Weekly Update 3/10/11

SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, MARCH 10

1. Lots of folks to continue keeping in our thoughts and prayers:  Dedria Davis-King and her mother, Brian Griffin as he continues to heal from his surgery, April Bocholis' mother, Cindy Adams' cousin from the car accident, and Janie Murray's father passing.  I apologize if I left anyone off the list. 

2. Special thanks to Sharman Lakey for going above and beyond the call of duty!  Sharman cleaned up a big mess in the 7th grade bathrooms on Wednesday.  We appreciate her stepping up and "drowning out" the problem! Thanks for being a team player.

3. This week celebrates Social Workers.  Shasta, we appreciate everything you do for us!

4. It is time for Daylight Savings this weekend!  Please do not forget to set your clocks AHEAD one hour on Saturday night.

5. Thanks to everyone for a great start to our Instant Recess.  Most of our students have been participating.  It really does make a difference when the teacher encourages participation and works out with the kids.  If you plan to use Instant Recess more than your one time per day, please let me know for documentation purposes.  We are collecting data for this company.

6. I will send out an email this week regarding details on your options for the spring break workdays. 

7. There will be a double baby shower for Meg Speziale and Anna Moore on Monday, March 21, in the Media Center.  I believe you will receive more details from the 7th grade very soon.

8.  We will hold the PTSA DJ Dance Party on Friday, March 18, for any students who sold at least one box of candy for the PTSA fundraiser.  We will group 7th and 8th together from 8:15 - 9:15 in the Multi-Purpose room and then 6th graders will go from 12:45 - 1:45.  We are compiling the master list this week.  We will forward that to all staff so that you know who is eligible to attend.  This does not affect a huge number of students, so we are hoping that this will not create a huge disruption to your classes. 

9.  The Hoops for Heart drive is underway.  We will have the Hoops for Heart event in April.  The exact date has not yet been determined.  The only students that will be involved in the event are those that raise a minimum amount.   We will pass along more details to you at a later time.

10. If you plan to take any of your classes outside of the building, you must let the office know where you will be, get a walkie-talkie from the main office before going out, and check with the PE department regarding how much space is available outside on that date. Groups going outside may not mingle with the PE classes out on the fields. This is a safety issue.

11. The SEMS Spring Arts Festival is set for the evening of Tuesday, March 15. We will have the PTSA Spring Book Fair, music performances, art displays, visiting artists, arts and crafts fair, face painting, etc. Flyers went out two weeks ago.  We would love for you to attend with your family.  Please encourage your students to come and enjoy.  In addition, we are looking for anyone who would like to set up a booth.  Please help us to get the word out to the community.

12. Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy: Please share this information with staff. The State Board of Education and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation partnered to form the Piedmont Triad Leadership Academy, which will offer administrative licensure to aspiring principals who will serve in high needs schools. It’s a paid, one-year principal preparation program. The first class will begin with intensive coursework this summer, followed by a one-year residency in a high needs school. Graduates will be eligible for N.C. licensure as a school principal. You can find out more information at www.uncg.edu/elc/ptla.html.
We will have four informational meetings about the program:
• Monday, March 7, 3 p.m. in the Education Building – Room #219

• Monday, March 7, 4:30 p.m. in the Education Building – Room #219

• Friday, March 11, 3 p.m. in the Education Building – Room #223
• Friday, March 11, 4:30 p.m. in the Education Building – Room #223


CALENDAR UPDATES - The online calendar is now up and running. It has been updated. 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.

EC Development Meeting - March 14
Spring Arts Festival - March 15
Baby Shower for Meg and Anna - March 21

Mock EOG-style Quarter tests - March 22-23
Games 2 U incentive (from fall fundraiser) - April 6
Hoops for Heart dates - April

Happy Birthday!

Karen Thorpe 3/4
Forrest Munden 3/9
Dedria Davis-King 3/14
Brian Graham 3/14
Lillian thompson 3/15
Deborah Daniels 3/23
Jeff Nichols 3/27
Sherri Worrell 3/28