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