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