Weekly Update 1/17/13

SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

1. Please continue to keep the Hayes family in your thoughts and prayers.  Cathy will really need our support once she returns to work. 

2. The standard 2-hour delay schedule appeared on the back of the staff agenda at last Monday's meeting.  My apologies for not pointing this out to you at the meeting.  This schedule will be used in case of inclement weather delay days.  If we ever have a delay, all staff will be given a copy of the day's schedule, including the specific encore periods that will meet that day.  All staff members have also been emailed a copy of this schedule. 

3. The Winston-Salem Foundation is sponsoring education grants for any certified staff members, including teachers, counselors, coordinators, etc.  Staff can apply for a grant up to $1500 for professional development opportunities, conferences, or even guest speakers.  We highly recommend this opportunity for all of you.  To apply, please visit their website:  www.wsfoundation.org and click on the grants tab.  The deadline to apply is February 15.  
  
4. There is an existing School Board policy requiring teachers to do a moment of silence each school day.  They have asked all schools to ensure that there is an opportunity to do this every day.  The easiest solution is to do the moment of silence right before you recite the Pledge of Allegiance in your homebases.  The expectation is for all homebase teachers to do both of these each morning at 7:28am.  There are several 8th grade homebases who have their locker break at this time - those homebases are to do this at approximately 7:25am. 

5. Second quarter grades will be due by January 22 at 1:00pm.  All grades must be complete in the computer and grade verification sheets must be turned in to Mrs. Derrah by this deadline.  January 22 is a teacher workday.  Staff may take an annual day if they wish on January 22.  A staff intent sheet is posted in the workroom for you to indicate your intentions to work or take a day off on January 22.  In order to take this day off, teachers are required to have their grades completed and turned in before this day. 

6. Once you finalize and verify your grades, you cannot make changes to student quarter grades.  If you wish to change a grade after completing them, please fill out a grade change form (available in Mrs. Wilkes' office) and drop off to me for approval.  Once approved, I will sign off and give to Mrs. Wilkes to make the appropriate changes for you.  

7. We are required by the district and state to review bus safety rules with all students.  The administration is planning to record a brief presentation for teachers to show students toward the beginning of the third quarter.  More details coming soon. 

8. Spirit Week will take place from January 28 - February 1.  Monday = Twin Day, Tuesday = Jaguar Pride Day, Wednesday = Future Careers Day, Thursday = Patriotic Day, Friday = Sports Team Day.  We encourage all staff and students to participate in Spirit Week.  Staff will be allowed to dress casual for this week.  Details about dress code, etc. for the days will be forwarded to all staff to share with students. 

9. The PTSA is having another staff luncheon on January 31.  The cost is $5.00.  The menu consists of baked chicken, rice, salad, and a dessert.  If you wish to participate, please sign your name on the sheet in the teacher workroom and plan to pay your $5.00 on the day of the luncheon. Thanks to the PTSA for taking care of us!

10. We will hold our Rising 6th Grade Open House on January 29 from 6-7:30pm.  We will begin the evening with all parents and students in the gym.  I will speak to them for 10 minutes and then allow them to visit 6th and encore classrooms.  You are encouraged to set up any student projects or even have current students to do demonstrations in your classrooms.  The purpose of this event is for rising 6th grade parents to make informed choices for their child's middle school selection.  

11. In February, teachers will receive an email from DPI regarding an addition to your EVAAS teacher reports online. They are adding a snapshot document with your evaluation and EVAAS information together.  I will review the instructions for this at our next staff meeting and show how to access this report.   

12. The Spring Book Fair will take place April 15-19.  We will set it up similar to the schedule used last year, which minimally disrupted class time.  In addition, our third annual Spring Arts Festival will take place on the evening of Thursday, April 18.  More details coming soon.

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. 

UPCOMING DATES
Jan. 18 - End of Quarter!
Jan. 21 - MLK Holiday!
Jan. 22 - Teacher Workday (Reserved for School Workday)
Jan. 22 - Grades due by 1:00pm
Jan. 24 - NAL Match vs. Clemmons (@SEMS, 3:00pm)
Jan. 24 - Basketball vs. Clemmons (8th Away, 7th Home, 3pm)
Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 - Spirit Week!
Jan. 29 - Basketball vs. Meadowlark (8th Home, 7th Away, 3pm)
Jan. 29 - Rising 6th Grade Open House (6:00 - 7:30pm)
Jan. 30 - Report Cards go home!
Jan. 31 - Grade Level Meetings (during planning blocks)
Jan. 31 - NAL Match @ East Forsyth Middle (3pm)
Jan. 31 - Basketball vs. East Forsyth (8th Away, 7th Home, 3pm)
Feb. 4 - Technology Training (Certified staff, 2:15pm)
Feb. 5 - Basketball vs. Mineral Springs (8th Home, 7th Away, 4pm)
Feb. 7 - Basketball vs. Hanes (8th Away, 7th Home, 3:15pm)
Feb. 7,8,11,12 - PTSA Valentine's Candy Sale (during lunches)
Feb. 11 - Staff Meeting (2:20pm)
Feb. 14 - PTSA Valentine's Candy Grams delivery (during 6th period)

Future Dates for your Calendar:
Feb. 15 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
April 10 - MS/HS Teacher Transfer Fair
April 12 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show
April 15 - 19 - Spring Book Fair
April 18 - Spring Arts Festival