SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
Don't forget that paper progress reports are to go home for core and encore on Wednesday, Oct. 2!
1. Thank you for a wonderful lockdown drill. We had very few issues that can be easily corrected. We will have our next lockdown drill sometime during the second quarter.
2. Thank you for all of your cooperation in the evaluation process. Please remember to complete your required tasks by this Friday, Sept. 27. In addition, your administrators will be contacting you soon (if not already) to set up your pre-conference and first observation. Mentors, please note that we will have a brief meeting on October 14 in the computer lab at 2:20pm to review your requirements as a mentor. At that time, you will sign off on your mentee's initial PDP and learn how to fill out the required evaluation form.
3. We still have afterschool vacancies for Dance, 7th grade Girls Basketball, and afterschool tutors. Please let me know if you are interested in any of these.
4. SSC Learning Team Facilitators: Please remember to forward a copy of your meeting minutes to me weekly. Minutes should be in the expected format and received by Friday of each week.
5. WSFCS plans to kickoff the Powerschool Parent Portal for parents and families starting October 1. This online program will allow parents and guardians to have 24/7 access to their students' grades, attendance, and information. We will continue to send home paper progress reports on the noted dates as scheduled until this transition is complete. Please remember that district guidelines require teachers to update their online grades once per week, no matter how many students or classes you are assigned.
6. On September 30, we will have another EC development meeting at 2:20pm in the Media Center. Who should attend? EC staff and LA & Math core teachers who work with EC students are to attend.
7. Earlier this week, the Hospitality Committee sent out an email to request dues from staff members. Please consider paying your dues in order to get the benefits of the committee. The Hospitality Committee works very hard to provide special events for staff members. But more importantly, the committee acknowledges and supports staff members who have had an illness, death in the family, or crisis. Please see your earlier email from the committee to pay your dues by October 4. Staff members who pay their dues will be able to have a casual day and wear jeans on Wednesday, October 9. This is Unity Day, where we are requesting all staff members to wear orange in support of anti-bullying efforts.
8. Flu shots will be offered to all staff members here at SEMS on October 4. Staff members must sign up and fill out a required document in order to participate. Please see Susie Hook for the paperwork and requirements. This is a great opportunity to get your flu shot taken care of!
9. SEMS is starting up the Rachel's Challenge program this school year. As stated earlier this year, Rachel's Challenge promotes random acts of kindness and anti-bullying efforts. Our school will dedicate Thursday, October 17, to the Rachel's Challenge events. We will have a series of assemblies and even a community night event. We will have an altered schedule for this day, as we wish to focus all of our attention on this program. It is important to note that these events can be very moving and emotional, so we will forward more details to share with your students beforehand so that they understand what they will experience. We will also send some information home for parents and forward the schedule to you soon.
10. For your calendar planning, we are going to do a "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This is necessary due to the many student pull-out groups required. Reading and Math quarter testing is scheduled for October 28 and 29. Please see earlier quarter testing email for more information. 8th grade Science, please let us know your plans to complete your testing.
11. Please be sure to review the schedule for the October 8 EXPLORE test. Even though 8th graders are the only group testing, the test schedule will also affect other grade levels. Please review the information forwarded by Deb Neal.
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am, EXPLORE training)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 27 - Chamber of Commerce grant applications due
Sept. 30 - EC Development Mtgs. (staff members TBD)
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 - Student Council Campaign Week
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 2 - 7th Grade Outbacks to Raven Knob
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
Oct. 4 - Student Council videos and voting!
Oct. 4 - Encore meeting (11:25, Hatch's room, EXPLORE training)
Oct. 4 - 7th Grade Pharoahs to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Oct. 7 - 7th Grade Tsunamis to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - 8th Grade EXPLORE Interest Inventory
Oct. 8 - 8th Grade EXPLORE Testing (modified daily schedule)
Oct. 8 - Boys Soccer vs. Walkertown (3pm)
Oct. 9 - Cross Country Meet
Oct. 14 - Mentor evaluator training (2:20, Computer Lab)
Oct. 17 - Rachel's Challenge Assemblies (modified daily schedule)
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Weekly Update 9/19/13
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
1. We are currently working on the afterschool activities structure. There are several vacancies for several activities, including Dance (can be split between two people) and 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach. In addition, we are looking for more afterschool tutors (the program will run probably from December - March) and even an activity bus driver for tutoring during those months. If you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know. All positions are paid positions.
2. Please be sure to be on time at your supervision duty spot during your planning block. It is important that we help to hold each other accountable for being there, ensuring proper supervision of our students. Please let me know if any issues arise.
3. Please share the Student Council information with your students. All information is being forwarded from Ms. Frauenhoffer via email.
4. SSC Learning Team Facilitators: Please remember to forward a copy of your meeting minutes to me weekly. Minutes should be in the expected format and received by Friday of each week.
5. Please be sure to review your safety plan as discussed with your students in every class. We will have a monthly fire drill, and normally this drill will not be announced. In addition, we will have quarterly lockdown drills. The first drill will take place during the month of September. We will announce this first one for your convenience. It is important that you review the procedures with your students so that you are all prepared: glass in door covered, current class roster available, green/red circle visible at door, and door is locked (your door should be locked during the day).
6. Fire Marshall Report (9/18/13): The Fire Marshall inspected the building alongside Mr. Ortiz. Overall, our report was very positive. However, there are sets of doors that were documented with fines on deck for any future violations. The following immediate corrections are required to take place: Main office door must remain closed at all times, multi-purpose room doors must remain closed at all times (may not prop open), and ALL bookroom and darkroom doors in each hallway must remain closed at all times (may remain unlocked, but are required to stay closed). We predict more unannounced inspections throughout the year, so please be sure to follow these guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
7. WSFCS plans to kickoff the Powerschool Parent Portal for parents and families starting October 1. This online program will allow parents and guardians to have 24/7 access to their students' grades, attendance, and information. We will continue to send home paper progress reports on the noted dates as scheduled until this transition is complete. Please remember that district guidelines require teachers to update their online grades once per week, no matter how many students or classes you are assigned.
8. Tdap shots for 6th graders are due by September 25 in the Guidance Office. If any 6th grader turns in their Tdap form, please forward it to Guidance as quickly as possible. If any students have questions about a violation or suspension due to Tdap, please immediately refer those questions to the Guidance Office.
9. On September 30, we will have another EC development meeting at 2:20pm in the Media Center. Who should attend? EC staff and LA & Math core teachers who work with EC students are to attend.
10. SEMS is starting up the Rachel's Challenge program this school year. As stated earlier this year, Rachel's Challenge promotes random acts of kindness and anti-bullying efforts. Our school will dedicate Thursday, October 17, to the Rachel's Challenge events. We will have a series of assemblies and even a community night event. We will have an altered schedule for this day, as we wish to focus all of our attention on this program. It is important to note that these events can be very moving and emotional, so we will forward more details to share with your students beforehand so that they understand what they will experience. We will also send some information home for parents.
11. For your calendar planning, we are going to do a "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This is necessary due to the many student pull-out groups required. Reading and Math quarter testing is scheduled for October 28 and 29. Please see earlier quarter testing email for more information. 8th grade Science, please let us know your plans to complete your testing.
12. Please join us on Tuesday, September 24, at 2:20pm for a retirement party for Deb Neal and Phyllis Davis!
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 19 - Boys Soccer @ Jefferson (3pm)
Sept. 20 - 7th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5)
Sept. 20 - Sub folders complete and in your mailbox
Sept. 23 - SIT Mtg, Committee Mtgs. (2:20pm, locations TBD)
Sept. 24 - Retirement Party for D. Neal (2:20pm)
Sept. 24 - Boys Soccer vs. Flat Rock (3pm)
Sept. 24 - 27 - Student Council Application Period
Sept. 25 - Student Council Officer Interest Mtgs.
Sept. 25 - Lockdown drill (9:45am)
Sept. 25 - Cross Country Scrimmage @ Jefferson (4pm)
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am, EXPLORE training)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 27 - Chamber of Commerce grant applications due
Sept. 30 - EC Development Mtgs. (staff members TBD)
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 - Student Council Campaign Week
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 2 - 7th Grade Outbacks to Raven Knob
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
Oct. 4 - Student Council videos and voting!
Oct. 4 - Encore meeting (11:25, Hatch's room, EXPLORE training)
Oct. 4 - 7th Grade Pharoahs to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Oct. 7 - 7th Grade Tsunamis to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - 8th Grade EXPLORE Interest Inventory
Oct. 8 - 8th Grade EXPLORE Testing (modified daily schedule)
Oct. 8 - Boys Soccer vs. Walkertown (3pm)
Oct. 9 - Cross Country Meet
Oct. 14 - Mentor evaluator training (2:20, Computer Lab)
Oct. 17 - Rachel's Challenge Assemblies (modified daily schedule)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
1. We are currently working on the afterschool activities structure. There are several vacancies for several activities, including Dance (can be split between two people) and 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach. In addition, we are looking for more afterschool tutors (the program will run probably from December - March) and even an activity bus driver for tutoring during those months. If you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know. All positions are paid positions.
2. Please be sure to be on time at your supervision duty spot during your planning block. It is important that we help to hold each other accountable for being there, ensuring proper supervision of our students. Please let me know if any issues arise.
3. Please share the Student Council information with your students. All information is being forwarded from Ms. Frauenhoffer via email.
4. SSC Learning Team Facilitators: Please remember to forward a copy of your meeting minutes to me weekly. Minutes should be in the expected format and received by Friday of each week.
5. Please be sure to review your safety plan as discussed with your students in every class. We will have a monthly fire drill, and normally this drill will not be announced. In addition, we will have quarterly lockdown drills. The first drill will take place during the month of September. We will announce this first one for your convenience. It is important that you review the procedures with your students so that you are all prepared: glass in door covered, current class roster available, green/red circle visible at door, and door is locked (your door should be locked during the day).
6. Fire Marshall Report (9/18/13): The Fire Marshall inspected the building alongside Mr. Ortiz. Overall, our report was very positive. However, there are sets of doors that were documented with fines on deck for any future violations. The following immediate corrections are required to take place: Main office door must remain closed at all times, multi-purpose room doors must remain closed at all times (may not prop open), and ALL bookroom and darkroom doors in each hallway must remain closed at all times (may remain unlocked, but are required to stay closed). We predict more unannounced inspections throughout the year, so please be sure to follow these guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
7. WSFCS plans to kickoff the Powerschool Parent Portal for parents and families starting October 1. This online program will allow parents and guardians to have 24/7 access to their students' grades, attendance, and information. We will continue to send home paper progress reports on the noted dates as scheduled until this transition is complete. Please remember that district guidelines require teachers to update their online grades once per week, no matter how many students or classes you are assigned.
8. Tdap shots for 6th graders are due by September 25 in the Guidance Office. If any 6th grader turns in their Tdap form, please forward it to Guidance as quickly as possible. If any students have questions about a violation or suspension due to Tdap, please immediately refer those questions to the Guidance Office.
9. On September 30, we will have another EC development meeting at 2:20pm in the Media Center. Who should attend? EC staff and LA & Math core teachers who work with EC students are to attend.
10. SEMS is starting up the Rachel's Challenge program this school year. As stated earlier this year, Rachel's Challenge promotes random acts of kindness and anti-bullying efforts. Our school will dedicate Thursday, October 17, to the Rachel's Challenge events. We will have a series of assemblies and even a community night event. We will have an altered schedule for this day, as we wish to focus all of our attention on this program. It is important to note that these events can be very moving and emotional, so we will forward more details to share with your students beforehand so that they understand what they will experience. We will also send some information home for parents.
11. For your calendar planning, we are going to do a "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This is necessary due to the many student pull-out groups required. Reading and Math quarter testing is scheduled for October 28 and 29. Please see earlier quarter testing email for more information. 8th grade Science, please let us know your plans to complete your testing.
12. Please join us on Tuesday, September 24, at 2:20pm for a retirement party for Deb Neal and Phyllis Davis!
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 19 - Boys Soccer @ Jefferson (3pm)
Sept. 20 - 7th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5)
Sept. 20 - Sub folders complete and in your mailbox
Sept. 23 - SIT Mtg, Committee Mtgs. (2:20pm, locations TBD)
Sept. 24 - Retirement Party for D. Neal (2:20pm)
Sept. 24 - Boys Soccer vs. Flat Rock (3pm)
Sept. 24 - 27 - Student Council Application Period
Sept. 25 - Student Council Officer Interest Mtgs.
Sept. 25 - Lockdown drill (9:45am)
Sept. 25 - Cross Country Scrimmage @ Jefferson (4pm)
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am, EXPLORE training)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 27 - Chamber of Commerce grant applications due
Sept. 30 - EC Development Mtgs. (staff members TBD)
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 - Student Council Campaign Week
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 2 - 7th Grade Outbacks to Raven Knob
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
Oct. 4 - Student Council videos and voting!
Oct. 4 - Encore meeting (11:25, Hatch's room, EXPLORE training)
Oct. 4 - 7th Grade Pharoahs to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Oct. 7 - 7th Grade Tsunamis to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - 8th Grade EXPLORE Interest Inventory
Oct. 8 - 8th Grade EXPLORE Testing (modified daily schedule)
Oct. 8 - Boys Soccer vs. Walkertown (3pm)
Oct. 9 - Cross Country Meet
Oct. 14 - Mentor evaluator training (2:20, Computer Lab)
Oct. 17 - Rachel's Challenge Assemblies (modified daily schedule)
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Weekly Update 9/12/13
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
1. We are currently working on the afterschool activities structure. There are several vacancies for several activities, including Dance (can be split between two people), 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach, Basketball Scorebook, and co-coaching Cheerleading. In addition, we are looking for more afterschool tutors (the program will run probably from December - March) and even an activity bus driver for tutoring during those months. If you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know. All positions are paid positions.
2. Please be sure to be on time at your supervision duty spot during your planning block. It is important that we help to hold each other accountable for being there, ensuring proper supervision of our students. Please let me know if any issues arise.
3. We will have an EC development meeting this coming Monday, Sept. 16, at 2:20pm. The location will be the Media Center. Who should attend? EC staff, encore staff members, as well as any core teachers who have EC students in their classrooms. The topic of discussion will mainly be modifications, accommodations, and how to utilize these in the classroom.
4. Please remember that core and encore paper progress reports are to go home with your students on Wednesday, September 18!
5. We have had a great start to the year with our traveling teacher schedule. Please remember the guidelines for sustaining a strong relationship between the core teacher and visiting teacher. For the core teacher, please remember that the traveling teacher does not have a key to your classroom. Please continue to invite them into your classroom and allow them to use the space as if it were their own permanent space. For the traveling teachers, please remember to respect the classroom you are in and your students should do the same. The classroom should be left the same way as when you arrived.
6. Please share the Student Council information with your students. All information is being forwarded from Ms. Frauenhoffer via email.
7. Please be sure to review your safety plan as discussed with your students in every class. We will have a monthly fire drill, and normally this drill will not be announced. In addition, we will have quarterly lockdown drills. The first drill will take place during the month of September. We will announce this first one for your convenience. It is important that you review the procedures with your students so that you are all prepared: glass in door covered, current class roster available, green/red circle visible at door, and door is locked (your door should be locked during the day).
8. Soon we will be advertising yearbook sales for students and staff. As Mr. Santoro stated earlier, we have worked to reduce the cost to everyone. Over the summer, Mrs. Hook, Mr. Santoro, and I opened bids for yearbook contracts. We found a new company, Herff Jones, who can give us the same quality at a reduced price. We felt this was very important to our community to get the price under $30. Thanks to Susie and Frankie for their hard work on this. Please look for yearbook flyers coming your way soon.
9. September 23 is set aside for any committee meetings that need to take place.
10. To access the master staff calendar: log into your email, click Calendar on the menu, click on the calendar with Gentry's name and SEMS (it should be a green or blue calendar), and you can view the calendar daily, weekly, or monthly. It is important to note that when looking at a particular date, if it has a "+3" or another number there, that means that there are more events taking place on that date.
11. The Athletics department and the PTSA will sponsor grade level socials for our students. Students will have the opportunity to socialize with their peers, purchase refreshments, and dance. Dates are as follows: Sept. 6 = 8th grade, Sept. 20 = 7th grade, Sept. 27 = 6th grade. Socials will be held from 2-4pm. Students must turn in $5 and a permission slip to Mr. Pizzino in order to attend.
12. For your calendar planning, we may need to do the "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This may be necessary due to the necessity of so many student pull-out groups for testing. We will give you more information closer to this time. The quarter test window will start in late October through the end of the first quarter (Oct. 31).
13. If you plan to apply for a Kernersville Chamber of Commerce grant, please remember that the deadline is September 27 and I must have a copy of your application to file here.
14. Please join us on Tuesday, September 24, at 2:20pm for a retirement party for Deb Neal and Phyllis Davis!
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 11, 12 - Open computer lab time for teachers needing Powerschool assistance
Sept. 13 - Grade Level Meetings - Set up your online evaluation!
Sept. 16 - EC Development Mtgs. (2:20pm, staff members listed in item #3)
Sept. 18 - Core and Encore paper progress reports go home!
Sept. 19 - Boys Soccer @ Jefferson (3pm)
Sept. 20 - 7th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5)
Sept. 20 - Sub folders complete and in your mailbox
Sept. 23 - SIT Mtg, Committee Mtgs. (2:20pm, locations TBD)
Sept. 24 - Retirement Party for D. Neal (2:20pm)
Sept. 24 - Boys Soccer vs. Flat Rock (3pm)
Sept. 24 - 27 - Student Council Application Period
Sept. 25 - Cross Country Scrimmage @ Jefferson (4pm)
Sept. 25 - Student Council Officer Interest Mtgs.
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 30 - EC Development Mtgs. (staff members TBD)
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 - Student Council Campaign Week
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 2 - 7th Grade Outbacks to Raven Knob
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
Oct. 4 - Student Council videos and voting!
Oct. 4 - 7th Grade Pharoahs to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Oct. 7 - 7th Grade Tsunamis to Raven Knob
Oct. 8 - Boys Soccer vs. Walkertown (3pm)
Oct. 9 - Cross Country Meet
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
1. We are currently working on the afterschool activities structure. There are several vacancies for several activities, including Dance (can be split between two people), 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach, Basketball Scorebook, and co-coaching Cheerleading. In addition, we are looking for more afterschool tutors (the program will run probably from December - March) and even an activity bus driver for tutoring during those months. If you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know. All positions are paid positions.
2. Please be sure to be on time at your supervision duty spot during your planning block. It is important that we help to hold each other accountable for being there, ensuring proper supervision of our students. Please let me know if any issues arise.
3. We will have an EC development meeting this coming Monday, Sept. 16, at 2:20pm. The location will be the Media Center. Who should attend? EC staff, encore staff members, as well as any core teachers who have EC students in their classrooms. The topic of discussion will mainly be modifications, accommodations, and how to utilize these in the classroom.
4. Please remember that core and encore paper progress reports are to go home with your students on Wednesday, September 18!
5. We have had a great start to the year with our traveling teacher schedule. Please remember the guidelines for sustaining a strong relationship between the core teacher and visiting teacher. For the core teacher, please remember that the traveling teacher does not have a key to your classroom. Please continue to invite them into your classroom and allow them to use the space as if it were their own permanent space. For the traveling teachers, please remember to respect the classroom you are in and your students should do the same. The classroom should be left the same way as when you arrived.
6. Please share the Student Council information with your students. All information is being forwarded from Ms. Frauenhoffer via email.
7. Please be sure to review your safety plan as discussed with your students in every class. We will have a monthly fire drill, and normally this drill will not be announced. In addition, we will have quarterly lockdown drills. The first drill will take place during the month of September. We will announce this first one for your convenience. It is important that you review the procedures with your students so that you are all prepared: glass in door covered, current class roster available, green/red circle visible at door, and door is locked (your door should be locked during the day).
8. Soon we will be advertising yearbook sales for students and staff. As Mr. Santoro stated earlier, we have worked to reduce the cost to everyone. Over the summer, Mrs. Hook, Mr. Santoro, and I opened bids for yearbook contracts. We found a new company, Herff Jones, who can give us the same quality at a reduced price. We felt this was very important to our community to get the price under $30. Thanks to Susie and Frankie for their hard work on this. Please look for yearbook flyers coming your way soon.
9. September 23 is set aside for any committee meetings that need to take place.
10. To access the master staff calendar: log into your email, click Calendar on the menu, click on the calendar with Gentry's name and SEMS (it should be a green or blue calendar), and you can view the calendar daily, weekly, or monthly. It is important to note that when looking at a particular date, if it has a "+3" or another number there, that means that there are more events taking place on that date.
11. The Athletics department and the PTSA will sponsor grade level socials for our students. Students will have the opportunity to socialize with their peers, purchase refreshments, and dance. Dates are as follows: Sept. 6 = 8th grade, Sept. 20 = 7th grade, Sept. 27 = 6th grade. Socials will be held from 2-4pm. Students must turn in $5 and a permission slip to Mr. Pizzino in order to attend.
12. For your calendar planning, we may need to do the "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This may be necessary due to the necessity of so many student pull-out groups for testing. We will give you more information closer to this time. The quarter test window will start in late October through the end of the first quarter (Oct. 31).
13. If you plan to apply for a Kernersville Chamber of Commerce grant, please remember that the deadline is September 27 and I must have a copy of your application to file here.
14. Please join us on Tuesday, September 24, at 2:20pm for a retirement party for Deb Neal and Phyllis Davis!
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 11, 12 - Open computer lab time for teachers needing Powerschool assistance
Sept. 13 - Grade Level Meetings - Set up your online evaluation!
Sept. 16 - EC Development Mtgs. (2:20pm, staff members listed in item #3)
Sept. 18 - Core and Encore paper progress reports go home!
Sept. 19 - Boys Soccer @ Jefferson (3pm)
Sept. 20 - 7th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5)
Sept. 20 - Sub folders complete and in your mailbox
Sept. 23 - SIT Mtg, Committee Mtgs. (2:20pm, locations TBD)
Sept. 24 - Retirement Party for D. Neal (2:20pm)
Sept. 24 - Boys Soccer vs. Flat Rock (3pm)
Sept. 24 - 27 - Student Council Application Period
Sept. 25 - Cross Country Scrimmage @ Jefferson (4pm)
Sept. 25 - Student Council Officer Interest Mtgs.
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 30 - EC Development Mtgs. (staff members TBD)
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 - Student Council Campaign Week
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 2 - 7th Grade Outbacks to Raven Knob
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
Oct. 4 - Student Council videos and voting!
Oct. 4 - 7th Grade Pharoahs to Raven Knob
Oct. 7 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Oct. 7 - 7th Grade Tsunamis to Raven Knob
Oct. 8 - Boys Soccer vs. Walkertown (3pm)
Oct. 9 - Cross Country Meet
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Weekly Update 9/5/13
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
1. If you'd like to purchase an SEMS computer bag, please bring $15 to Susie. In addition, the PTSA is selling Jaguar cups for $10. I will bring one to the meeting for staff members to see. This is a great way to support the PTSA!
2. Staff members received email confirmation of their committees earlier this week. Emails were not sent to the SIT team or the SSC learning team facilitators (these are predetermined members). If you are a certified staff member (and not a first-year teacher) and did not receive an email confirmation, please let me know.
3. We have had a great start to the year with our traveling teacher schedule. Please remember the guidelines for sustaining a strong relationship between the core teacher and visiting teacher. For the core teacher, please remember that the traveling teacher does not have a key to your classroom. Please continue to invite them into your classroom and allow them to use the space as if it were their own permanent space. For the traveling teachers, please remember to respect the classroom you are in and your students should do the same. The classroom should be left the same way as when you arrived.
4. We are currently working on the afterschool activities structure. There are several vacancies for several activities, including Dance, 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach, and Basketball Scorebook. If you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know. All positions are paid positions. For those who have already indicated your interest on your green form at the beginning of the year: You will begin receiving confirmation emails of what activities you can sponsor and if any pay is attached to them. Afterschool pay is quite limited, so not all individuals can be paid for sponsoring an afterschool activity.
5. Many of you may have noticed that Room #812 on the 800 hallway is being used differently this year. It is no longer an EC staff office space. Instead, it is being used as a space for the EC department to instruct small groups of students throughout the day. Please plan to use the restrooms across the 800 hall if there is a group in this room. We need to respect their learning environment.
6. Please remember that all exterior doors (except for the main lobby) are to remain locked during the school day. There are several doors that will be unlocked at 6:30am, but they will be locked down between 7:45-8:00 am each morning. Please do not unlock a locked door. This is for the safety of both our students and staff members. Sixth grade teachers, if a student needs to enter the building during a class period, please send them with your student key. Likewise, if support staff need to see a 6th grade student, please make sure they have a way back into the POD area (sometimes they will not bring a key with them).
7. At our staff meeting on August 26, we discussed the non-negotiables for our meetings and trainings. By following these guidelines, we will be much more productive and creative a highly professional environment. Summary of guidelines:
- We are on time to all of our meetings.
- We don't have distractions - no phone use, grading papers, etc.
- We participate in meetings to make them more productive.
- Our children are not present at our meetings. There are times when we discuss sensitive information. So in order to create the most professional environment, our children do not need to be present.
8. Be sure to consult the master staff calendar regularly. We add dates weekly and we make every attempt to schedule meetings well in advance. Please remember that Monday afternoons are our "sacred" meeting time. Even though every Monday afternoon is not full on the calendar, there is a very good chance that a meeting will get scheduled during that time (i.e. EC meeting, technology training, etc).
To access the master staff calendar: log into your email, click Calendar on the top menu, click on the calendar with Gentry's name and SEMS (it should be a green or blue calendar), and you can view the calendar daily, weekly, or monthly. It is important to note that when looking at a particular date, if it has a "+3" or another number there, that means that there are more events taking place on that date.
9. There may be times when you need to step off campus for an issue during your planning period (i.e. you left the iron on the house, checking in on your child, etc). If you ever find it necessary to do so, you must have permission (either verbal or via email) from an administrator and then sign out on the staff sign in/out book in the main office (near Mrs. Raya's desk). Then when you return, please sign back in so that we know you are here.
10. The Athletics department and the PTSA will sponsor grade level socials for our students. Students will have the opportunity to socialize with their peers, purchase refreshments, and dance. Dates are as follows: Sept. 6 = 8th grade, Sept. 20 = 7th grade, Sept. 27 = 6th grade. Socials will be held from 2-4pm. Students must turn in $5 and a permission slip to Mr. Pizzino in order to attend.
11. Soon we will kick off Powerschool training. Each teacher received a large packet filled with valuable information: Your Powerschool ID, how to log on, how to do attendance, when trainings are taking place, and how to start your evaluation online. We want to ensure that all teachers gain access as quickly as possible and that you are given multiple opportunities for assistance as you get used to the new program. I do believe that you will like Powerschool once you see how user-friendly it really is! We realize that we have you scheduled for two grade level meetings in one week. But due to the timing of the activation of Powerschool, it is important that you concentrate on getting the Powerschool tasks complete.
12. We will have our second annual SEMS family picnic on Friday, September 13, from 5:30-7:30pm. All staff members and their families are invited to attend. This will be a potluck meal, where everyone brings a dish to share. In addition, please bring your own drink. The picnic will be a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better. A picnic sign-up sheet will be posted for staff members to indicate what dish they would like to bring. The sign up sheet will be in the teacher workroom next to the social sign-ups on Friday (August 30). We hope to see you there!
13. For your calendar planning, we may need to do the "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This may be necessary due to the necessity of so many student pull-out groups for testing. We will give you more information closer to this time. The quarter test window will start in late October through the end of the first quarter (Oct. 31).
14. We will have a staff meeting on Monday. Topics include: Grant proposal, SECU, ISS procedures, policy review, and school safety plan. Please plan to bring your staff handbook as well as the safety plan section of your safety clipboard.
15. You have access to a set of approval forms in several locations electronically. Forms include: field trip approval form, fundraiser approval, video approval, purchase order form, and a deposit sheet. You can access these forms at any time either on the Staff Share drive or through the SEMS website under Teacher Resources. Thanks to John Downs for making these forms available for all staff.
16. If you plan to apply for a Kernersville Chamber of Commerce grant, please remember that the deadline is at the end of September and I must have a copy of your application to file here.
17. Please join us on Tuesday, September 24, at 2:20pm for Deb Neal's retirement party!
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 6 - 8th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 6 - Safety Clipboard complete
Sept. 6 - Copy of absorption plan due to Gentry
Sept. 9 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Sept. 9 - PTSA Board Mtg. (5:15pm)
Sept. 10 - Grade Level Meetings - Set up your gradebook!
Sept. 11 - SECU Visit - stop by to see the SECU rep, free food!
Sept. 11, 12 - Open computer lab time for teachers needing Powerschool assistance
Sept. 13 - Grade Level Meetings - Set up your online evaluation!
Sept. 13 - SEMS Staff Picnic - Potluck, visit with staff and families (5:30-7:30pm)
Sept. 16 - EC Development Mtgs. (2:20pm, staff members TBD)
Sept. 18 - Core and Encore paper progress reports go home!
Sept. 19 - Boys Soccer @ Jefferson (3pm)
Sept. 20 - 7th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5)
Sept. 20 - Sub folders complete and in your mailbox
Sept. 23 - SIT Mtg, Committee Mtgs. (2:20pm, locations TBD)
Sept. 24 - Retirement Party for D. Neal (2:20pm)
Sept. 24 - Boys Soccer vs. Flat Rock (3pm)
Sept. 25 - Cross Country Scrimmage @ Jefferson (4pm)
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
1. If you'd like to purchase an SEMS computer bag, please bring $15 to Susie. In addition, the PTSA is selling Jaguar cups for $10. I will bring one to the meeting for staff members to see. This is a great way to support the PTSA!
2. Staff members received email confirmation of their committees earlier this week. Emails were not sent to the SIT team or the SSC learning team facilitators (these are predetermined members). If you are a certified staff member (and not a first-year teacher) and did not receive an email confirmation, please let me know.
3. We have had a great start to the year with our traveling teacher schedule. Please remember the guidelines for sustaining a strong relationship between the core teacher and visiting teacher. For the core teacher, please remember that the traveling teacher does not have a key to your classroom. Please continue to invite them into your classroom and allow them to use the space as if it were their own permanent space. For the traveling teachers, please remember to respect the classroom you are in and your students should do the same. The classroom should be left the same way as when you arrived.
4. We are currently working on the afterschool activities structure. There are several vacancies for several activities, including Dance, 7th grade Girls Basketball Coach, and Basketball Scorebook. If you are interested in any of these activities, please let me know. All positions are paid positions. For those who have already indicated your interest on your green form at the beginning of the year: You will begin receiving confirmation emails of what activities you can sponsor and if any pay is attached to them. Afterschool pay is quite limited, so not all individuals can be paid for sponsoring an afterschool activity.
5. Many of you may have noticed that Room #812 on the 800 hallway is being used differently this year. It is no longer an EC staff office space. Instead, it is being used as a space for the EC department to instruct small groups of students throughout the day. Please plan to use the restrooms across the 800 hall if there is a group in this room. We need to respect their learning environment.
6. Please remember that all exterior doors (except for the main lobby) are to remain locked during the school day. There are several doors that will be unlocked at 6:30am, but they will be locked down between 7:45-8:00 am each morning. Please do not unlock a locked door. This is for the safety of both our students and staff members. Sixth grade teachers, if a student needs to enter the building during a class period, please send them with your student key. Likewise, if support staff need to see a 6th grade student, please make sure they have a way back into the POD area (sometimes they will not bring a key with them).
7. At our staff meeting on August 26, we discussed the non-negotiables for our meetings and trainings. By following these guidelines, we will be much more productive and creative a highly professional environment. Summary of guidelines:
- We are on time to all of our meetings.
- We don't have distractions - no phone use, grading papers, etc.
- We participate in meetings to make them more productive.
- Our children are not present at our meetings. There are times when we discuss sensitive information. So in order to create the most professional environment, our children do not need to be present.
8. Be sure to consult the master staff calendar regularly. We add dates weekly and we make every attempt to schedule meetings well in advance. Please remember that Monday afternoons are our "sacred" meeting time. Even though every Monday afternoon is not full on the calendar, there is a very good chance that a meeting will get scheduled during that time (i.e. EC meeting, technology training, etc).
To access the master staff calendar: log into your email, click Calendar on the top menu, click on the calendar with Gentry's name and SEMS (it should be a green or blue calendar), and you can view the calendar daily, weekly, or monthly. It is important to note that when looking at a particular date, if it has a "+3" or another number there, that means that there are more events taking place on that date.
9. There may be times when you need to step off campus for an issue during your planning period (i.e. you left the iron on the house, checking in on your child, etc). If you ever find it necessary to do so, you must have permission (either verbal or via email) from an administrator and then sign out on the staff sign in/out book in the main office (near Mrs. Raya's desk). Then when you return, please sign back in so that we know you are here.
10. The Athletics department and the PTSA will sponsor grade level socials for our students. Students will have the opportunity to socialize with their peers, purchase refreshments, and dance. Dates are as follows: Sept. 6 = 8th grade, Sept. 20 = 7th grade, Sept. 27 = 6th grade. Socials will be held from 2-4pm. Students must turn in $5 and a permission slip to Mr. Pizzino in order to attend.
11. Soon we will kick off Powerschool training. Each teacher received a large packet filled with valuable information: Your Powerschool ID, how to log on, how to do attendance, when trainings are taking place, and how to start your evaluation online. We want to ensure that all teachers gain access as quickly as possible and that you are given multiple opportunities for assistance as you get used to the new program. I do believe that you will like Powerschool once you see how user-friendly it really is! We realize that we have you scheduled for two grade level meetings in one week. But due to the timing of the activation of Powerschool, it is important that you concentrate on getting the Powerschool tasks complete.
12. We will have our second annual SEMS family picnic on Friday, September 13, from 5:30-7:30pm. All staff members and their families are invited to attend. This will be a potluck meal, where everyone brings a dish to share. In addition, please bring your own drink. The picnic will be a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better. A picnic sign-up sheet will be posted for staff members to indicate what dish they would like to bring. The sign up sheet will be in the teacher workroom next to the social sign-ups on Friday (August 30). We hope to see you there!
13. For your calendar planning, we may need to do the "shut down" testing schedule for first quarter tests at the end of the first quarter. This may be necessary due to the necessity of so many student pull-out groups for testing. We will give you more information closer to this time. The quarter test window will start in late October through the end of the first quarter (Oct. 31).
14. We will have a staff meeting on Monday. Topics include: Grant proposal, SECU, ISS procedures, policy review, and school safety plan. Please plan to bring your staff handbook as well as the safety plan section of your safety clipboard.
15. You have access to a set of approval forms in several locations electronically. Forms include: field trip approval form, fundraiser approval, video approval, purchase order form, and a deposit sheet. You can access these forms at any time either on the Staff Share drive or through the SEMS website under Teacher Resources. Thanks to John Downs for making these forms available for all staff.
16. If you plan to apply for a Kernersville Chamber of Commerce grant, please remember that the deadline is at the end of September and I must have a copy of your application to file here.
17. Please join us on Tuesday, September 24, at 2:20pm for Deb Neal's retirement party!
UPCOMING DATES
Sept. 6 - 8th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Sept. 6 - Safety Clipboard complete
Sept. 6 - Copy of absorption plan due to Gentry
Sept. 9 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP Room)
Sept. 9 - PTSA Board Mtg. (5:15pm)
Sept. 10 - Grade Level Meetings - Set up your gradebook!
Sept. 11 - SECU Visit - stop by to see the SECU rep, free food!
Sept. 11, 12 - Open computer lab time for teachers needing Powerschool assistance
Sept. 13 - Grade Level Meetings - Set up your online evaluation!
Sept. 13 - SEMS Staff Picnic - Potluck, visit with staff and families (5:30-7:30pm)
Sept. 16 - EC Development Mtgs. (2:20pm, staff members TBD)
Sept. 18 - Core and Encore paper progress reports go home!
Sept. 19 - Boys Soccer @ Jefferson (3pm)
Sept. 20 - 7th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5)
Sept. 20 - Sub folders complete and in your mailbox
Sept. 23 - SIT Mtg, Committee Mtgs. (2:20pm, locations TBD)
Sept. 24 - Retirement Party for D. Neal (2:20pm)
Sept. 24 - Boys Soccer vs. Flat Rock (3pm)
Sept. 25 - Cross Country Scrimmage @ Jefferson (4pm)
Sept. 26 - Boys Soccer vs. East Forsyth (3pm)
Sept. 27 - 8th Team Mtg. (7:40am)
Sept. 27 - 6th Grade PTSA Social (2-4pm, $5/student)
Oct. 1 - School Picture Day!
Oct. 1 - Boys Soccer @ Mineral Springs (3:30pm)
Oct. 2 - Core and encore paper progress reports go home!
Oct. 2 - Cross Country meet
Oct. 4 - Staff flu shots
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