SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
1. Can you believe that it's the end of September already! Thanks again to all of you for a very smooth start to the year. I know that things are very overwhelming from time to time and that we don't have enough time in the day to get everything done, but this staff always pulls through together for the sake of our children! So please keep your head up and keep pushing forward. Let's continue our unified effort to help our students be successful!
2. Thanks to all of you who participated in the SIOP training on Monday afternoon. I hope that you found the session helpful and that you are able to bring back some ideas to your classrooms. Again, these strategies can be utilized to assist you in delivering your new curriculum to your students. Earlier this week you were sent directions on how to register for the online moodle session. Please complete the Lesson Preparation (#1 section) online by October 10. We have previewed the moodle - it is very easy to go through the questions. If you need any assistance, we are all here to help. Our next SIOP training session will be on Thursday, October 11, during grade level planning blocks. More information to come.
3. Student Council voting: The Student Council campaign video will be shown at the following times on Friday, September 28: 6th and 7th grade at 7:45am and 8th grade at 9:30am. All students should view the video and then vote on the voting sheets that will be supplied for you. Please see Mrs. Murray or Mrs. Frauenhoffer if you have any questions.
4. The deadline for students to turn in their free/reduced lunch applications is the second week of October. Please remind your students that they if they need to turn in their application, they must do so next week. If they need an application, the cafeteria has them.
5. School pictures will take place on Tuesday, October 2. We are forwarding the schedule to you. Please be sure that you are on time for your picture appointment with your class. [For 8th grade, you will do pictures with your 4th period class. There is a possibility that we will need to delay the end of 4th period by a couple of minutes. As soon as the last groups finish, we will switch to 5th period and maintain a normal schedule. We will alert you when to switch.]
6. Core and encore paper progress reports must go out on Wednesday, October 3. Encore teachers, please plan to give your A-day students their progress reports on Thursday.
7. Staff meeting on Monday. Topics of discussion include: Flexible benefits presentation, United Way kickoff, PTSA fundraiser kickoff, Bully Prevention Month kickoff, and School Improvement Plan approval.
8. Thanks to all staff who have signed up for the fall socials. The sign ups are now complete. I will confirm the social date with each staff member who has signed up. Those who did not sign up will be expected to work one of the winter concerts in December: Band winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Chorus winter concert @ Glenn HS (Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Orchestra winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 - 7:30pm).
9. October is Bully Prevention Month. Thanks to the Safety and Discipline committee for planning some activities for our students this month. We will be forwarding lesson ideas and information that we receive from WSFCS. In addition, students will receive information in their Wednesday folders and will participate in several activities throughout the month of October. October 10 is Unity Day - we are asking all students and staff to wear orange on this day to promote bully prevention. Please join us!
10. All 8th graders are required to take the EXPLORE test, which is a modified version of the ACT that students will take in 11th grade. On October 15, 8th grade students will take the EXPLORE Inventory Survey, so their 8th grade encore classes will be shortened on this day by about 10 minutes each. Other than that, we will follow a normal school schedule on this day. Then on October 18, 8th graders will take the EXPLORE test. Due to the requirements of the test, the number of EC/504 pull-out sessions required, and the need to have encore staff assist with the testing structure, we must go on an altered schedule on this day. We will forward you a copy of the altered schedule well before this date so that you may plan appropriately. More information on the test and the training involved will come from Deb Neal this week.
11. When updating grades in NCWISE, please be sure to click the 'Post to Parent' option on each assignment listed. This will make it visible to your parents. If you don't click this option, your parents cannot view how their student received their updated quarter grade.
12. Later in the fall, teachers will be introduced to an online engagement survey. This is a contract with WSFCS in all middle schools for this school year. Teachers will give students a 10-15 question online survey periodically throughout the year regardless their engagement in your class. It can be given after a particular lesson or unit. The purpose is for the teacher to gain extremely valuable information about how students learn, what they enjoyed, and their level of engagement. Teachers can use this information to adjust their instruction. I will be receiving much more information this month at my principals meetings - I will forward the details to you as soon as I have them.
13. If you are interested in working the ticket door for volleyball season and/or basketball season, please see me as soon as possible. In addition, we are looking for interested folks to work during basketball season - one to keep the scoreclock and one to keep the book.
14. If you are interested in ordering staff polos, please do so by October 1. Susie will be happy to hold your checks until payday if necessary. Ordering sheets are in Susie's office.
15. We will be visiting the LA and Math curriculum meetings over the next few weeks to share individual teacher ABC growth with you. Please note that this is not the teacher EVAAS report - those reports will come out later. ABC growth is the raw growth looking at just the scores, and this is done by the state. EVAAS teacher growth uses a formula to determine your growth. The two are similar, but not the same. The ABC growth for each of you will be a rough indicator of what your EVAAS growth may look like.
16. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: Field Trips (p. 10-11)
Field trips are a great way to enhance student learning. You can do an educational field trip or an incentive field trip. Staff are reminded that they must get a field trip approved by the principal in order to send out information or collect money. The field trip approval form is available online. You must see Sandy Derrah and Susie Hook to ensure that buses are available and that the fees, etc. are correct. Then the form comes to me for approval. Once approved, it will go on the master calendar and you will receive a copy of the approval. More details are available in the Staff Handbook. Please be sure to follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth field trip planning process.
Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily.
DUE DATES
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 28 - Student Council video and voting
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
Oct. 5 - 8th grade level meeting
Oct. 8 - Vertical curriculum meetings
Oct. 8-9 - Flexible Benefits appointments (will present info at Oct. 1 staff meeting)
Oct. 10 - Unity Day - Wear orange and take a stand against bullying!
Oct. 10 - 8th grade social (2-4pm)
Oct. 11 - SIOP Training #2 - during grade level planning
Oct. 12 - PTSA Fundraiser Kickoff - schedule is TBD
Oct. 13 - GYRLS Community Yard Sale @ SEMS (7:00am - 12:00pm)
Oct. 15 - 8th grade EXPLORE Inventory Survey
Oct. 16 - Fundraiser Turn-In Day
Oct. 16 - UNCG OSTE Mtg. (2:15pm)
Oct. 17 - 7th Grade Social (2-4pm)
Oct. 18 - 8th grade EXPLORE test (Altered school schedule)
Oct. 18 - Raven Knob Field Trip - 7th grade Outbacks
Oct. 19 - Fundraiser Turn-In Day
Oct. 19 - Town Hall Field Trip - 6th grade Apollos
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Weekly Update 9/20/12
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
1. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful first month of school. Your hard work is paying off! I know that we are overwhelmed, and we will probably continue to be overwhelmed during the school year, but the payoffs are definitely worth it. I appreciate everything that you all do.
2. We will conduct our required lock down drill on Monday at 12:45pm. We will make an announcement. In addition, we will have a fire drill by the end of September.
3. SIOP training will kickoff on Monday, September 24, at 2:15. All certified staff are to complete the training. In addition, all teacher assistants are expected to complete the training as well. All materials will be provided for you. In addition, all of us will complete an online module after each training. All staff will receive ESL and reading credit for completion of training and online follow up after each session.
4. Student Council voting: The Student Council campaign video will be shown at the following times on Friday, September 28: 6th and 7th grade at 7:45am and 8th grade at 9:30am. All students should view the video and then vote on the voting sheets that will be supplied for you. Please see Mrs. Murray or Mrs. Frauenhoffer if you have any questions.
5. In regards to students being tardy to class: Please remember that the ultimate goal is to quickly get the students in class and not wasting instructional time. The expectation for all staff is that if they hold a student for any reason making them tardy for their next class, then they must carry a signed agenda or signed note from the teacher in order to get into class. If everyone follows this, then students who show up to class late with no note should signal a "red flag." If any student comes to you late, please admit them to class and at that point you have several options: 1) You can call the teacher who they claim sent them to you late, 2) Follow up with that teacher later, or 3) Record tardies in your classroom (very similar to what our 8th grade tardy system is) and have consequences for those students coming in late for no excused reason. With our new supervision system in place, we shouldn't have hardly any students late to their classes. If you have a student come in more than 10 minutes late with no note and a staff member did not hold them, then that is considered skipping. The student should remain in class and a discipline referral should be turned in to an administrator later that day.
6. The expectation for certified staff is that you work one evening event per semester. This fall, you will have multiple events to choose from to satisfy this expectation: 8th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2:15 - 4:15), 7th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2:15 - 4:15), 6th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2:15 - 4:15), Band winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Chorus winter concert @ Glenn HS (Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Orchestra winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 - 7:30pm). All certified staff are expected to sign up for one event this fall. The sign-ups for the socials will be posted on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 2:20pm in the teacher workroom.
7. When updating grades in NCWISE, please be sure to click the 'Post to Parent' option on each assignment listed. This will make it visible to your parents. If you don't click this option, your parents cannot view how their student received their updated quarter grade.
8. If you are interested in ordering staff polos, please do so by October 1. Susie will be happy to hold your checks until payday if necessary. Ordering sheets are in Susie's office.
9. We will offer staff flu shots on November 13. If you plan to sign up for the shot, please see Susie to fill out the appropriate form.
10. Committees vs. Afterschool activities: To clarify, serving on a committee versus sponsoring an afterschool activity are two completely different things. Teachers are required to serve on a committee, whether it's SIT, Hospitality, NJHS Hearing Panel, etc. Sponsoring an afterschool activity is optional. If you sponsor an activity, that means I have approved and confirmed with you that you are sponsoring a student activity and how you are getting compensated for that.
11. I will be visiting the LA and Math curriculum meetings over the next two weeks to share individual teacher ABC growth with you. Please note that this is not the teacher EVAAS report - those reports will come out later. ABC growth is the raw growth looking at just the scores, and this is done by the state. EVAAS teacher growth uses a formula to determine your growth. The two are similar, but not the same. The ABC growth for each of you will be a rough indicator of what your EVAAS growth may look like.
12. November is just around the corner and presidential voting will be taking place. Please remember that there is a policy regarding staff conduct with political activity in schools (Policy 1311). The policy states that teachers are free "to study the political campaigns and the analysis of ALL sides of political issues. Employees are directed to use good judgment and discretion when discussing political views and beliefs with students." It is also important to note that certain employee conduct is prohibited. Employees are may not activity campaign or solicit the support of others while on duty, may not coerce or compel others to make contributions or support one particular candidate, and employees may not prepare, display, wear, or distribute campaign literature, materials, or signs against or for a particular candidate. This includes wearing stickers, buttons, or clothing. You can, however, have a bumper sticker on your personal vehicle. More details are listed in School Board Policy 1311.
13. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: New School Board Policy AR 1111
This policy is in reference to use of school mail and communication with students. School mail should be strictly used for school business. This is the best way to stay in contact with your parents and students in writing. Students should not be contacting you via a personal email account - this is for your protection. In addition, teachers are not allowed to communicate with students using their cell phones (even if you are using the school phone). If a student has a question about their assignment over the weekend or evening, then they should email the teacher. A complete description of this policy is in your Staff Handbook.
Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily.
DUE DATES
Sept. 21 - Evaluation self-assessment and PDP goals completed and signed online in McRel system
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 24 - SIOP Training Kickoff (2:15pm) - certified staff and teacher assistants
Sept. 27 - OPTIONAL technology training during grade level planning - Learning Village resources
Sept. 28 - Student Council video and voting
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
Oct. 5 - 8th grade level meeting
Oct. 8 - Vertical curriculum meetings
Oct. 8-9 - Flexible Benefits appointments (will present info at Oct. 1 meeting)
Oct. 10 - Unity Day - Wear orange and take a stand against bullying!
Oct. 10 - 8th grade social (2-4pm)
Oct. 11 - SIOP Training #2 - during grade level planning
Oct. 12 - PTSA Fundraiser Kickoff - schedule is TBD
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
1. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful first month of school. Your hard work is paying off! I know that we are overwhelmed, and we will probably continue to be overwhelmed during the school year, but the payoffs are definitely worth it. I appreciate everything that you all do.
2. We will conduct our required lock down drill on Monday at 12:45pm. We will make an announcement. In addition, we will have a fire drill by the end of September.
3. SIOP training will kickoff on Monday, September 24, at 2:15. All certified staff are to complete the training. In addition, all teacher assistants are expected to complete the training as well. All materials will be provided for you. In addition, all of us will complete an online module after each training. All staff will receive ESL and reading credit for completion of training and online follow up after each session.
4. Student Council voting: The Student Council campaign video will be shown at the following times on Friday, September 28: 6th and 7th grade at 7:45am and 8th grade at 9:30am. All students should view the video and then vote on the voting sheets that will be supplied for you. Please see Mrs. Murray or Mrs. Frauenhoffer if you have any questions.
5. In regards to students being tardy to class: Please remember that the ultimate goal is to quickly get the students in class and not wasting instructional time. The expectation for all staff is that if they hold a student for any reason making them tardy for their next class, then they must carry a signed agenda or signed note from the teacher in order to get into class. If everyone follows this, then students who show up to class late with no note should signal a "red flag." If any student comes to you late, please admit them to class and at that point you have several options: 1) You can call the teacher who they claim sent them to you late, 2) Follow up with that teacher later, or 3) Record tardies in your classroom (very similar to what our 8th grade tardy system is) and have consequences for those students coming in late for no excused reason. With our new supervision system in place, we shouldn't have hardly any students late to their classes. If you have a student come in more than 10 minutes late with no note and a staff member did not hold them, then that is considered skipping. The student should remain in class and a discipline referral should be turned in to an administrator later that day.
6. The expectation for certified staff is that you work one evening event per semester. This fall, you will have multiple events to choose from to satisfy this expectation: 8th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2:15 - 4:15), 7th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2:15 - 4:15), 6th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2:15 - 4:15), Band winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Chorus winter concert @ Glenn HS (Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Orchestra winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 - 7:30pm). All certified staff are expected to sign up for one event this fall. The sign-ups for the socials will be posted on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 2:20pm in the teacher workroom.
7. When updating grades in NCWISE, please be sure to click the 'Post to Parent' option on each assignment listed. This will make it visible to your parents. If you don't click this option, your parents cannot view how their student received their updated quarter grade.
8. If you are interested in ordering staff polos, please do so by October 1. Susie will be happy to hold your checks until payday if necessary. Ordering sheets are in Susie's office.
9. We will offer staff flu shots on November 13. If you plan to sign up for the shot, please see Susie to fill out the appropriate form.
10. Committees vs. Afterschool activities: To clarify, serving on a committee versus sponsoring an afterschool activity are two completely different things. Teachers are required to serve on a committee, whether it's SIT, Hospitality, NJHS Hearing Panel, etc. Sponsoring an afterschool activity is optional. If you sponsor an activity, that means I have approved and confirmed with you that you are sponsoring a student activity and how you are getting compensated for that.
11. I will be visiting the LA and Math curriculum meetings over the next two weeks to share individual teacher ABC growth with you. Please note that this is not the teacher EVAAS report - those reports will come out later. ABC growth is the raw growth looking at just the scores, and this is done by the state. EVAAS teacher growth uses a formula to determine your growth. The two are similar, but not the same. The ABC growth for each of you will be a rough indicator of what your EVAAS growth may look like.
12. November is just around the corner and presidential voting will be taking place. Please remember that there is a policy regarding staff conduct with political activity in schools (Policy 1311). The policy states that teachers are free "to study the political campaigns and the analysis of ALL sides of political issues. Employees are directed to use good judgment and discretion when discussing political views and beliefs with students." It is also important to note that certain employee conduct is prohibited. Employees are may not activity campaign or solicit the support of others while on duty, may not coerce or compel others to make contributions or support one particular candidate, and employees may not prepare, display, wear, or distribute campaign literature, materials, or signs against or for a particular candidate. This includes wearing stickers, buttons, or clothing. You can, however, have a bumper sticker on your personal vehicle. More details are listed in School Board Policy 1311.
13. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: New School Board Policy AR 1111
This policy is in reference to use of school mail and communication with students. School mail should be strictly used for school business. This is the best way to stay in contact with your parents and students in writing. Students should not be contacting you via a personal email account - this is for your protection. In addition, teachers are not allowed to communicate with students using their cell phones (even if you are using the school phone). If a student has a question about their assignment over the weekend or evening, then they should email the teacher. A complete description of this policy is in your Staff Handbook.
Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily.
DUE DATES
Sept. 21 - Evaluation self-assessment and PDP goals completed and signed online in McRel system
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 24 - SIOP Training Kickoff (2:15pm) - certified staff and teacher assistants
Sept. 27 - OPTIONAL technology training during grade level planning - Learning Village resources
Sept. 28 - Student Council video and voting
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
Oct. 5 - 8th grade level meeting
Oct. 8 - Vertical curriculum meetings
Oct. 8-9 - Flexible Benefits appointments (will present info at Oct. 1 meeting)
Oct. 10 - Unity Day - Wear orange and take a stand against bullying!
Oct. 10 - 8th grade social (2-4pm)
Oct. 11 - SIOP Training #2 - during grade level planning
Oct. 12 - PTSA Fundraiser Kickoff - schedule is TBD
Friday, September 14, 2012
Weekly Update 9/13/12
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
1. Please continue to keep our staff members in your thoughts and prayers...Kathy Hayes - her son is being transferred to a facility in Texas in hopes of a better recovery. Sandra Denson has asked for us to pass along a huge thank you to all of the SEMS family. She sincerely appreciates your support!
2. Staff Meeting - Monday, Sept. 17. Topics include: Presentation from SECU, evaluation refresher, reporting child abuse, etc.
3. SIOP training will kickoff on Monday, September 24, at 2:15. All certified staff are to complete the training. In addition, all teacher assistants are expected to complete the training as well. All materials will be provided for you. In addition, all of us will complete an online module after each training. All staff will receive ESL and reading credit for completion of training.
4. Homebase teachers received military status letters to distribute to students this week. Please ask the students to return this letter by next Wednesday. They do not have to put their name on the sheet. We just need confirmation of whether or not they have an immediate family member who has served in the military.
5. In regards to students being tardy to class: Please remember that the ultimate goal is to quickly get the students in class and not wasting instructional time. The expectation for all staff is that if they hold a student for any reason making them tardy for their next class, then they must carry a signed agenda or signed note from the teacher in order to get into class. If everyone follows this, then students who show up to class late with no note should signal a "red flag." If any student comes to you late, please admit them to class and at that point you have several options: 1) You can call the teacher who they claim sent them to you late, 2) Follow up with that teacher later, or 3) Record tardies in your classroom (very similar to what our 8th grade tardy system is) and have consequences for those students coming in late for no excused reason. With our new supervision system in place, we shouldn't have hardly any students late to their classes. If you have a student come in more than 10 minutes late with no note and a staff member did not hold them, then that is considered skipping. The student should remain in class and a discipline referral should be turned in to an administrator later that day.
6. Homework Guidelines: We know that parents sometimes question homework that is assigned. There is a School Board policy regarding homework for students. This is a broad policy with suggestions for quality homework. Those suggestions include: clear directions, relevant and appropriate homework, and ample/reasonable time to complete the assignment. In this policy, there is a recommended time for homework for middle school students. Recommended time for homework for our students is 45-90 minutes total each night. Please note that is a total amount, not per class. Teams and teachers, please work together to ensure that you are not assigning more homework than would fall in this range of time. Yes, some students work faster and some slower, but please continue to keep all students in mind when assigning homework.
7. The expectation for certified staff is that you work one evening event per semester. This fall, you will have multiple events to choose from to satisfy this expectation: 8th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2:15 - 4:15), 7th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2:15 - 4:15), 6th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2:15 - 4:15), Band winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Chorus winter concert @ Glenn HS (Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Orchestra winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 - 7:30pm). All certified staff are expected to sign up for one event this fall. The sign-ups for the socials will be posted on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 2:20pm in the teacher workroom.
8. Thanks to all of you for sending in your weekly curriculum minutes. Deb and I have enjoyed reading them. Just to clarify on the last question - what are your next steps and what will each member do for next week - please make sure that you are specific on this one. Your goal is for each team member to be able to bring something back to the table for the group, whether that be part of a common assessment or some ideas for an upcoming unit/project.
9. The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce is offering their annual teacher grants again this school year. Information was placed in your mailboxes. The grant deadline is October 1. If you plan to submit a grant, you are required to submit a copy to Gentry before turning it in.
10. Core teachers, please be sure to notify all encore staff when planning a field trip. All encore and main office staff must have a list of your field trip students at least 48 hours in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
11. We will offer staff flu shots on November 13. If you plan to sign up for the shot, please see Susie to fill out the appropriate form.
12. If any staff members are interested in coaching the dance team this school year, please see Nick Pizzino or me. You will be compensated for coaching this team.
13. Cafeteria update: We inquired about the back-up of the cafeteria line. At this time, Child Nutrition is not letting us serve pizza on both lines, which is the primary cause of the back-up. We'd like to thank our new cafeteria manager, Mrs. McMillan, for her hard work so far this year!
14. November is just around the corner and presidential voting will be taking place. Please remember that there is a policy regarding staff conduct with political activity in schools (Policy 1311). The policy states that teachers are free "to study the political campaigns and the analysis of ALL sides of political issues. Employees are directed to use good judgment and discretion when discussing political views and beliefs with students." It is also important to note that certain employee conduct is prohibited. Employees are may not activity campaign or solicit the support of others while on duty, may not coerce or compel others to make contributions or support one particular candidate, and employees may not prepare, display, wear, or distribute campaign literature, materials, or signs against or for a particular candidate. This includes wearing stickers, buttons, or clothing. You can, however, have a bumper sticker on your personal vehicle. More details are listed in School Board Policy 1311.
15. If you have any students who need to make up a test or classwork, then please work out a plan with your teammates or neighbors to do so. Sometimes ISS is available if it is not full. But please do not send students to the Media Center, Guidance Office, or Main Office for this purpose. These are functioning offices who do not offer that service.
16. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: Role of the School Improvement Team (p. 5)
SIT is represented by all areas of the school. Its purpose is to work with school leadership to make schoolwide decisions in the best interest of our students. There are some issues that are appropriate for SIT to address and other that need to be addressed specifically by administration (i.e. personnel). Feel free to take potential issues to your SIT representative. Please understand that the SIT rep will review your concern and take one of three actions on the matter: 1) Hold the issue and wait to see if any similar issues are occurring across the grade level/area, 2) Add the issue to the agenda for the next meeting, or 3) Do not take any action on the matter because it is not appropriate for SIT to address. Please know that you are well represented at our meetings and that your voices are being heard. SIT is a huge responsibility. So far this school year, SIT has taken action on the dress code procedures, hallway behavior procedures, and the School Improvement Plan - and it's only September! Thanks to all SIT members for a job well done (so far)!
Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily. Birthdays will soon be posted. We need to get all new staff birthdays added to our list.
DUE DATES
Sept. 21 - Evaluation self-assessment and PDP goals completed and signed online in McRel system
(We will conduct training prior to this date to assist you - please see info in your mailbox)
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 14 - Grade Level mtgs. - Evaluation refresher, McRel online
Sept. 17 - Staff meeting
Sept. 18 - SECU onsite visit for interested staff members
Sept. 20 - Open technology lab
Sept. 24 - SIOP Training Kickoff (2:15pm) - certified staff and teacher assistants
Sept. 27 - OPTIONAL technology training during grade level planning - Learning Village resources
Sept. 28 - Student Council video and voting
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
1. Please continue to keep our staff members in your thoughts and prayers...Kathy Hayes - her son is being transferred to a facility in Texas in hopes of a better recovery. Sandra Denson has asked for us to pass along a huge thank you to all of the SEMS family. She sincerely appreciates your support!
2. Staff Meeting - Monday, Sept. 17. Topics include: Presentation from SECU, evaluation refresher, reporting child abuse, etc.
3. SIOP training will kickoff on Monday, September 24, at 2:15. All certified staff are to complete the training. In addition, all teacher assistants are expected to complete the training as well. All materials will be provided for you. In addition, all of us will complete an online module after each training. All staff will receive ESL and reading credit for completion of training.
4. Homebase teachers received military status letters to distribute to students this week. Please ask the students to return this letter by next Wednesday. They do not have to put their name on the sheet. We just need confirmation of whether or not they have an immediate family member who has served in the military.
5. In regards to students being tardy to class: Please remember that the ultimate goal is to quickly get the students in class and not wasting instructional time. The expectation for all staff is that if they hold a student for any reason making them tardy for their next class, then they must carry a signed agenda or signed note from the teacher in order to get into class. If everyone follows this, then students who show up to class late with no note should signal a "red flag." If any student comes to you late, please admit them to class and at that point you have several options: 1) You can call the teacher who they claim sent them to you late, 2) Follow up with that teacher later, or 3) Record tardies in your classroom (very similar to what our 8th grade tardy system is) and have consequences for those students coming in late for no excused reason. With our new supervision system in place, we shouldn't have hardly any students late to their classes. If you have a student come in more than 10 minutes late with no note and a staff member did not hold them, then that is considered skipping. The student should remain in class and a discipline referral should be turned in to an administrator later that day.
6. Homework Guidelines: We know that parents sometimes question homework that is assigned. There is a School Board policy regarding homework for students. This is a broad policy with suggestions for quality homework. Those suggestions include: clear directions, relevant and appropriate homework, and ample/reasonable time to complete the assignment. In this policy, there is a recommended time for homework for middle school students. Recommended time for homework for our students is 45-90 minutes total each night. Please note that is a total amount, not per class. Teams and teachers, please work together to ensure that you are not assigning more homework than would fall in this range of time. Yes, some students work faster and some slower, but please continue to keep all students in mind when assigning homework.
7. The expectation for certified staff is that you work one evening event per semester. This fall, you will have multiple events to choose from to satisfy this expectation: 8th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2:15 - 4:15), 7th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2:15 - 4:15), 6th grade social (Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2:15 - 4:15), Band winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Chorus winter concert @ Glenn HS (Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm), Orchestra winter concert @ SEMS (Tuesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 - 7:30pm). All certified staff are expected to sign up for one event this fall. The sign-ups for the socials will be posted on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 2:20pm in the teacher workroom.
8. Thanks to all of you for sending in your weekly curriculum minutes. Deb and I have enjoyed reading them. Just to clarify on the last question - what are your next steps and what will each member do for next week - please make sure that you are specific on this one. Your goal is for each team member to be able to bring something back to the table for the group, whether that be part of a common assessment or some ideas for an upcoming unit/project.
9. The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce is offering their annual teacher grants again this school year. Information was placed in your mailboxes. The grant deadline is October 1. If you plan to submit a grant, you are required to submit a copy to Gentry before turning it in.
10. Core teachers, please be sure to notify all encore staff when planning a field trip. All encore and main office staff must have a list of your field trip students at least 48 hours in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
11. We will offer staff flu shots on November 13. If you plan to sign up for the shot, please see Susie to fill out the appropriate form.
12. If any staff members are interested in coaching the dance team this school year, please see Nick Pizzino or me. You will be compensated for coaching this team.
13. Cafeteria update: We inquired about the back-up of the cafeteria line. At this time, Child Nutrition is not letting us serve pizza on both lines, which is the primary cause of the back-up. We'd like to thank our new cafeteria manager, Mrs. McMillan, for her hard work so far this year!
14. November is just around the corner and presidential voting will be taking place. Please remember that there is a policy regarding staff conduct with political activity in schools (Policy 1311). The policy states that teachers are free "to study the political campaigns and the analysis of ALL sides of political issues. Employees are directed to use good judgment and discretion when discussing political views and beliefs with students." It is also important to note that certain employee conduct is prohibited. Employees are may not activity campaign or solicit the support of others while on duty, may not coerce or compel others to make contributions or support one particular candidate, and employees may not prepare, display, wear, or distribute campaign literature, materials, or signs against or for a particular candidate. This includes wearing stickers, buttons, or clothing. You can, however, have a bumper sticker on your personal vehicle. More details are listed in School Board Policy 1311.
15. If you have any students who need to make up a test or classwork, then please work out a plan with your teammates or neighbors to do so. Sometimes ISS is available if it is not full. But please do not send students to the Media Center, Guidance Office, or Main Office for this purpose. These are functioning offices who do not offer that service.
16. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: Role of the School Improvement Team (p. 5)
SIT is represented by all areas of the school. Its purpose is to work with school leadership to make schoolwide decisions in the best interest of our students. There are some issues that are appropriate for SIT to address and other that need to be addressed specifically by administration (i.e. personnel). Feel free to take potential issues to your SIT representative. Please understand that the SIT rep will review your concern and take one of three actions on the matter: 1) Hold the issue and wait to see if any similar issues are occurring across the grade level/area, 2) Add the issue to the agenda for the next meeting, or 3) Do not take any action on the matter because it is not appropriate for SIT to address. Please know that you are well represented at our meetings and that your voices are being heard. SIT is a huge responsibility. So far this school year, SIT has taken action on the dress code procedures, hallway behavior procedures, and the School Improvement Plan - and it's only September! Thanks to all SIT members for a job well done (so far)!
Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily. Birthdays will soon be posted. We need to get all new staff birthdays added to our list.
DUE DATES
Sept. 21 - Evaluation self-assessment and PDP goals completed and signed online in McRel system
(We will conduct training prior to this date to assist you - please see info in your mailbox)
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 14 - Grade Level mtgs. - Evaluation refresher, McRel online
Sept. 17 - Staff meeting
Sept. 18 - SECU onsite visit for interested staff members
Sept. 20 - Open technology lab
Sept. 24 - SIOP Training Kickoff (2:15pm) - certified staff and teacher assistants
Sept. 27 - OPTIONAL technology training during grade level planning - Learning Village resources
Sept. 28 - Student Council video and voting
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Weekly Update 9/6/12
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012
1. Please continue to keep our staff members in your thoughts and prayers: Kathy Hayes (son sick, recovering from surgery), Sandra Denson (mother very, very ill and in hospice), Sharman Lakey (mother in the hospital).
2. Thank you for a wonderful first two weeks of school! Our working together is paying off with our students. Please continue to supervise as assigned and review all CHAMPs expectations regularly. If we can maintain a unified front, then we could see a significant drop in our discipline issues. Thanks to all staff members for doing their part.
3. I have been asked to clarify a few details regarding your supervision duty spots during your planning. It is the expectation that all staff are on their duty spots as assigned. Those not on their duty spot will be addressed on an individual basis. The only acceptable reason why a teacher is not present at their supervision duty spot is if they are in an IEP meeting. If you are in a parent conference, evaluation conference, or are in a meeting/training, you are still expected to report to your location at the specified time. Please make this a routine for yourself to ensure that you are there on time. This is considered a priority for student safety.
4. In addition to the above statement, there was concern over interruption of your weekly curriculum meetings and reporting to your duty spot. When planning this supervision structure, that was taken into account. It was decided to assign your supervision spot by teams rather than by subject area so that your team meetings, which take place more than once per week, would not be interrupted. That interruption should only take place once per week at your curriculum meeting. My suggestion is to start your meetings on time, take a 5-10 minute break for duty, and then follow back up once your supervision duty has concluded.
5. Homework Guidelines: We know that parents sometimes question homework that is assigned. There is a School Board policy regarding homework for students. This is a broad policy with suggestions for quality homework. Those suggestions include: clear directions, relevant and appropriate homework, and ample/reasonable time to complete the assignment. In this policy, there is a recommended time for homework for middle school students. Recommended time for homework for our students is 45-90 minutes total each night. Please note that is a total amount, not per class. Teams and teachers, please work together to ensure that you are not assigning more homework than would fall in this range of time. Yes, some students work faster and some slower, but please continue to keep all students in mind when assigning homework.
6. The expectation for certified staff is that you work one evening event per semester. This fall, you will have multiple events to choose from to satisfy this expectation. We will have winter concerts in December. Then we will offer grade level socials on three separate afternoons after school sometime this fall (we are working on those dates right now). We will discuss this more at our next staff meeting.
7. The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce is offering their annual teacher grants again this school year. Information is being placed in your mailboxes for your review. The grant deadline is October 1. If you plan to submit a grant, you are required to submit a copy to Gentry before turning it in.
8. Core teachers, please be sure to notify all encore staff when planning a field trip. All encore and main office staff must have a list of your field trip students at least 48 hours in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
9. All parent contact logs should be turned in to Gentry by September 28.
10. Last week, an adult in the community was able to gain direct access to a child and was not authorized to. Please keep student safety in the front of your minds as the year progresses. If you see an adult you do not recognize or if they do not have a visitor pass on, feel free to stop and ask if they have registered in the main office. In addition, please do not prop open any exterior doors at any time. This presents an immediate safety concern for our students.
11. All certified teachers received their evaluation information last week in your mailboxes. You may go ahead and begin completing your self-assessment and PDP goals if you wish. On Sept. 10, Gentry will train the certified teachers NEW to the school district and then on Sept. 14, we will have grade level trainings in the computer lab for McRel online access so that you may complete your self-assessment and PDP goals. Please note that the online deadline for completing your self-assessment and the sign-off for the PDP is September 21.
12. Any staff members or clubs interested in doing the the Walk to Cure Diabetes, please let me know. I have a packet of information available.
13. All teachers are asked to develop a student absorption plan by the end of September. This plan is in case of an emergency if you have to leave the building. Your students will need to be split up between other teachers each period until we can get your classroom covered. Please get with your team, a neighbor, or a department to work together on your plan. Once finished, it should be posted on your safety clipboard by your door.
14. Encore teachers: Please be sure that you have a copy of the WSFCS A-day, B-day calendar. This will come in handy when the weather hits in the winter. We must stay on this schedule throughout the year. The only adjustments that need to be made will be during high school exam time. I will forward that schedule later in the fall once it is available.
15. Continue to encourage your students and parents to pay their fees, etc. online. It is a very simple process. They will need to go to the SEMS website and click on the link for online school payments. They must have their student's NCWISE number to complete the process. Anyone who sets up a field trip will need to work with Susie Hook to get that fee on the online payment system.
16. If any staff members are interested in coaching the dance team this school year, please see Nick Pizzino or me. You will be compensated for coaching this team.
17. November is just around the corner and presidential voting will be taking place. Please remember that there is a policy regarding staff conduct with political activity in schools (Policy 1311). The policy states that teachers are free "to study the political campaigns and the analysis of ALL sides of political issues. Employees are directed to use good judgment and discretion when discussing political views and beliefs with students." It is also important to note that certain employee conduct is prohibited. Employees are may not activity campaign or solicit the support of others while on duty, may not coerce or compel others to make contributions or support one particular candidate, and employees may not prepare, display, wear, or distribute campaign literature, materials, or signs against or for a particular candidate. This includes wearing stickers, buttons, or clothing. You can, however, have a bumper sticker on your personal vehicle. More details are listed in School Board Policy 1311.
18. Several staff members have asked about going to curriculum conferences. Please understand that we no longer have a staff development fund. This was taken away from us two years ago. Although we highly encourage you to go these events, you will have to fund the expenses if you wish to go.
19. If you have any students who need to make up a test or classwork, then please work out a plan with your teammates or neighbors to do so. Sometimes ISS is available if it is not full. But please do not send students to the Media Center, Guidance Office, or Main Office for this purpose. These are functioning offices who do not offer that service.
20. Staff Meeting - Monday, Sept. 17. Topics include: Presentation from SECU, evaluation refresher, reporting child abuse, etc.
21. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: Staff Absences (p. 4)
There is research to indicate that teacher attendance is tied directly to the success of the students in the classroom. We all have families and our own situations that do warrant an absence, but we must continue to prioritize our own attendance for the sake of our students. If you have to be out for sickness, you are expected to call into the Subfinder system before 6:00am. If you need to take a 1/2 or full personal day, you must fill out a personal leave slip and have it approved by me first. Then you can enter it into the Subfinder system. Most importantly, teachers may not earn "comp" time for any reason. This time actually does not exist for certified teachers in the classroom (it does exist for classified because they are on a hourly timesheet). Teachers cannot trade out time during the instructional day. Please review this section of the staff handbook for more details.
22. Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily. Birthdays will soon be posted. We need to get all new staff birthdays added to our list.
DUE DATES
August 31 - 6th/7th grade team schedules to Mrs. Pitt in main office
August 31 - Send home syllabus with your students.
Sept. 21 - Evaluation self-assessment and PDP goals completed and signed online in McRel system
(We will conduct training prior to this date to assist you - please see info in your mailbox)
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 7 - Grade Level mtgs. - NCWISE gradebook setup
Sept. 10 - Grade Level mtgs. ONLY for NEW WSFCS teachers (evaluation training)
Sept. 10 - SIT meeting, Committee meetings, PTSA Board Mtg
Sept. 12 - Open technology lab
Sept. 14 - Grade Level mtgs. - Evaluation refresher, McRel online
Sept. 17 - Staff meeting
Sept. 18 - SECU onsite visit for interested staff members
Sept. 20 - Open technology lab
Sept. 24 - SIOP Training Kickoff (2:15pm)
Sept. 27 - OPTIONAL technology training during grade level planning - Learning Village resources
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012
1. Please continue to keep our staff members in your thoughts and prayers: Kathy Hayes (son sick, recovering from surgery), Sandra Denson (mother very, very ill and in hospice), Sharman Lakey (mother in the hospital).
2. Thank you for a wonderful first two weeks of school! Our working together is paying off with our students. Please continue to supervise as assigned and review all CHAMPs expectations regularly. If we can maintain a unified front, then we could see a significant drop in our discipline issues. Thanks to all staff members for doing their part.
3. I have been asked to clarify a few details regarding your supervision duty spots during your planning. It is the expectation that all staff are on their duty spots as assigned. Those not on their duty spot will be addressed on an individual basis. The only acceptable reason why a teacher is not present at their supervision duty spot is if they are in an IEP meeting. If you are in a parent conference, evaluation conference, or are in a meeting/training, you are still expected to report to your location at the specified time. Please make this a routine for yourself to ensure that you are there on time. This is considered a priority for student safety.
4. In addition to the above statement, there was concern over interruption of your weekly curriculum meetings and reporting to your duty spot. When planning this supervision structure, that was taken into account. It was decided to assign your supervision spot by teams rather than by subject area so that your team meetings, which take place more than once per week, would not be interrupted. That interruption should only take place once per week at your curriculum meeting. My suggestion is to start your meetings on time, take a 5-10 minute break for duty, and then follow back up once your supervision duty has concluded.
5. Homework Guidelines: We know that parents sometimes question homework that is assigned. There is a School Board policy regarding homework for students. This is a broad policy with suggestions for quality homework. Those suggestions include: clear directions, relevant and appropriate homework, and ample/reasonable time to complete the assignment. In this policy, there is a recommended time for homework for middle school students. Recommended time for homework for our students is 45-90 minutes total each night. Please note that is a total amount, not per class. Teams and teachers, please work together to ensure that you are not assigning more homework than would fall in this range of time. Yes, some students work faster and some slower, but please continue to keep all students in mind when assigning homework.
6. The expectation for certified staff is that you work one evening event per semester. This fall, you will have multiple events to choose from to satisfy this expectation. We will have winter concerts in December. Then we will offer grade level socials on three separate afternoons after school sometime this fall (we are working on those dates right now). We will discuss this more at our next staff meeting.
7. The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce is offering their annual teacher grants again this school year. Information is being placed in your mailboxes for your review. The grant deadline is October 1. If you plan to submit a grant, you are required to submit a copy to Gentry before turning it in.
8. Core teachers, please be sure to notify all encore staff when planning a field trip. All encore and main office staff must have a list of your field trip students at least 48 hours in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
9. All parent contact logs should be turned in to Gentry by September 28.
10. Last week, an adult in the community was able to gain direct access to a child and was not authorized to. Please keep student safety in the front of your minds as the year progresses. If you see an adult you do not recognize or if they do not have a visitor pass on, feel free to stop and ask if they have registered in the main office. In addition, please do not prop open any exterior doors at any time. This presents an immediate safety concern for our students.
11. All certified teachers received their evaluation information last week in your mailboxes. You may go ahead and begin completing your self-assessment and PDP goals if you wish. On Sept. 10, Gentry will train the certified teachers NEW to the school district and then on Sept. 14, we will have grade level trainings in the computer lab for McRel online access so that you may complete your self-assessment and PDP goals. Please note that the online deadline for completing your self-assessment and the sign-off for the PDP is September 21.
12. Any staff members or clubs interested in doing the the Walk to Cure Diabetes, please let me know. I have a packet of information available.
13. All teachers are asked to develop a student absorption plan by the end of September. This plan is in case of an emergency if you have to leave the building. Your students will need to be split up between other teachers each period until we can get your classroom covered. Please get with your team, a neighbor, or a department to work together on your plan. Once finished, it should be posted on your safety clipboard by your door.
14. Encore teachers: Please be sure that you have a copy of the WSFCS A-day, B-day calendar. This will come in handy when the weather hits in the winter. We must stay on this schedule throughout the year. The only adjustments that need to be made will be during high school exam time. I will forward that schedule later in the fall once it is available.
15. Continue to encourage your students and parents to pay their fees, etc. online. It is a very simple process. They will need to go to the SEMS website and click on the link for online school payments. They must have their student's NCWISE number to complete the process. Anyone who sets up a field trip will need to work with Susie Hook to get that fee on the online payment system.
16. If any staff members are interested in coaching the dance team this school year, please see Nick Pizzino or me. You will be compensated for coaching this team.
17. November is just around the corner and presidential voting will be taking place. Please remember that there is a policy regarding staff conduct with political activity in schools (Policy 1311). The policy states that teachers are free "to study the political campaigns and the analysis of ALL sides of political issues. Employees are directed to use good judgment and discretion when discussing political views and beliefs with students." It is also important to note that certain employee conduct is prohibited. Employees are may not activity campaign or solicit the support of others while on duty, may not coerce or compel others to make contributions or support one particular candidate, and employees may not prepare, display, wear, or distribute campaign literature, materials, or signs against or for a particular candidate. This includes wearing stickers, buttons, or clothing. You can, however, have a bumper sticker on your personal vehicle. More details are listed in School Board Policy 1311.
18. Several staff members have asked about going to curriculum conferences. Please understand that we no longer have a staff development fund. This was taken away from us two years ago. Although we highly encourage you to go these events, you will have to fund the expenses if you wish to go.
19. If you have any students who need to make up a test or classwork, then please work out a plan with your teammates or neighbors to do so. Sometimes ISS is available if it is not full. But please do not send students to the Media Center, Guidance Office, or Main Office for this purpose. These are functioning offices who do not offer that service.
20. Staff Meeting - Monday, Sept. 17. Topics include: Presentation from SECU, evaluation refresher, reporting child abuse, etc.
21. Staff Handbook Focus of the Week: Staff Absences (p. 4)
There is research to indicate that teacher attendance is tied directly to the success of the students in the classroom. We all have families and our own situations that do warrant an absence, but we must continue to prioritize our own attendance for the sake of our students. If you have to be out for sickness, you are expected to call into the Subfinder system before 6:00am. If you need to take a 1/2 or full personal day, you must fill out a personal leave slip and have it approved by me first. Then you can enter it into the Subfinder system. Most importantly, teachers may not earn "comp" time for any reason. This time actually does not exist for certified teachers in the classroom (it does exist for classified because they are on a hourly timesheet). Teachers cannot trade out time during the instructional day. Please review this section of the staff handbook for more details.
22. Please be sure to check the online calendar regularly (accessed through your email system) for events and meetings. It is updated weekly and sometimes daily. Birthdays will soon be posted. We need to get all new staff birthdays added to our list.
DUE DATES
August 31 - 6th/7th grade team schedules to Mrs. Pitt in main office
August 31 - Send home syllabus with your students.
Sept. 21 - Evaluation self-assessment and PDP goals completed and signed online in McRel system
(We will conduct training prior to this date to assist you - please see info in your mailbox)
Sept. 28 - Parent contact log turned in, Safety Clipboard complete (including absorption plan), teacher webpage completed, sub folder complete and in mailbox.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 7 - Grade Level mtgs. - NCWISE gradebook setup
Sept. 10 - Grade Level mtgs. ONLY for NEW WSFCS teachers (evaluation training)
Sept. 10 - SIT meeting, Committee meetings, PTSA Board Mtg
Sept. 12 - Open technology lab
Sept. 14 - Grade Level mtgs. - Evaluation refresher, McRel online
Sept. 17 - Staff meeting
Sept. 18 - SECU onsite visit for interested staff members
Sept. 20 - Open technology lab
Sept. 24 - SIOP Training Kickoff (2:15pm)
Sept. 27 - OPTIONAL technology training during grade level planning - Learning Village resources
Oct.1 - Staff meeting
Oct. 2 - School pictures
Oct. 3 - Paper progress reports go out - core and encore
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