. We are a large school and we have groups on field trips quite often. It is also important to note that the expectation by the district is that we share our buses with the elementary schools. The disadvantage for us is that we have about six elementary feeder schools, so they will also be booking dates (some of them have already given us their field trip dates for the entire school year). So, you will need to plan ahead for any trips. Getting buses will be more difficult to secure compared to years past.
7. If you confiscate any items from students (phones, etc), please label them with the student's name and turn in to the office as quickly as possible. They will be locked away for parents to come and pick up.
8. Please stick to your lunch start and end times. We are overlapping several times during lunch because groups are not exiting on time. In addition, be cautious of the students that you choose to stay behind and clean up. They should be reliable students that can be trusted to quickly clean the tables and return back to class. Please remind your lunch students to clean up their lunch area before they leave.
9. Core/EC teachers - Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
10. Please be sure to check your email at least once a day and respond to parents or requests within 24 hours. We want to maintain communication throughout the building and in our community. Also, all staff are expected to check this blog once a week. It will be posted weekly by Thursday afternoon/evening.
11. Homebase teachers - Please turn in a copy of your locker assignment sheet to Mr. Prince.
12. We are looking for any interested individuals who would like to be the official scorekeeper during basketball season. We will offer two months of intramural pay for this duty. If you are interested, please see Nick Pizzino or me.
13. If you park on the left side of the school near the gym area, please park in the provided spaces. Parking on this side is extremely limited, especially with the addition of the second POD.
14. Thank you to the staff members who have been enforcing the dress code with our students. The parents overall have been very cooperative with the process. With our new system, students are able to quickly return to class and not miss instructional time. Just a reminder to be as discreet as possible with any violations - it's all in how we approach the kids. They have responded really well to our requests. Homebase and first period teachers, please remember that you are our first line of defense in catching these violations. It is very difficult to justify to a parent that there is a violation when it's caught halfway through the day.
Upcoming Events: Events are now posted online. This will be the last weekly blog with a complete calendar list. Staff are expected to check the online staff calendar regularly for upcoming meetings, etc.
Thursday, September 8 - Grade Level Meetings (NCWISE Grade Setup - required)
Monday, September 12 - Committee meetings 2:15, PTSA Board Mtg. 4:00
Tuesday, September 13 - Gentry at Joint Principals Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 - Grade Level Meetings (Teacher Websites - required)
Wednesday, September 14 - Core Progress Reports go out
Thursday, September 15 - EC Department Meeting 2:15
Thursday, September 15 - Gentry at MS Principals meeting
Friday, September 16 - PTSA 8th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00pm
Monday, September 19 - EC Development meeting (in computer lab), ESL Development Mtg.
Friday, September 23 - PTSA 7th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, September 26 - Staff Development (Teacher Evaluation Tool) 2:15
Wednesday, September 28 - Grade Level Meetings (Online Evaluation Tool)
Friday, September 30 - PTSA 6th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, October 3 - Staff Meeting 2:15
Tuesday, October 4 - Gentry @ Joint Principals meeting
Wednesday, October 5 - Core and Encore progress reports go out
Monday, October 10 - Vertical Planning meetings 2:15
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Weekly Update 9/1/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Everyone have a safe Labor Day weekend. Please be careful in your travels and relax!
1. We have had such a great opening to the school year. Thanks to all staff members for their patience and flexibility. Together we will make it work!
2. Please continue to keep Cindy Wilkes in your thoughts and prayers. Her aunt continues to struggle in the hospital ICU.
3. Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
4. There has been some confusion regarding start times for elective classes. 1st, 3rd, and 5th periods for encore classes START at 7:35, 9:40, and 12:20 respectively. So 8th students will be leaving for encore at 7:31, 6th grade may leave for encore at 9:35, and 7th may leave for encore at 12:15. I hope that this will clear up any confusion that you may have.
5. Please be sure to check your email at least once a day and respond to parents or requests within 24 hours. We want to maintain communication throughout the building and in our community.
6. PTSA is still selling neon/camoflage t-shirts. There are plenty of order forms in the teacher workroom. The cost is $15. There are new designs this year, so be sure to check it out!
7. Earlier this week you were sent some information regarding the School Buddies fund from Shasta Lowther. Please consider donating to this fund. All funds go directly to assisting students with their basic school needs.
8. Congratulations to Deborah Daniels. She is our new TAC representative for this school year.
9. Earlier this week, you received an email from Susie Hook regarding keys. PLEASE be sure to check your key ring and turn in any extra keys that you may have. We have lots of cabinets that are not in use because we cannot find the correct key.
10. We are working on the sponsor, intramural, and coaching months for those of you who have expressed interest in sponsoring an afterschool activity. I will sent out confirmations to all of you for those clubs and activities. It is important to note that if you are scheduled to get paid for your afterschool activity during a particular month, let's say January for example, then you will get paid at the END of January. Once I confirm your activity with you, you will need to see Susie to decide on what month(s) you would like to get paid (except for coaches - your months are predetermined).
11. We are looking for any interested individuals who would like to be the official scorekeeper during basketball season. We will offer two months of intramural pay for this duty. If you are interested, please see Nick Pizzino or me.
12. Many teams and teachers are starting to plan field trips. Please be sure to review the field trip guidelines in your staff handbook. Please notify all staff members, including the main office, of the list of students who will be going on the field trip in advance (2-3 days in advance).
13. Thank you to the staff members who have been enforcing the dress code with our students. The parents overall have been very cooperative with the process. With our new system, students are able to quickly return to class and not miss instructional time. Just a reminder to be as discreet as possible with any violations - it's all in how we approach the kids. They have responded really well to our requests. Homebase and first period teachers, please remember that you are our first line of defense in catching these violations. It is very difficult to justify to a parent that there is a violation when it's caught halfway through the day.
14. We are in the process of doing a safety walkthrough of the campus. Right now we are looking for potential fire code violations, as we will have an inspection very soon. If we see an issue, we will let you know.
15. There will be a 9-11 rememberance video that WSFCS will show at some time either on Sept. 9 or 12. We will let you know when we receive the details.
Upcoming Events: Events are being posted online. I will continue to post in this blog until the calendar is completed. Please be sure to put these dates on your calendar.
Thursday, September 1 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Friday, September 2 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Tuesday, September 6 - Music Dept. Fundraiser kicks off
Thursday, September 8 - Grade Level Meetings (NCWISE Grade Setup - required)
Monday, September 12 - School Improvement Team meeting 2:15, PTSA Board Mtg. 4:00
Tuesday, September 13 - Gentry at Joint Principals Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 - Grade Level Meetings (Teacher Websites - required)
Wednesday, September 14 - Core Progress Reports go out
Thursday, September 15 - EC Department Meeting 2:15
Thursday, September 15 - Gentry at MS Principals meeting
Friday, September 16 - PTSA 8th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00pm
Monday, September 19 - EC Development meeting (in computer lab), ESL Development Mtg.
Friday, September 23 - PTSA 7th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, September 26 - Staff Development (Teacher Evaluation Tool) 2:15
Wednesday, September 28 - Grade Level Meetings (Online Evaluation Tool)
Friday, September 30 - PTSA 6th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Everyone have a safe Labor Day weekend. Please be careful in your travels and relax!
1. We have had such a great opening to the school year. Thanks to all staff members for their patience and flexibility. Together we will make it work!
2. Please continue to keep Cindy Wilkes in your thoughts and prayers. Her aunt continues to struggle in the hospital ICU.
3. Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
4. There has been some confusion regarding start times for elective classes. 1st, 3rd, and 5th periods for encore classes START at 7:35, 9:40, and 12:20 respectively. So 8th students will be leaving for encore at 7:31, 6th grade may leave for encore at 9:35, and 7th may leave for encore at 12:15. I hope that this will clear up any confusion that you may have.
5. Please be sure to check your email at least once a day and respond to parents or requests within 24 hours. We want to maintain communication throughout the building and in our community.
6. PTSA is still selling neon/camoflage t-shirts. There are plenty of order forms in the teacher workroom. The cost is $15. There are new designs this year, so be sure to check it out!
7. Earlier this week you were sent some information regarding the School Buddies fund from Shasta Lowther. Please consider donating to this fund. All funds go directly to assisting students with their basic school needs.
8. Congratulations to Deborah Daniels. She is our new TAC representative for this school year.
9. Earlier this week, you received an email from Susie Hook regarding keys. PLEASE be sure to check your key ring and turn in any extra keys that you may have. We have lots of cabinets that are not in use because we cannot find the correct key.
10. We are working on the sponsor, intramural, and coaching months for those of you who have expressed interest in sponsoring an afterschool activity. I will sent out confirmations to all of you for those clubs and activities. It is important to note that if you are scheduled to get paid for your afterschool activity during a particular month, let's say January for example, then you will get paid at the END of January. Once I confirm your activity with you, you will need to see Susie to decide on what month(s) you would like to get paid (except for coaches - your months are predetermined).
11. We are looking for any interested individuals who would like to be the official scorekeeper during basketball season. We will offer two months of intramural pay for this duty. If you are interested, please see Nick Pizzino or me.
12. Many teams and teachers are starting to plan field trips. Please be sure to review the field trip guidelines in your staff handbook. Please notify all staff members, including the main office, of the list of students who will be going on the field trip in advance (2-3 days in advance).
13. Thank you to the staff members who have been enforcing the dress code with our students. The parents overall have been very cooperative with the process. With our new system, students are able to quickly return to class and not miss instructional time. Just a reminder to be as discreet as possible with any violations - it's all in how we approach the kids. They have responded really well to our requests. Homebase and first period teachers, please remember that you are our first line of defense in catching these violations. It is very difficult to justify to a parent that there is a violation when it's caught halfway through the day.
14. We are in the process of doing a safety walkthrough of the campus. Right now we are looking for potential fire code violations, as we will have an inspection very soon. If we see an issue, we will let you know.
15. There will be a 9-11 rememberance video that WSFCS will show at some time either on Sept. 9 or 12. We will let you know when we receive the details.
Upcoming Events: Events are being posted online. I will continue to post in this blog until the calendar is completed. Please be sure to put these dates on your calendar.
Thursday, September 1 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Friday, September 2 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Tuesday, September 6 - Music Dept. Fundraiser kicks off
Thursday, September 8 - Grade Level Meetings (NCWISE Grade Setup - required)
Monday, September 12 - School Improvement Team meeting 2:15, PTSA Board Mtg. 4:00
Tuesday, September 13 - Gentry at Joint Principals Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 - Grade Level Meetings (Teacher Websites - required)
Wednesday, September 14 - Core Progress Reports go out
Thursday, September 15 - EC Department Meeting 2:15
Thursday, September 15 - Gentry at MS Principals meeting
Friday, September 16 - PTSA 8th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00pm
Monday, September 19 - EC Development meeting (in computer lab), ESL Development Mtg.
Friday, September 23 - PTSA 7th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, September 26 - Staff Development (Teacher Evaluation Tool) 2:15
Wednesday, September 28 - Grade Level Meetings (Online Evaluation Tool)
Friday, September 30 - PTSA 6th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Weekly Update 8/25/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
1. Thanks for a great first day of school! Things went very smooth because of each and every one of you! This is a great precedent to set for the school year.
2. Thanks again to our custodians for their hard work this summer. If you'd like to donate to their gift card, please see Gentry or Susie by Tuesday, Aug. 30. The building looks awesome!
3. Teachers are reminded to send home a syllabus with your students by the end of the first week of school. Information that should be included are your contact information, grading practices, expectations, and possibly something about your curriculum.
4. 6th and 7th grade teams: Please turn in your team's daily schedule to the main office by Monday.
5. Each of you received an issue of "Common Cents" in your mailboxes today. Please review it when you get the opportunity. There is very important information regarding your future paychecks.
6. We are still looking for a cheerleading coach. Tryouts will be at the end of September. The season will take place during basketball season in January and February. Please see Nick Pizzino or Gentry if interested.
7. Boys Soccer tryouts will take place on Wednesday, August 31, Thursday, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 2. Any boys wishing to tryout must have an up-to-date physical and a signed intramural form on file before trying out.
8. Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
9. We are in the process of doing a safety walkthrough of the campus. Right now we are looking for potential fire code violations, as we will have an inspection very soon. If we see an issue, we will let you know.
10. Please be patient when it comes to your technology needs. We have a lot of equipment and very few staff members to solve those issues. John Downs will get with you as quickly as possible. If we cannot solve the issue, then we will submit that to the Technology Department. Thanks to John for his hard work in the last week!
Upcoming Events: Events are being posted online. I will continue to post in this blog until the calendar is completed. Please be sure to put these dates on your calendar.
Monday, August 29 - Fire Drill, Staff Meeting 2:15
Wednesday, August 31 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Thursday, September 1 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Friday, September 2 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Tuesday, September 6 - Music Dept. Fundraiser kicks off
Thursday, September 8 - Grade Level Meetings (NCWISE Grade Setup - required)
Monday, September 12 - School Improvement Team meeting 2:15, PTSA Board Mtg. 4:00
Tuesday, September 13 - Gentry at Joint Principals Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 - Grade Level Meetings (Teacher Websites - required)
Thursday, September 15 - EC Department Meeting 2:15
Friday, September 16 - PTSA 8th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00pm
Monday, September 19 - EC Development meeting (in computer lab), ESL Development Mtg.
Friday, September 23 - PTSA 7th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, September 26 - Staff Development (Teacher Evaluation Tool) 2:15
Wednesday, September 28 - Grade Level Meetings (Online Evaluation Tool)
Friday, September 30 - PTSA 6th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
1. Thanks for a great first day of school! Things went very smooth because of each and every one of you! This is a great precedent to set for the school year.
2. Thanks again to our custodians for their hard work this summer. If you'd like to donate to their gift card, please see Gentry or Susie by Tuesday, Aug. 30. The building looks awesome!
3. Teachers are reminded to send home a syllabus with your students by the end of the first week of school. Information that should be included are your contact information, grading practices, expectations, and possibly something about your curriculum.
4. 6th and 7th grade teams: Please turn in your team's daily schedule to the main office by Monday.
5. Each of you received an issue of "Common Cents" in your mailboxes today. Please review it when you get the opportunity. There is very important information regarding your future paychecks.
6. We are still looking for a cheerleading coach. Tryouts will be at the end of September. The season will take place during basketball season in January and February. Please see Nick Pizzino or Gentry if interested.
7. Boys Soccer tryouts will take place on Wednesday, August 31, Thursday, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 2. Any boys wishing to tryout must have an up-to-date physical and a signed intramural form on file before trying out.
8. Don't forget that your parent contact logs are due by the end of September to Gentry.
9. We are in the process of doing a safety walkthrough of the campus. Right now we are looking for potential fire code violations, as we will have an inspection very soon. If we see an issue, we will let you know.
10. Please be patient when it comes to your technology needs. We have a lot of equipment and very few staff members to solve those issues. John Downs will get with you as quickly as possible. If we cannot solve the issue, then we will submit that to the Technology Department. Thanks to John for his hard work in the last week!
Upcoming Events: Events are being posted online. I will continue to post in this blog until the calendar is completed. Please be sure to put these dates on your calendar.
Monday, August 29 - Fire Drill, Staff Meeting 2:15
Wednesday, August 31 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Thursday, September 1 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Friday, September 2 - Boys Soccer Tryouts
Tuesday, September 6 - Music Dept. Fundraiser kicks off
Thursday, September 8 - Grade Level Meetings (NCWISE Grade Setup - required)
Monday, September 12 - School Improvement Team meeting 2:15, PTSA Board Mtg. 4:00
Tuesday, September 13 - Gentry at Joint Principals Meeting
Wednesday, September 14 - Grade Level Meetings (Teacher Websites - required)
Thursday, September 15 - EC Department Meeting 2:15
Friday, September 16 - PTSA 8th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00pm
Monday, September 19 - EC Development meeting (in computer lab), ESL Development Mtg.
Friday, September 23 - PTSA 7th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Monday, September 26 - Staff Development (Teacher Evaluation Tool) 2:15
Wednesday, September 28 - Grade Level Meetings (Online Evaluation Tool)
Friday, September 30 - PTSA 6th Grade Social 2:15 - 4:00
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Weekly Update 6/9/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
1. Don Fought is recovering very well from his knee surgery. Keep it up! We miss you! Also, if any of you know Trish Gainey, principal at East Forsyth High School - her mother passed away earlier this week. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
2. Thanks to ALL of our long-term subs and part-time teachers who have done an OUTSTANDING job for us this quarter. We thank you for your service to our students and we will miss you! Thanks to.....Mr. Jotcham (Hoag), Mr. Rodriguez (6th Spanish), Mr. Perret (6th French), Mr. Long (PE), Mrs. Futrell (Speziale), Mrs. Hance (Furrer), Mrs. Pierce (Moore), Mrs. Faircloth (Smith), Mrs. Brieaddy (P. Lakey), Mrs. Rix (Fought). If I left anyone out, please let me know. Mr. Norwood is a long-term sub, but we are hoping to keep him for next year. In addition, Mr. Munden will return with us next year.
3. Thanks to everyone for their hard work these last couple of weeks. This has been a very difficult schedule to maintain, but we appreciate all of you pitching in to make it work. There's a reason why people love Southeast Middle!
4. The room assignment list was emailed out on Thursday afternoon. Please be sure to check your assignment. As stated earlier, those who are moving do not have to move before leaving for the summer. You may move when you return in August. The building will be open a couple of days early so that those who wish are able to do so.
5. Everyone has received the instructions for 4th quarter and final grades, including instructions on how to enter the EOG grades. Please remember that you ONLY put in the EOG letter grade under the Post category. Do not enter the numerical grade at all (it will cause a grade issue if you do).
6. Everyone was sent an email over the past few weeks regarding the KEYS survey. This is the survey that FCAE is conducting. Your reponses are so vital in the improvement of our school, so please take the time to complete the survey. As of today, 42 people have already completed the survey. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Reminder of instructions: go to http://www.keysonline.org/, click the yellow "take the survey" tab, find Southeast Middle School (the school code is 516), then take the survey. You do NOT have to log into the system. The process is very simple.
7. In addition, everyone was sent an email today regarding the Race to the Top survey. Only teachers and administrators are to complete this. It will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Please do so before you leave for the summer. Dr. Martin's expectation is that both surveys are completed by this time at the latest.
8. If you have not already done so, please indicate your intentions for June 16 on the staff sheet posted in the workroom. We must put this into the payroll system quickly.
9. Just a friendly reminder to remove your files off of the shared drive and your H drive before the summer. These drives will be wiped out over the summer and you will no longer have access to them.
10. The stuffing party will take place in the cafeteria starting at 8:00am. We will start with a brief overview of the instructions for the report cards and the cumulative folders. Then teams will be split up to complete their "stuffing." Each team will have a location in the cafeteria set aside to complete. Guidance Department will be on hand to answer questions and oversee the process. Please bring your homebase report card envelopes and your leftover debt slips to the stuffing party, as these items will need to be used/stuffed. Lunch will be served at 11:00am in the cafeteria.
11. Insurance changes for next school year: WSFCS will send out some information on the coverage changes for next year, including premium changes, deductible changes, etc. It is important to point out that if you only have employee coverage, you will have to start paying a premium next school year. If you are on the 80/20 plan, your monthly premium will be about $21 per month, and if you are on the 70/30 plan, yours will be about $10 per month.
12. Budget updates: The school board has a revised plan that they are considering for next year. It does look better than it did! All details are available on the website. Several of the changes: Teacher assistants - now they are looking at a permanent term reduction of 7 days total (instead of 10); Classified extended term employees (second secretary, guidance clerk) - now looking like about one day permanent term reduction; licensed extended term employees (APs, CC, Lead Guidance) - looking like one day permanent term reduction. I will forward any additional information as I get it.
13. The SIT meeting is on Monday afternoon. It will be brief - I know that some teachers need to get their grades completed.
14. Please be sure to stay on top of your supervision and have very structured activities for your students. We will need everyone's help the last two days of school, especially on the bus ramp. The more we can get out there, the better off we will be. We will more than likely have a structured dismissal, where we will announce grade level dismissals.
Happy Birthday!
Betsy Smith 6/2
Eugene Mabry 6/8
Phyllis Davis 6/10
Danny Bowman 6/11
Debi Kopchik 6/19
Cliff Prince 6/19
Cynthia Hatch 6/30
Rachel Holmes 6/30
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
1. Don Fought is recovering very well from his knee surgery. Keep it up! We miss you! Also, if any of you know Trish Gainey, principal at East Forsyth High School - her mother passed away earlier this week. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
2. Thanks to ALL of our long-term subs and part-time teachers who have done an OUTSTANDING job for us this quarter. We thank you for your service to our students and we will miss you! Thanks to.....Mr. Jotcham (Hoag), Mr. Rodriguez (6th Spanish), Mr. Perret (6th French), Mr. Long (PE), Mrs. Futrell (Speziale), Mrs. Hance (Furrer), Mrs. Pierce (Moore), Mrs. Faircloth (Smith), Mrs. Brieaddy (P. Lakey), Mrs. Rix (Fought). If I left anyone out, please let me know. Mr. Norwood is a long-term sub, but we are hoping to keep him for next year. In addition, Mr. Munden will return with us next year.
3. Thanks to everyone for their hard work these last couple of weeks. This has been a very difficult schedule to maintain, but we appreciate all of you pitching in to make it work. There's a reason why people love Southeast Middle!
4. The room assignment list was emailed out on Thursday afternoon. Please be sure to check your assignment. As stated earlier, those who are moving do not have to move before leaving for the summer. You may move when you return in August. The building will be open a couple of days early so that those who wish are able to do so.
5. Everyone has received the instructions for 4th quarter and final grades, including instructions on how to enter the EOG grades. Please remember that you ONLY put in the EOG letter grade under the Post category. Do not enter the numerical grade at all (it will cause a grade issue if you do).
6. Everyone was sent an email over the past few weeks regarding the KEYS survey. This is the survey that FCAE is conducting. Your reponses are so vital in the improvement of our school, so please take the time to complete the survey. As of today, 42 people have already completed the survey. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Reminder of instructions: go to http://www.keysonline.org/, click the yellow "take the survey" tab, find Southeast Middle School (the school code is 516), then take the survey. You do NOT have to log into the system. The process is very simple.
7. In addition, everyone was sent an email today regarding the Race to the Top survey. Only teachers and administrators are to complete this. It will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Please do so before you leave for the summer. Dr. Martin's expectation is that both surveys are completed by this time at the latest.
8. If you have not already done so, please indicate your intentions for June 16 on the staff sheet posted in the workroom. We must put this into the payroll system quickly.
9. Just a friendly reminder to remove your files off of the shared drive and your H drive before the summer. These drives will be wiped out over the summer and you will no longer have access to them.
10. The stuffing party will take place in the cafeteria starting at 8:00am. We will start with a brief overview of the instructions for the report cards and the cumulative folders. Then teams will be split up to complete their "stuffing." Each team will have a location in the cafeteria set aside to complete. Guidance Department will be on hand to answer questions and oversee the process. Please bring your homebase report card envelopes and your leftover debt slips to the stuffing party, as these items will need to be used/stuffed. Lunch will be served at 11:00am in the cafeteria.
11. Insurance changes for next school year: WSFCS will send out some information on the coverage changes for next year, including premium changes, deductible changes, etc. It is important to point out that if you only have employee coverage, you will have to start paying a premium next school year. If you are on the 80/20 plan, your monthly premium will be about $21 per month, and if you are on the 70/30 plan, yours will be about $10 per month.
12. Budget updates: The school board has a revised plan that they are considering for next year. It does look better than it did! All details are available on the website. Several of the changes: Teacher assistants - now they are looking at a permanent term reduction of 7 days total (instead of 10); Classified extended term employees (second secretary, guidance clerk) - now looking like about one day permanent term reduction; licensed extended term employees (APs, CC, Lead Guidance) - looking like one day permanent term reduction. I will forward any additional information as I get it.
13. The SIT meeting is on Monday afternoon. It will be brief - I know that some teachers need to get their grades completed.
14. Please be sure to stay on top of your supervision and have very structured activities for your students. We will need everyone's help the last two days of school, especially on the bus ramp. The more we can get out there, the better off we will be. We will more than likely have a structured dismissal, where we will announce grade level dismissals.
Happy Birthday!
Betsy Smith 6/2
Eugene Mabry 6/8
Phyllis Davis 6/10
Danny Bowman 6/11
Debi Kopchik 6/19
Cliff Prince 6/19
Cynthia Hatch 6/30
Rachel Holmes 6/30
Friday, June 3, 2011
Weekly Update 6/2/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
1. We wish Don Fought well. His last day of the school year will be Friday, June 3. He is having knee surgery. We're keeping our fingers crossed for you!
2. Everyone has received the instructions for 4th quarter and final grades, including instructions on how to enter the EOG grades. Please remember that you ONLY put in the EOG letter grade under the Post category. Do not enter the numerical grade at all (it will cause a grade issue if you do).
3. We are working on the physical movement of classrooms for next school year. All teachers will be notified early to mid week next week to confirm any movement that affects you.
4. Everyone was sent an email earlier regarding the KEYS survey. This is the survey that FCAE is conducting. Your reponses are so vital in the improvement of our school, so please take the time to complete the survey. As of today, 27 people have already completed the survey. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Reminder of instructions: go to http://www.keysonline.org/, click the yellow "take the survey" tab, find Southeast Middle School, then take the survey. You do NOT have to log into the system. The process is very simple.
5. All staff should have received the end-of-year check off sheet and packet from the last staff meeting. Please be sure to follow all instructions, especially the item that states that students are NOT to take your sheet around to take care of the tasks on your sheet. Those are the responsibility of the adults only.
6. Invitations were sent out in Wednesday folders this week for a summer program. These only went to students who were non-proficient on the first EOG round. In addition, students who are on track to fail two out of four core courses for the year were recommended for Summer School. If any of these students turnes in the enrollment form titled "Summer School Enrollment" or "Ahead of the Class Enrollment," please send these directly to the Guidance Office. We must have this data in the system by Friday, June 10.
Calendar Updates: Please consult the online calendar, which is complete with all field trips and events during this last month of school.
Friday, June 3 - 8th grade PTSA Dance (7-9pm)
Monday, June 6 - Reading retest
Monday, June 6 - Panthers Ceremony
Monday, June 6 - Staff Meeting
Tuesday, June 7 - Math Active retest
Tuesday, June 7 - Wolves Ceremony
Wednesday, June 8 - Algebra/Integrated Math testing
Thursday, June 9 - Math Inactive/8th Science retesting
Thursday, June 9 - Wildcats Ceremony
Friday, June 10 - Yearbook distribution
Happy Birthday!
Betsy Smith 6/2
Eugene Mabry 6/8
Phyllis Davis 6/10
Danny Bowman 6/11
Debi Kopchik 6/19
Cliff Prince 6/19
Cynthia Hatch 6/30
Rachel Holmes 6/30
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011
1. We wish Don Fought well. His last day of the school year will be Friday, June 3. He is having knee surgery. We're keeping our fingers crossed for you!
2. Everyone has received the instructions for 4th quarter and final grades, including instructions on how to enter the EOG grades. Please remember that you ONLY put in the EOG letter grade under the Post category. Do not enter the numerical grade at all (it will cause a grade issue if you do).
3. We are working on the physical movement of classrooms for next school year. All teachers will be notified early to mid week next week to confirm any movement that affects you.
4. Everyone was sent an email earlier regarding the KEYS survey. This is the survey that FCAE is conducting. Your reponses are so vital in the improvement of our school, so please take the time to complete the survey. As of today, 27 people have already completed the survey. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Reminder of instructions: go to http://www.keysonline.org/, click the yellow "take the survey" tab, find Southeast Middle School, then take the survey. You do NOT have to log into the system. The process is very simple.
5. All staff should have received the end-of-year check off sheet and packet from the last staff meeting. Please be sure to follow all instructions, especially the item that states that students are NOT to take your sheet around to take care of the tasks on your sheet. Those are the responsibility of the adults only.
6. Invitations were sent out in Wednesday folders this week for a summer program. These only went to students who were non-proficient on the first EOG round. In addition, students who are on track to fail two out of four core courses for the year were recommended for Summer School. If any of these students turnes in the enrollment form titled "Summer School Enrollment" or "Ahead of the Class Enrollment," please send these directly to the Guidance Office. We must have this data in the system by Friday, June 10.
Calendar Updates: Please consult the online calendar, which is complete with all field trips and events during this last month of school.
Friday, June 3 - 8th grade PTSA Dance (7-9pm)
Monday, June 6 - Reading retest
Monday, June 6 - Panthers Ceremony
Monday, June 6 - Staff Meeting
Tuesday, June 7 - Math Active retest
Tuesday, June 7 - Wolves Ceremony
Wednesday, June 8 - Algebra/Integrated Math testing
Thursday, June 9 - Math Inactive/8th Science retesting
Thursday, June 9 - Wildcats Ceremony
Friday, June 10 - Yearbook distribution
Happy Birthday!
Betsy Smith 6/2
Eugene Mabry 6/8
Phyllis Davis 6/10
Danny Bowman 6/11
Debi Kopchik 6/19
Cliff Prince 6/19
Cynthia Hatch 6/30
Rachel Holmes 6/30
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Weekly Update 5/26/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
1. Please keep Brittany Karl's boyfriend, Myles, in your thoughts and prayers. He has been undergoing some major surgery after being injured on his farm last week. In addition, Anne DiPiazza's mother has undergone surgery this week and is doing well. Please continue to keep in mind Kay Hoag, Meg Speziale, and Anna Moore.
2. Thanks for a great week of testing. We had a few glitches throughout the week, which we are resolving individually, but overall, we had a successful testing week. Thanks to all of you who followed through with the instructions and requirements that EOG testing demands. In addition, a BIG THANK YOU to Deb Neal for her hard work to make the testing happen!
3. This week teachers will receive the instructions for 4th quarter and final grades, including instructions on how to enter the EOG grades.
4. Everyone was sent an email earlier this week regarding the KEYS survey. This is the survey that FCAE is conducting. Your reponses are so vital in the improvement of our school, so please take the time to complete the survey. As of Wednesday, 20 people have already completed the survey. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Reminder of instructions: go to http://www.keysonline.org/, click the yellow "take the survey" tab, find Southeast Middle School, then take the survey. You do NOT have to log into the system. The process is very simple.
5. All staff should have received the end-of-year check off sheet and packet from Monday's staff meeting. Please be sure to follow all instructions, especially the item that states that students are NOT to take your sheet around to take care of the tasks on your sheet. Those are the responsibility of the adults only.
6. You were sent an earlier email regarding the furlough decision from the State Board. There will be NO furlough this summer! There may be some furlough options next school year.
7. Grades for 4th quarter/final grades will have two due dates. Encore teachers: Your final grades are due by Friday, June 10, by 3:00pm. This means that all verification sheets are due to Sandy Derrah by that time. Core teachers: Your final grades are due to Sandy by Monday, June 13, at 3:00pm. The reason for the staggered due dates - not all retest scores may be in by Friday, June 10, so some core teachers may need extra time to get the highest EOG grade in the computer.
8. Allotment update: We have hired an ISS/ALC supervisor for next year - Brian Griffin! Brian is going to be in this position as of right now. We are excited about keeping him on staff. We have hired a half-time PE teacher. Her name is Latoya Thomas and we will share her with Atkins HS. She will be with us on B-days. We are still in the process of hiring some part-time and full positions. We will share information as we get it. We will be interviewing soon for the Technology Facilitator position.
9. Information was sent out by WSFCS regarding insurance plans. Members that wish to change their insurance plan may do so up until June 8. Please refer to the information received from the school system.
10. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips were sent out to 8th graders regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well! We are looking for individuals to assist with the dance. Please see me if interested.
11. We originally had a SIT meeting scheduled for Monday, June 6. That meeting has been pushed to Monday, June 13. We will have a staff meeting on Monday, June 6.
Calendar Updates: Please consult the online calendar, which is complete with all field trips and events during this last month of school.
Friday, May 27 - Reflections Reception (only 14 students affected)
Monday, May 30 - NO SCHOOL!
Tuesday, May 31 - Student Retention Team Meetings
Wednesday, June 1 - June 3 - RED ZONE
Friday, June 3 - 8th grade PTSA Dance (7-9pm)
Monday, June 6 - Staff Meeting
Happy Birthday!
Lesley Guffey 5/1
Irma Jones 5/6
Denise Stephenson 5/18
Wendy Furrer 5/18
Heath Benner 5/20
Kim Gregg 5/21
Bridgette Watson 5/23
Nick Pizzino 5/26
Kendra Mabry 5/28
Dustin Draughn 5/30
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011
1. Please keep Brittany Karl's boyfriend, Myles, in your thoughts and prayers. He has been undergoing some major surgery after being injured on his farm last week. In addition, Anne DiPiazza's mother has undergone surgery this week and is doing well. Please continue to keep in mind Kay Hoag, Meg Speziale, and Anna Moore.
2. Thanks for a great week of testing. We had a few glitches throughout the week, which we are resolving individually, but overall, we had a successful testing week. Thanks to all of you who followed through with the instructions and requirements that EOG testing demands. In addition, a BIG THANK YOU to Deb Neal for her hard work to make the testing happen!
3. This week teachers will receive the instructions for 4th quarter and final grades, including instructions on how to enter the EOG grades.
4. Everyone was sent an email earlier this week regarding the KEYS survey. This is the survey that FCAE is conducting. Your reponses are so vital in the improvement of our school, so please take the time to complete the survey. As of Wednesday, 20 people have already completed the survey. Thanks for taking the time to do this! Reminder of instructions: go to http://www.keysonline.org/, click the yellow "take the survey" tab, find Southeast Middle School, then take the survey. You do NOT have to log into the system. The process is very simple.
5. All staff should have received the end-of-year check off sheet and packet from Monday's staff meeting. Please be sure to follow all instructions, especially the item that states that students are NOT to take your sheet around to take care of the tasks on your sheet. Those are the responsibility of the adults only.
6. You were sent an earlier email regarding the furlough decision from the State Board. There will be NO furlough this summer! There may be some furlough options next school year.
7. Grades for 4th quarter/final grades will have two due dates. Encore teachers: Your final grades are due by Friday, June 10, by 3:00pm. This means that all verification sheets are due to Sandy Derrah by that time. Core teachers: Your final grades are due to Sandy by Monday, June 13, at 3:00pm. The reason for the staggered due dates - not all retest scores may be in by Friday, June 10, so some core teachers may need extra time to get the highest EOG grade in the computer.
8. Allotment update: We have hired an ISS/ALC supervisor for next year - Brian Griffin! Brian is going to be in this position as of right now. We are excited about keeping him on staff. We have hired a half-time PE teacher. Her name is Latoya Thomas and we will share her with Atkins HS. She will be with us on B-days. We are still in the process of hiring some part-time and full positions. We will share information as we get it. We will be interviewing soon for the Technology Facilitator position.
9. Information was sent out by WSFCS regarding insurance plans. Members that wish to change their insurance plan may do so up until June 8. Please refer to the information received from the school system.
10. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips were sent out to 8th graders regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well! We are looking for individuals to assist with the dance. Please see me if interested.
11. We originally had a SIT meeting scheduled for Monday, June 6. That meeting has been pushed to Monday, June 13. We will have a staff meeting on Monday, June 6.
Calendar Updates: Please consult the online calendar, which is complete with all field trips and events during this last month of school.
Friday, May 27 - Reflections Reception (only 14 students affected)
Monday, May 30 - NO SCHOOL!
Tuesday, May 31 - Student Retention Team Meetings
Wednesday, June 1 - June 3 - RED ZONE
Friday, June 3 - 8th grade PTSA Dance (7-9pm)
Monday, June 6 - Staff Meeting
Happy Birthday!
Lesley Guffey 5/1
Irma Jones 5/6
Denise Stephenson 5/18
Wendy Furrer 5/18
Heath Benner 5/20
Kim Gregg 5/21
Bridgette Watson 5/23
Nick Pizzino 5/26
Kendra Mabry 5/28
Dustin Draughn 5/30
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Weekly Update 5/19/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, MAY 19
1. Please take the next few days to prepare your classroom for testing. All information on the walls regarding your subject area or test taking skills, etc., must be removed. Please be sure that your room is clean and orderly. All classrooms will be inspected prior to May 24 to ensure that all of them are clear for testing.
2. Red Zone plans were placed in your mailboxes last week. Core teachers, please be sure to touch base with your encore teachers to coordinate enrichment activities/groups for the Red Zone days. All enrichment periods are expected to be just that - an enrichment sessions. This time is not for a celebration or a movie. We do not want our Red Zone students to feel like they are being punished while being tutored.
In addition, we will more than likely use a similar schedule for the retesting days. On retest days, we will need some teachers to administer tests and others to cover remaining classes. Encore teachers not involved in testing will be asked to help out core teams, similar to the Red Zone days.
3. Grades for 4th quarter/final grades will have two due dates. Encore teachers: Your final grades are due by Friday, June 10, by 3:00pm. This means that all verification sheets are due to Sandy Derrah by that time. Core teachers: Your final grades are due to Sandy by Monday, June 13, at 3:00pm. The reason for the staggered due dates - not all retest scores may be in by Friday, June 10, so some core teachers may need extra time to get the highest EOG grade in the computer.
4. Allotment Updates: The order of encore blocks for next year will be 8th, 6th, then 7th. Daily schedules will be made over the summer break. We are beginning to make the master schedule. We will make all folks aware of any changes or updates that affect their grade level. Brian Griffin will not return with us next school year. In addition, Danny Bowman will not return with us next year. We wish both of them the best. You will be sorely missed!
5. Please be sure to check out the budget updates that were emailed out to all staff members last week. The School Board has started voting on cuts for next year. Some of these changes are going to be difficult for all of us. The furlough that our school board approved has to be approved by the State Board. If they do not approve it, then the school system will probably consider a 1% permanent pay reduction for all employees.
6. Information was sent out by WSFCS regarding insurance plans. Members that wish to change their insurance plan may do so up until June 8. Please refer to the information received from the school system.
7. The SIT team had a very productive meeting last week. An email was sent to you earlier regarding topics covered, openings for representatives for next year, and input needed from staff members. Please be sure to discuss these topics with your current reps. SIT will have another meeting before the end of the school year to vote on several issues for next year. If any staff members are interested in being on the team, please see your SIT reps so that they can bring your name to the next meeting.
8. Please remember that everybody's H-drive and S-drive (shared drive) online will be wiped out by Central Office this summer. So save any documents or files on a flash drive if you need to keep any of them for future use.
9. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips will be sent out to 8th graders soon regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well! We are looking for individuals to assist with the dance. Please see me if interested.
10. We originally had a SIT meeting scheduled for Monday, June 6. That meeting has been pushed to Monday, June 13. We will have a staff meeting on Monday, June 6.
Calendar Updates: Please consult the online calendar, which is complete with all field trips and events during this last month of school.
Thursday, May 19 - MS/HS Transfer Fair - Education Bldg, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Thursday, May 19 - SEMS Athletic Awards Ceremony, 6 - 7:30pm
Monday, May 23 - Staff Meeting, 2:15pm
Monday, May 23 - EOG Survey
May 24 - 26 - EOGs!
Friday, May 27 - Reflections Reception (only 14 students affected)
Happy Birthday!
Lesley Guffey 5/1
Irma Jones 5/6
Denise Stephenson 5/18
Wendy Furrer 5/18
Heath Benner 5/20
Kim Gregg 5/21
Bridgette Watson 5/23
Nick Pizzino 5/26
Kendra Mabry 5/28
Dustin Draughn 5/30
THURSDAY, MAY 19
1. Please take the next few days to prepare your classroom for testing. All information on the walls regarding your subject area or test taking skills, etc., must be removed. Please be sure that your room is clean and orderly. All classrooms will be inspected prior to May 24 to ensure that all of them are clear for testing.
2. Red Zone plans were placed in your mailboxes last week. Core teachers, please be sure to touch base with your encore teachers to coordinate enrichment activities/groups for the Red Zone days. All enrichment periods are expected to be just that - an enrichment sessions. This time is not for a celebration or a movie. We do not want our Red Zone students to feel like they are being punished while being tutored.
In addition, we will more than likely use a similar schedule for the retesting days. On retest days, we will need some teachers to administer tests and others to cover remaining classes. Encore teachers not involved in testing will be asked to help out core teams, similar to the Red Zone days.
3. Grades for 4th quarter/final grades will have two due dates. Encore teachers: Your final grades are due by Friday, June 10, by 3:00pm. This means that all verification sheets are due to Sandy Derrah by that time. Core teachers: Your final grades are due to Sandy by Monday, June 13, at 3:00pm. The reason for the staggered due dates - not all retest scores may be in by Friday, June 10, so some core teachers may need extra time to get the highest EOG grade in the computer.
4. Allotment Updates: The order of encore blocks for next year will be 8th, 6th, then 7th. Daily schedules will be made over the summer break. We are beginning to make the master schedule. We will make all folks aware of any changes or updates that affect their grade level. Brian Griffin will not return with us next school year. In addition, Danny Bowman will not return with us next year. We wish both of them the best. You will be sorely missed!
5. Please be sure to check out the budget updates that were emailed out to all staff members last week. The School Board has started voting on cuts for next year. Some of these changes are going to be difficult for all of us. The furlough that our school board approved has to be approved by the State Board. If they do not approve it, then the school system will probably consider a 1% permanent pay reduction for all employees.
6. Information was sent out by WSFCS regarding insurance plans. Members that wish to change their insurance plan may do so up until June 8. Please refer to the information received from the school system.
7. The SIT team had a very productive meeting last week. An email was sent to you earlier regarding topics covered, openings for representatives for next year, and input needed from staff members. Please be sure to discuss these topics with your current reps. SIT will have another meeting before the end of the school year to vote on several issues for next year. If any staff members are interested in being on the team, please see your SIT reps so that they can bring your name to the next meeting.
8. Please remember that everybody's H-drive and S-drive (shared drive) online will be wiped out by Central Office this summer. So save any documents or files on a flash drive if you need to keep any of them for future use.
9. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips will be sent out to 8th graders soon regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well! We are looking for individuals to assist with the dance. Please see me if interested.
10. We originally had a SIT meeting scheduled for Monday, June 6. That meeting has been pushed to Monday, June 13. We will have a staff meeting on Monday, June 6.
Calendar Updates: Please consult the online calendar, which is complete with all field trips and events during this last month of school.
Thursday, May 19 - MS/HS Transfer Fair - Education Bldg, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Thursday, May 19 - SEMS Athletic Awards Ceremony, 6 - 7:30pm
Monday, May 23 - Staff Meeting, 2:15pm
Monday, May 23 - EOG Survey
May 24 - 26 - EOGs!
Friday, May 27 - Reflections Reception (only 14 students affected)
Happy Birthday!
Lesley Guffey 5/1
Irma Jones 5/6
Denise Stephenson 5/18
Wendy Furrer 5/18
Heath Benner 5/20
Kim Gregg 5/21
Bridgette Watson 5/23
Nick Pizzino 5/26
Kendra Mabry 5/28
Dustin Draughn 5/30
Friday, May 13, 2011
Weekly Update 5/12/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, MAY 12
1. Kay Hoag will not return for the remainder of the school year. She is continuing to work on her health. We wish her the best! Katrina Tschekunow's grandfather passed away earlier this week. Please keep these folks in your thoughts.
2. Please be sure to check out the budget updates that were emailed out to all staff members on Wednesday. The School Board has started voting on cuts for next year. Some of these changes are going to be difficult for all of us. The furlough that our school board approved has to be approved by the State Board. If they do not approve it, then the school system will probably consider a 1% permanent pay reduction for all employees.
3. Information was sent out by WSFCS regarding insurance plans. Members that wish to change their insurance plan may do so up until June 8. Please refer to the information received from the school system.
4. It is hard to believe that testing is right around the corner. Please continue to keep your students focused and on task. Keep your routine as structured as possible from now through the last day of school, including after each day of testing. I know that our kids get antsy very quickly, but continue to stay strong and push forward. This staff is AMAZING at pulling things together!
Please take this next week to prepare your classroom for testing. All information on the walls regarding your subject area or test taking skills, etc., must be removed. Please be sure that your room is clean and orderly. All classrooms will be inspected prior to May 24 to ensure that all of them are clear for testing.
5. Katrina Tschekunow, our TAC rep, will be getting out information to all staff members this week about calendar options for the 2012-2013 school year. We will do a staff vote on those options at the staff meeting Monday.
6. Don't forget our retirement party for Betsy and Lillian on Monday afternoon! We have have a brief meeting beforehand to vote on the 2012-2013 school system calendar and then the festivities will begin. Thanks to both of you for your service to the school and our students.
7. Deb Neal has given all core teachers their Career Start instructions and survey material. Please be sure to complete this in a timely manner. We are held accountable for this information.
8. The SIT team had a very productive meeting on Monday. An email was sent to you earlier this week regarding topics covered, openings for representatives for next year, and input needed from staff members. Please be sure to discuss these topics with your current reps. SIT will have another meeting before the end of the school year to vote on several issues for next year.
9. Red Zone plans were placed in your mailboxes last week. Core teachers, please be sure to touch base with your encore teachers to coordinate enrichment activities/groups for the Red Zone days. All enrichment periods are expected to be just that - an enrichment sessions. This time is not for a celebration or a movie. We do not want our Red Zone students to feel like they are being punished while being tutored.
In addition, we will more than likely use a similar schedule for the retesting days. On retest days, we will need some teachers to administer tests and others to cover remaining classes. Encore teachers not involved in testing will be asked to help out core teams, similar to the Red Zone days.
10. We plan on getting debt slips out to teachers next week so that students can go ahead and start paying them off. More details to follow.
11. Allotment updates: 8th grade has voted to go to departments for next school year. We are starting to finalize our plans to start making the master schedule. We will share all information with teachers as decisions are made.
12. Please remember that everybody's H-drive and S-drive online will be wiped out by Central Office this summer. So save any documents or files on a flash drive if you need to keep any of them for future use.
13. We plan to distribute yearbooks on Friday, June 10. We will start with 6th and 7th grade that morning and then finish with 8th grade when they return from electives. More details will be sent out on the process.
14. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips will be sent out to 8th graders soon regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well!
15. We apologize that Tuesday's Chorus concert had to be postponed. Jennifer Wells is very sick and we felt that this was the right decision. We do not yet know the rescheduled date, but we will pass that information along when we get it.
Calendar Updates
Monday, May 16 - Short staff meeting/Retirement Party for Betsy/Lillian
Tuesday, May 17 - UNCG meeting with cooperating teachers (2:20pm)
Thursday, May 19 - MS/HS Transfer Fair - Education Bldg, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Thursday, May 19 - SEMS Athletic Awards Ceremony, 6 - 7:30pm
Monday, May 23 - Staff Meeting, 2:15pm
Monday, May 23 - EOG Survey
May 24 - 26 - EOGs!
Friday, May 27 - Reflections Reception (only 14 students affected)
Happy Birthday!
Lesley Guffey 5/1
Irma Jones 5/6
Denise Stephenson 5/18
Wendy Furrer 5/18
Heath Benner 5/20
Kim Gregg 5/21
Bridgette Watson 5/23
Nick Pizzino 5/26
Kendra Mabry 5/28
Dustin Draughn 5/30
THURSDAY, MAY 12
1. Kay Hoag will not return for the remainder of the school year. She is continuing to work on her health. We wish her the best! Katrina Tschekunow's grandfather passed away earlier this week. Please keep these folks in your thoughts.
2. Please be sure to check out the budget updates that were emailed out to all staff members on Wednesday. The School Board has started voting on cuts for next year. Some of these changes are going to be difficult for all of us. The furlough that our school board approved has to be approved by the State Board. If they do not approve it, then the school system will probably consider a 1% permanent pay reduction for all employees.
3. Information was sent out by WSFCS regarding insurance plans. Members that wish to change their insurance plan may do so up until June 8. Please refer to the information received from the school system.
4. It is hard to believe that testing is right around the corner. Please continue to keep your students focused and on task. Keep your routine as structured as possible from now through the last day of school, including after each day of testing. I know that our kids get antsy very quickly, but continue to stay strong and push forward. This staff is AMAZING at pulling things together!
Please take this next week to prepare your classroom for testing. All information on the walls regarding your subject area or test taking skills, etc., must be removed. Please be sure that your room is clean and orderly. All classrooms will be inspected prior to May 24 to ensure that all of them are clear for testing.
5. Katrina Tschekunow, our TAC rep, will be getting out information to all staff members this week about calendar options for the 2012-2013 school year. We will do a staff vote on those options at the staff meeting Monday.
6. Don't forget our retirement party for Betsy and Lillian on Monday afternoon! We have have a brief meeting beforehand to vote on the 2012-2013 school system calendar and then the festivities will begin. Thanks to both of you for your service to the school and our students.
7. Deb Neal has given all core teachers their Career Start instructions and survey material. Please be sure to complete this in a timely manner. We are held accountable for this information.
8. The SIT team had a very productive meeting on Monday. An email was sent to you earlier this week regarding topics covered, openings for representatives for next year, and input needed from staff members. Please be sure to discuss these topics with your current reps. SIT will have another meeting before the end of the school year to vote on several issues for next year.
9. Red Zone plans were placed in your mailboxes last week. Core teachers, please be sure to touch base with your encore teachers to coordinate enrichment activities/groups for the Red Zone days. All enrichment periods are expected to be just that - an enrichment sessions. This time is not for a celebration or a movie. We do not want our Red Zone students to feel like they are being punished while being tutored.
In addition, we will more than likely use a similar schedule for the retesting days. On retest days, we will need some teachers to administer tests and others to cover remaining classes. Encore teachers not involved in testing will be asked to help out core teams, similar to the Red Zone days.
10. We plan on getting debt slips out to teachers next week so that students can go ahead and start paying them off. More details to follow.
11. Allotment updates: 8th grade has voted to go to departments for next school year. We are starting to finalize our plans to start making the master schedule. We will share all information with teachers as decisions are made.
12. Please remember that everybody's H-drive and S-drive online will be wiped out by Central Office this summer. So save any documents or files on a flash drive if you need to keep any of them for future use.
13. We plan to distribute yearbooks on Friday, June 10. We will start with 6th and 7th grade that morning and then finish with 8th grade when they return from electives. More details will be sent out on the process.
14. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips will be sent out to 8th graders soon regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well!
15. We apologize that Tuesday's Chorus concert had to be postponed. Jennifer Wells is very sick and we felt that this was the right decision. We do not yet know the rescheduled date, but we will pass that information along when we get it.
Calendar Updates
Monday, May 16 - Short staff meeting/Retirement Party for Betsy/Lillian
Tuesday, May 17 - UNCG meeting with cooperating teachers (2:20pm)
Thursday, May 19 - MS/HS Transfer Fair - Education Bldg, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Thursday, May 19 - SEMS Athletic Awards Ceremony, 6 - 7:30pm
Monday, May 23 - Staff Meeting, 2:15pm
Monday, May 23 - EOG Survey
May 24 - 26 - EOGs!
Friday, May 27 - Reflections Reception (only 14 students affected)
Happy Birthday!
Lesley Guffey 5/1
Irma Jones 5/6
Denise Stephenson 5/18
Wendy Furrer 5/18
Heath Benner 5/20
Kim Gregg 5/21
Bridgette Watson 5/23
Nick Pizzino 5/26
Kendra Mabry 5/28
Dustin Draughn 5/30
Friday, May 6, 2011
Weekly Update 5/5/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, MAY 5
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
1. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Thanks to ALL of our staff members for their dedication to our students and school. Thank you for making SEMS the best middle school in the county!
2. Thanks to the PTSA for providing a delicious lunch this week. Also, many thanks to our Hospitality Committee for providing breakfast!
3. Congratulations to the Music Department on their victories at Carowinds! We are so proud of our music teachers and students!
4. It is hard to believe that testing is right around the corner. Please continue to keep your students focused and on task. Keep your routine as structured as possible from now through the last day of school. I know that our kids get antsy very quickly, but continue to stay strong and push forward. This staff is AMAZING at pulling things together!
5. There will be a School Improvement Team meeting on Monday, May 9, at 2:15pm. The following items will be discussed: Election of any new members and co-chair, tutoring for next year, and student dress code.
6. Career Start information for core teachers - Deb Neal will be delivering the Career Start directions and survey information for students to be taken care of before the end of the year. Please be sure to get this completed by the deadline. We are held accountable for this.
7. The Red Zone plan has been placed in all staff mailboxes (green sheet). It includes schedules, tutors, coverage, etc. There may be some details left to adjust, but otherwise we are ready to move forward with the plan. Each grade level can decide how to split up and do the sessions (i.e. keep your own students all three days or rotate).
8. Allotment Updates: We are still working on finalizing some of our part-time and full-time encore positions. We can now confirm that 7th grade encore block WILL be in the afternoon slot next year. Also, the best news is that we just confirmed that we will be receiving another POD and the two mobiles will be taken out for next year. This is great news for our space issues! More to come...
9. Substitute coverages: Getting all classes covered every day has become increasingly difficult, especially as we get closer to testing. Please know that your absorption plan may have to be used more often between now and the end of the year if we are unable to get coverage in a particular classroom. I know that is a frustrating thing to deal with, but in some cases, we have no choice. This will become an even bigger issue next school year with our numbers and shortage of staff.
10. With Jeff leaving us, it is important for all of us to be on the same page when it comes to technology. Deb Neal and I will put together instructions regarding EOG grading. We will give you very detailed instructions at the end of the year regarding technology. In the meantime, if you have a situation where a computer needs to be unlocked, please contact Lisa Turner. If you have a malfunction with any computer, then we will have to put in a heat ticket for central office to repair. If you wish to sign up for a computer lab, please reserve it through the school website. Please remember that no staff members are permitted at any time to take a computer from one room and relocate to another room (excluding the mobile cart of course). Each computer is assigned to a particular location that we are not permitted to change.
11. Also, please remember to start taking a look at your online files on the H drive - if you don't move them before the end of the year, they will be erased!
12. Caleb's Creek will hold their field days on our campus on May 12 and 13. No classes may be outside on the field on these dates. In addition, CCES will use our track on June 3, so the track may not be used on this day. As always, teams should consult with the PE department before using any of our field space or the track to ensure that there is available space.
13. Earlier you were forwarded a message regarding installment pay options for next school year. All staff members have until August to select their option for number of paychecks per year. Please see earlier email.
14. Thanks to everyone for assisting with our new dismissal pattern. This week the buses have been getting out of the lot right on time. We appreciate everyone's help to make it work. Please continue the same pattern and supervision spots.
15. We plan to distribute yearbooks on Friday, June 10. We will start with 6th and 7th grade that morning and then finish with 8th grade when they return from electives. More details will be sent out on the process.
16. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips will be sent out to 8th graders soon regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well!
17. Music concerts are taking place next week. Please be sure to sign up if you have not already.
CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is up and running. It has been updated today and even includes all field trips on the schedule. Please visit on a regular basis to keep up with upcoming events and meetings. Remember to immediately sign in when you get on the website so that you have access to all Teacher Resources.
Friday, May 6 - NJHS Induction
Monday, May 9 - SIT Meeting
Tuesday, May 10 - Chorus concert @ Glenn HS
Wednesday, May 11 - Core/Encore Progress Reports
Wednesday, May 11 - Band Concert @ SEMS
Thursday, May 12 - Orchestra concert @ Glenn HS
Thursday, May 12 - Grade Level Meetings - EOG Training
Happy Birthday to all of our May staff members! I am sorry that I do not have a complete list - I didn't want to leave anybody out. Sharon usually takes care of all of that for us!
THURSDAY, MAY 5
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
1. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Thanks to ALL of our staff members for their dedication to our students and school. Thank you for making SEMS the best middle school in the county!
2. Thanks to the PTSA for providing a delicious lunch this week. Also, many thanks to our Hospitality Committee for providing breakfast!
3. Congratulations to the Music Department on their victories at Carowinds! We are so proud of our music teachers and students!
4. It is hard to believe that testing is right around the corner. Please continue to keep your students focused and on task. Keep your routine as structured as possible from now through the last day of school. I know that our kids get antsy very quickly, but continue to stay strong and push forward. This staff is AMAZING at pulling things together!
5. There will be a School Improvement Team meeting on Monday, May 9, at 2:15pm. The following items will be discussed: Election of any new members and co-chair, tutoring for next year, and student dress code.
6. Career Start information for core teachers - Deb Neal will be delivering the Career Start directions and survey information for students to be taken care of before the end of the year. Please be sure to get this completed by the deadline. We are held accountable for this.
7. The Red Zone plan has been placed in all staff mailboxes (green sheet). It includes schedules, tutors, coverage, etc. There may be some details left to adjust, but otherwise we are ready to move forward with the plan. Each grade level can decide how to split up and do the sessions (i.e. keep your own students all three days or rotate).
8. Allotment Updates: We are still working on finalizing some of our part-time and full-time encore positions. We can now confirm that 7th grade encore block WILL be in the afternoon slot next year. Also, the best news is that we just confirmed that we will be receiving another POD and the two mobiles will be taken out for next year. This is great news for our space issues! More to come...
9. Substitute coverages: Getting all classes covered every day has become increasingly difficult, especially as we get closer to testing. Please know that your absorption plan may have to be used more often between now and the end of the year if we are unable to get coverage in a particular classroom. I know that is a frustrating thing to deal with, but in some cases, we have no choice. This will become an even bigger issue next school year with our numbers and shortage of staff.
10. With Jeff leaving us, it is important for all of us to be on the same page when it comes to technology. Deb Neal and I will put together instructions regarding EOG grading. We will give you very detailed instructions at the end of the year regarding technology. In the meantime, if you have a situation where a computer needs to be unlocked, please contact Lisa Turner. If you have a malfunction with any computer, then we will have to put in a heat ticket for central office to repair. If you wish to sign up for a computer lab, please reserve it through the school website. Please remember that no staff members are permitted at any time to take a computer from one room and relocate to another room (excluding the mobile cart of course). Each computer is assigned to a particular location that we are not permitted to change.
11. Also, please remember to start taking a look at your online files on the H drive - if you don't move them before the end of the year, they will be erased!
12. Caleb's Creek will hold their field days on our campus on May 12 and 13. No classes may be outside on the field on these dates. In addition, CCES will use our track on June 3, so the track may not be used on this day. As always, teams should consult with the PE department before using any of our field space or the track to ensure that there is available space.
13. Earlier you were forwarded a message regarding installment pay options for next school year. All staff members have until August to select their option for number of paychecks per year. Please see earlier email.
14. Thanks to everyone for assisting with our new dismissal pattern. This week the buses have been getting out of the lot right on time. We appreciate everyone's help to make it work. Please continue the same pattern and supervision spots.
15. We plan to distribute yearbooks on Friday, June 10. We will start with 6th and 7th grade that morning and then finish with 8th grade when they return from electives. More details will be sent out on the process.
16. The PTSA will have a dance for our 8th graders on Friday, June 3, from 7-9pm. All staff members are welcome to attend. Information and permission slips will be sent out to 8th graders soon regarding requirements, procedures, etc. We'd love to see you all come out and wish our 8th graders well!
17. Music concerts are taking place next week. Please be sure to sign up if you have not already.
CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is up and running. It has been updated today and even includes all field trips on the schedule. Please visit on a regular basis to keep up with upcoming events and meetings. Remember to immediately sign in when you get on the website so that you have access to all Teacher Resources.
Friday, May 6 - NJHS Induction
Monday, May 9 - SIT Meeting
Tuesday, May 10 - Chorus concert @ Glenn HS
Wednesday, May 11 - Core/Encore Progress Reports
Wednesday, May 11 - Band Concert @ SEMS
Thursday, May 12 - Orchestra concert @ Glenn HS
Thursday, May 12 - Grade Level Meetings - EOG Training
Happy Birthday to all of our May staff members! I am sorry that I do not have a complete list - I didn't want to leave anybody out. Sharon usually takes care of all of that for us!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Weekly Update 4/28/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
1. Ted Pitt remains in the nursing home. Sharon is staying by his side. He remains very sick. Kay Hoag will now be out for another two weeks. Portia Lakey's father continues to struggle with cancer. Please keep these families in your thought and prayers.
2. NCAE is holding an education rally on May 3 at 4:00pm in Raleigh. All educators are encouraged to attend, no matter what your position is. I know that there are several of you interested in going. Nancy Holmes has posted the information in the teacher workroom. Please come out and support education! Let's all wear red on Tuesday, May 3, to support education!
3. Next week is Educator Appreciation Week! Thanks to everyone for all that you do for our students and community! The PTSA will treat staff members to a salad and potato bar on Thursday, May 5. Thanks to our PTSA volunteers!
4. We will have some visitors over the next week to observe Instant Recess. Please remember that this is not evaluative. They will be collecting data on the IR program. The last day for Instant Recess is scheduled to be Friday, May 6. We will also need to collect some feedback from each homebase teacher regarding the success of IR in your classroom. More information to come.
5. With Jeff leaving us, it is important for all of us to be on the same page when it comes to technology. Deb Neal and I will put together instructions regarding EOG grading. We will give you very detailed instructions at the end of the year regarding technology. In the meantime, if you have a situation where a computer needs to be unlocked, please contact Lisa Turner. If you have a malfunction with any computer, then we will have to put in a heat ticket for central office to repair. If you wish to sign up for a computer lab, please reserve it through the school website. Please remember that no staff members are permitted at any time to take a computer from one room and relocate to another room (excluding the mobile cart of course). Each computer is assigned to a particular location that we are not permitted to change.
6. There will be a School Improvement Team meeting on Monday, May 9, at 2:15pm. The following items will be discussed: Election of any new members and co-chair, tutoring for next year, and student dress code.
7. The NJHS will hold their induction on Friday, May 6, from 8:00 - 9:15 in the multi-purpose room. They will also hold practice on Thursday, May 5, from 1:00 - 2:00pm. We will forward you a complete list of members involved.
8. Please review the email regarding furlough days for staff members. There is detailed information in the email from WSFCS that was sent on Wednesday.
9. There has been much discussion at the district level in regards to the Study Skills classes for next school year. The original plan from them was for each core teacher to have a Study Skills class during encore time. Now the district is stating that instead of Study Skills classes, we are to go back to tutoring in some form. I will share more information on this as we get it. The plan has not been finalized. If we are told to move forward with tutoring, then the School Improvement Team will look at a tutoring plan for next year.
10. Caleb's Creek will hold their field days on our campus on May 12 and 13. No classes may be outside on the field on these dates. In addition, CCES will use our track on June 3, so the track may not be used on this day. As always, teams should consult with the PE department before using any of our field space or the track to ensure that there is available space.
11. Earlier you were forwarded a message regarding installment pay options for next school year. All staff members have until August to select their option for number of paychecks per year. Please see earlier email.
12. Soon it will be time to sign up for spring concerts. Those who worked the 6th grade Open House back in February are exempt from the spring concerts. The Chorus concert will be held on Tuesday, May 10, at Glenn HS, the Band Concert will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at SEMS, and the Orchestra concert will be held on Thursday, May 12, at Glenn HS. All concerts begin at 6:00pm. We will post the sign-up sheets on Monday, May 2, at 2:00. If you are unsure about whether or not you need to sign up, please see Susie.
13. If you are planning on having any celebrations or special events during the 4th quarter, we ask that you use student debt as one of the incentive pieces. We will work to get you debt information sooner this quarter. In addition, please be very specific about requirements if you are planning an incentive events. You will need to put those requirements in writing to the kids ahead of time.
CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is up and running. It has been updated today and even includes all field trips on the schedule. Please visit on a regular basis to keep up with upcoming events and meetings. Remember to immediately sign in when you get on the website so that you have access to all Teacher Resources.
Saturday, April 30 - Music Trip to Carowinds
Monday, May 2 - Staff Meeting
Tuesday, May 3 - One Voice educator rally in Raleigh
Wednesday, May 4 - Conference Track Meet @ Mt. Tabor
Thursday, May 5 - PTSA Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Friday, May 6 - NJHS Induction
Monday, May 9 - SIT Meeting
Tuesday, May 10 - Chorus concert @ Glenn HS
Wednesday, May 11 - Core/Encore Progress Reports
Wednesday, May 11 - Band Concert @ SEMS
Thursday, May 12 - Orchestra concert @ Glenn HS
Thursday, May 12 - Grade Level Meetings - EOG Training
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
1. Ted Pitt remains in the nursing home. Sharon is staying by his side. He remains very sick. Kay Hoag will now be out for another two weeks. Portia Lakey's father continues to struggle with cancer. Please keep these families in your thought and prayers.
2. NCAE is holding an education rally on May 3 at 4:00pm in Raleigh. All educators are encouraged to attend, no matter what your position is. I know that there are several of you interested in going. Nancy Holmes has posted the information in the teacher workroom. Please come out and support education! Let's all wear red on Tuesday, May 3, to support education!
3. Next week is Educator Appreciation Week! Thanks to everyone for all that you do for our students and community! The PTSA will treat staff members to a salad and potato bar on Thursday, May 5. Thanks to our PTSA volunteers!
4. We will have some visitors over the next week to observe Instant Recess. Please remember that this is not evaluative. They will be collecting data on the IR program. The last day for Instant Recess is scheduled to be Friday, May 6. We will also need to collect some feedback from each homebase teacher regarding the success of IR in your classroom. More information to come.
5. With Jeff leaving us, it is important for all of us to be on the same page when it comes to technology. Deb Neal and I will put together instructions regarding EOG grading. We will give you very detailed instructions at the end of the year regarding technology. In the meantime, if you have a situation where a computer needs to be unlocked, please contact Lisa Turner. If you have a malfunction with any computer, then we will have to put in a heat ticket for central office to repair. If you wish to sign up for a computer lab, please reserve it through the school website. Please remember that no staff members are permitted at any time to take a computer from one room and relocate to another room (excluding the mobile cart of course). Each computer is assigned to a particular location that we are not permitted to change.
6. There will be a School Improvement Team meeting on Monday, May 9, at 2:15pm. The following items will be discussed: Election of any new members and co-chair, tutoring for next year, and student dress code.
7. The NJHS will hold their induction on Friday, May 6, from 8:00 - 9:15 in the multi-purpose room. They will also hold practice on Thursday, May 5, from 1:00 - 2:00pm. We will forward you a complete list of members involved.
8. Please review the email regarding furlough days for staff members. There is detailed information in the email from WSFCS that was sent on Wednesday.
9. There has been much discussion at the district level in regards to the Study Skills classes for next school year. The original plan from them was for each core teacher to have a Study Skills class during encore time. Now the district is stating that instead of Study Skills classes, we are to go back to tutoring in some form. I will share more information on this as we get it. The plan has not been finalized. If we are told to move forward with tutoring, then the School Improvement Team will look at a tutoring plan for next year.
10. Caleb's Creek will hold their field days on our campus on May 12 and 13. No classes may be outside on the field on these dates. In addition, CCES will use our track on June 3, so the track may not be used on this day. As always, teams should consult with the PE department before using any of our field space or the track to ensure that there is available space.
11. Earlier you were forwarded a message regarding installment pay options for next school year. All staff members have until August to select their option for number of paychecks per year. Please see earlier email.
12. Soon it will be time to sign up for spring concerts. Those who worked the 6th grade Open House back in February are exempt from the spring concerts. The Chorus concert will be held on Tuesday, May 10, at Glenn HS, the Band Concert will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at SEMS, and the Orchestra concert will be held on Thursday, May 12, at Glenn HS. All concerts begin at 6:00pm. We will post the sign-up sheets on Monday, May 2, at 2:00. If you are unsure about whether or not you need to sign up, please see Susie.
13. If you are planning on having any celebrations or special events during the 4th quarter, we ask that you use student debt as one of the incentive pieces. We will work to get you debt information sooner this quarter. In addition, please be very specific about requirements if you are planning an incentive events. You will need to put those requirements in writing to the kids ahead of time.
CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is up and running. It has been updated today and even includes all field trips on the schedule. Please visit on a regular basis to keep up with upcoming events and meetings. Remember to immediately sign in when you get on the website so that you have access to all Teacher Resources.
Saturday, April 30 - Music Trip to Carowinds
Monday, May 2 - Staff Meeting
Tuesday, May 3 - One Voice educator rally in Raleigh
Wednesday, May 4 - Conference Track Meet @ Mt. Tabor
Thursday, May 5 - PTSA Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Friday, May 6 - NJHS Induction
Monday, May 9 - SIT Meeting
Tuesday, May 10 - Chorus concert @ Glenn HS
Wednesday, May 11 - Core/Encore Progress Reports
Wednesday, May 11 - Band Concert @ SEMS
Thursday, May 12 - Orchestra concert @ Glenn HS
Thursday, May 12 - Grade Level Meetings - EOG Training
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Weekly Update 4/21/11
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
Everyone have a wonderful three day break! You deserve it! Please be safe and get some rest. We will hit the ground running when we return for our last push to prepare for testing. Thanks to everyone for all that you do.
1. Sharon Pitt may be out for an extended period of time. Ted remains in the nursing home in Stanleyville. Thanks to all who contributed to Sharon's box of goodies - she truly appreciated that. Please continue to keep the Pitts in your thoughts and prayers as well as Portia Lakey's family. Portia's father was recently diagnosed with cancer.
2. Wednesday, April 27, is Administrative Professionals Day. Thanks to all of our secretaries and support staff for all that you do for SEMS! We appreciate you!
3. NCAE is holding an education rally on May 3 at 4:00pm in Raleigh. All educators are encouraged to attend, no matter what your position is. I know that there are several of you interested in going. Nancy Holmes has posted the information in the teacher workroom. Please come out and support education!
4. We will have some visitors over the next two weeks to observe Instant Recess. Please remember that this is not evaluative. They will be collecting data on the IR program. The last day for Instant Recess is scheduled to be Friday, May 6. We will also need to collect some feedback from each homebase teacher regarding the success of IR in your classroom. More information to come.
5. With Jeff leaving us, it is important for all of us to be on the same page when it comes to technology. Deb Neal and I will put together instructions regarding EOG grading. We will give you very detailed instructions at the end of the year regarding technology. In the meantime, if you have a situation where a computer needs to be unlocked, please contact Lisa Turner. If you have a malfunction with any computer, then we will have to put in a heat ticket for central office to repair. If you wish to sign up for a computer lab, please reserve it through the school website.
6. We will have our music concerts during the second week of May. 6th and 7th grade teachers who worked the 6th/7th Open House in February have already fulfilled their duties for evening work. Remaining certified staff will be expected to sign up for one of the concerts. The dates are posted on the school calendar. We will post sign-up sheets for the concerts soon. I will keep you posted on that.
7. There has been much discussion at the district level in regards to the Study Skills classes for next school year. The original plan from them was for each core teacher to have a Study Skills class during encore time. Now the district is stating that instead of Study Skills classes, we are to go back to tutoring in some form. I will share more information on this as we get it. The plan has not been finalized. If we are told to move forward with tutoring, then the School Improvement Team will look at a tutoring plan for next year.
8. Dr. Martin has asked all 7th, 9th, and 11th graders to complete another survey. Deb Neal and I will get with the 7th grade teams to schedule it.
9. Caleb's Creek will hold their field days on our campus on May 12 and 13. No classes may be outside on the field on these dates. In addition, CCES will use our track on June 3, so the track may not be used on this day. As always, teams should consult with the PE department before using any of our field space or the track to ensure that there is available space.
10. This is the time of year to remind your students of behavior expectations for the remainder of the school year. Please continue to be structured in the classroom and consistent in discipline. Together we will work for a safe, structured, and successful end to our school year!
11. If you are planning on having any celebrations or special events during the 4th quarter, we ask that you use student debt as one of the incentive pieces. We will work to get you debt information sooner this quarter. In addition, please be very specific about requirements if you are planning an incentive events. You will need to put those requirements in writing to the kids ahead of time.
CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is up and running. It has been updated today and even includes all field trips on the schedule. Please visit on a regular basis to keep up with upcoming events and meetings. Remember to immediately sign in when you get on the website so that you have access to all Teacher Resources.
Friday, April 22 - NO SCHOOL!
Tuesday, April 26 - SEMS Presentation w/Chorus performance at the BOE meeting
Wednesday, April 27 - Administrative Professionals Day, Straight A Luncheon
Thursday, April 28 - Grade Level Meetings
Saturday, April 30 - Music Trip to Carowinds
Happy Birthday!
Jane Trace 4/2
Mike Smith 4/3
Kristen Thorne 4/14
Susie Hook 4/17
Anne DiPiazza 4/20
Sandra Denson 4/22
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
Everyone have a wonderful three day break! You deserve it! Please be safe and get some rest. We will hit the ground running when we return for our last push to prepare for testing. Thanks to everyone for all that you do.
1. Sharon Pitt may be out for an extended period of time. Ted remains in the nursing home in Stanleyville. Thanks to all who contributed to Sharon's box of goodies - she truly appreciated that. Please continue to keep the Pitts in your thoughts and prayers as well as Portia Lakey's family. Portia's father was recently diagnosed with cancer.
2. Wednesday, April 27, is Administrative Professionals Day. Thanks to all of our secretaries and support staff for all that you do for SEMS! We appreciate you!
3. NCAE is holding an education rally on May 3 at 4:00pm in Raleigh. All educators are encouraged to attend, no matter what your position is. I know that there are several of you interested in going. Nancy Holmes has posted the information in the teacher workroom. Please come out and support education!
4. We will have some visitors over the next two weeks to observe Instant Recess. Please remember that this is not evaluative. They will be collecting data on the IR program. The last day for Instant Recess is scheduled to be Friday, May 6. We will also need to collect some feedback from each homebase teacher regarding the success of IR in your classroom. More information to come.
5. With Jeff leaving us, it is important for all of us to be on the same page when it comes to technology. Deb Neal and I will put together instructions regarding EOG grading. We will give you very detailed instructions at the end of the year regarding technology. In the meantime, if you have a situation where a computer needs to be unlocked, please contact Lisa Turner. If you have a malfunction with any computer, then we will have to put in a heat ticket for central office to repair. If you wish to sign up for a computer lab, please reserve it through the school website.
6. We will have our music concerts during the second week of May. 6th and 7th grade teachers who worked the 6th/7th Open House in February have already fulfilled their duties for evening work. Remaining certified staff will be expected to sign up for one of the concerts. The dates are posted on the school calendar. We will post sign-up sheets for the concerts soon. I will keep you posted on that.
7. There has been much discussion at the district level in regards to the Study Skills classes for next school year. The original plan from them was for each core teacher to have a Study Skills class during encore time. Now the district is stating that instead of Study Skills classes, we are to go back to tutoring in some form. I will share more information on this as we get it. The plan has not been finalized. If we are told to move forward with tutoring, then the School Improvement Team will look at a tutoring plan for next year.
8. Dr. Martin has asked all 7th, 9th, and 11th graders to complete another survey. Deb Neal and I will get with the 7th grade teams to schedule it.
9. Caleb's Creek will hold their field days on our campus on May 12 and 13. No classes may be outside on the field on these dates. In addition, CCES will use our track on June 3, so the track may not be used on this day. As always, teams should consult with the PE department before using any of our field space or the track to ensure that there is available space.
10. This is the time of year to remind your students of behavior expectations for the remainder of the school year. Please continue to be structured in the classroom and consistent in discipline. Together we will work for a safe, structured, and successful end to our school year!
11. If you are planning on having any celebrations or special events during the 4th quarter, we ask that you use student debt as one of the incentive pieces. We will work to get you debt information sooner this quarter. In addition, please be very specific about requirements if you are planning an incentive events. You will need to put those requirements in writing to the kids ahead of time.
CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is up and running. It has been updated today and even includes all field trips on the schedule. Please visit on a regular basis to keep up with upcoming events and meetings. Remember to immediately sign in when you get on the website so that you have access to all Teacher Resources.
Friday, April 22 - NO SCHOOL!
Tuesday, April 26 - SEMS Presentation w/Chorus performance at the BOE meeting
Wednesday, April 27 - Administrative Professionals Day, Straight A Luncheon
Thursday, April 28 - Grade Level Meetings
Saturday, April 30 - Music Trip to Carowinds
Happy Birthday!
Jane Trace 4/2
Mike Smith 4/3
Kristen Thorne 4/14
Susie Hook 4/17
Anne DiPiazza 4/20
Sandra Denson 4/22
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