Weekly Update 1/9/13

SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013

1. Don't forget that the last SIOP moodle is due by Friday, January 11.  Please be sure to complete the questions for the Comprehensible Input section by this deadline. 

2. The standard 2-hour delay schedule appeared on the back of the staff agenda at 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.  I will email a copy of the delay schedule to all staff members. 

3. All staff have an invitation to join the GYRLS club on Tuesday, January 15, at 5:30pm for their Rainbow Tea.  They will be celebrating their successes and demonstrating what they have learned so far in this club. 

4. 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.  

5. The Finance Department has asked us to let all employees know that you will see a difference in your paycheck starting in January.  This is due to the change in FICA - it is going back to the original amount it was before our small raise last year.  

6. 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. 

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. 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.  

10. 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. 8 - 10 - Boys Basketball Tryouts
Jan. 11 - SEMS Spelling Bee (8:00am) 
Jan. 14 - SIT Meeting (2:15pm)
Jan. 15 - UNCG OSTE Mtg.(2:15pm)
Jan. 15 - GYRLS Rainbow Tea (5:30pm)
Jan. 17 - NAL Match vs. Northwest (@SEMS, 3:00pm)
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
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. 11 - Staff Meeting (2:20pm)

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