SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014
1. This will be the last blog until January 4. I will send out a brief blog post the weekend before we come back with any last minute reminders for our first week back to school.
2. Thank you to all staff for a strong fall semester. It was exhausting, frustrating, and at times difficult, but together we all pulled through and made it work for our students. I appreciate the time and effort that you all put in to your teaching. Please take this holiday break to enjoy your family, relax, and prepare for our third quarter. Each of you deserves this time off! The school will be closed for the duration of the break so that all of us can enjoy the season. If you have any emergency or urgent issue that requires contacting me during the break, please call me at 317-4412.
3. Welcome back Laura Lyles! Laura has now returned to school and has recovered well. We are so glad you are back, Laura!
4. Staff development credit is now available for staff to gain credit for the Critical Incident/Lockdown training and the Bloodborne Pathogen training. An email was sent out last week with detailed information on how you can access to receive this renewal credit.
5. Mentors - please be sure to turn in your December mentor logs.
6. All PTSA candygrams will be delivered on December 19 during 6th period.
7. Safety reminders: We will be working to update our school safety plan. There is no major change in safety procedures at this time. But please remember the following: 1)You can now discard your green circles, as we will no longer be using them, 2)Keep your classroom door locked at all times, and 3)Now is a good time to update your rosters on your safety clipboards.
8. Several groups will need to complete online quarter testing in January (6-8 SS, 6-7 Sci). An email was sent two weeks ago from me with the schedule and details. We do plan to run a normal schedule during the January testing window. The schedule was made based on the availability of our technology in the building. We appreciate your cooperation in making this online testing successful!
9. The end of the quarter is January 16. All grades will be due on Wednesday, January 21, by 3:00pm.
10. Monday, January 19, is a holiday for the district (MLK holiday). Tuesday, January 20 is an RS Teacher Workday. That day is not protected, meaning that staff may take an annual leave day. Staff may also use any trade-out time earned during this workday. Once we return from the break, you may check with Susie on your total trade-out time you have earned.
11. The WS Foundation is accepting grant proposals from educators for professional development. Please see a recent email from Leah Gardner with details and how to apply. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to gain some professional development of your choice. Previous winners of this grant include Mara-Lea Coston, Don Fought, and Rachel Holmes.
12. Our afterschool at-risk tutoring program will kick off in January. Ms. Gardner sent out information to all staff earlier this week. We are looking for tutors in Math and Reading, bus driver for the tutoring bus, and lesson plan writers. Please see Ms. Gardner if you are interested! Tutoring pay is $25/hour ($17/hour classified).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Jan. 5 - Staff Mtg.
Jan. 8 - School Spelling Bee!
Jan. 9 - Fundraiser Limo Lunch
Jan. 12 - SIT Mtg.
Jan. 16 - End of 2nd Quarter!
Jan. 19 - MLK Holiday - No school!
Jan. 20 - RS Teacher Workday
Jan. 21 - 2nd quarter grades/verifications due by 3pm!
Jan. 28 - Report card distribution
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
Weekly Update 12/12/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014
1. Don't forget Staff Holiday Spirit Week next week! I know that together we can make it to the holiday break! Thank you for all of your hard work - each of you has definitely earned a long, relaxing break!
2. Staff development credit is now available for staff to gain credit for the Critical Incident/Lockdown training and the Bloodborne Pathogen training. I will send out an email with detailed information on how you can access to receive this renewal credit.
3. Our school fundraiser products should be delivered early in the week. Once delivered, we will organize and deliver to classrooms the next day. 6th and 7th grade teams: We will deliver your team's fundraiser boxes and you can distribute as appropriate at the end of the day (7th grade, I will get with you on specific instructions). 8th grade: You will receive boxes organized by your 6th period classes. That way, your students can get their boxes at the end of the day without having to go back to homebase. Teacher instructions are simple: When you hand a student their box, please have them sign/initial that they are receiving their boxes. For students who have large orders, we will hold those orders in the main office and contact their parents for pickup.
4. You are about to receive our Teacher of the Year candidate statements. We will vote as a school on Wednesday, December 17. Instructions for voting will be in the upcoming email with details. Good luck to all of our candidates!
5. Mentors - please be sure to turn in your November AND December mentor logs.
6. The Fundraiser Glow Party will take place on Tuesday, December 16. The Fundraiser BMX Bike Show will take place on Wednesday, December 17. Instructions for this event as well as a master list of students was sent to all staff earlier this week. Please review those details as soon as possible. We will make announcements for student movement to both of these events. HB teachers, please be sure that students have their wristbands prior to each event (see email with wristband instructions).
7. This is the time of year when ISS begins to increase in student numbers. So, here are a few reminders for teachers when needing to send a student to ISS for the period: 1) Please be sure to call ahead to Room #712 to check for space, 2) Please send the student with work to complete, and 3) If you have tried ISS as a time out for a student multiple times and the behavior has not changed, then it is time to try another intervention. Please remember that ISS is not a "babysitting" service - teachers must have a valid reason for sending a student to the ISS room. The ISS room should not be used as a location for a student to make up a test. Please work that out with your peers.
8. Thank you to the Hospitality Committee for all of their hard work so far this year. They have several upcoming events for staff: 1) December 16 - SEMS has a reserved room at J.Peppers starting at 3pm for a staff meet and mingle event, 2) December 17 - Holiday luncheon catered from Sagebrush for Hospitality members, and 3) This week they will kick off their "I've been elfed!" campaign. Please see the earlier email from Jennifer Lawson for more details.
9. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
10. The PTSA will continue to sell candygrams during lunches on Dec. 15 and 16. Students (and staff) can pay $1.00 and send a candygram to anyone in the school. All candygrams will be delivered on December 19 during 6th period.
11. Safety reminders: We will be working to update our school safety plan. There is no major change in safety procedures at this time. But please remember the following: 1)You can now discard your green circles, as we will no longer be using them, 2)Keep your classroom door locked at all times, and 3)Now is a good time to update your rosters on your safety clipboards.
12. Some of you have had your classroom whiteboards upgraded this fall. Here are the answers to some of your questions about those upgrades: 1)The classrooms chosen for upgrades was based on which boards were in the worst shape this summer (determined by me), 2)The later installation was due to a backup in the district's work order system, 3)Yes, the spots on the wall look awful! 4)There is now a secondary work order in for the painters to come in and clean up the walls to make them more presentable. We are at their mercy on the timetable for this job, 5)This year's installation looks different than those classrooms done in the past because of changes in the district's regulations with the technology in the rooms. No boards can be installed underneath the TV's in the classrooms.
13. Several groups will need to complete online quarter testing in January (6-8 SS, 6-7 Sci). An email was sent last week with the schedule and details. We do plan to run a normal schedule during the January testing window. The schedule was made based on the availability of our technology in the building. We appreciate your cooperation in making this online testing successful!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Dec. 15 - Band Winter Concert
Dec. 15 - 18 - 7th/8th grade basketball tryouts
Dec. 16 - Fundraiser Glow Party (12:45pm)
Dec. 16 - Orchestra Winter Concert
Dec. 17 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show (12:50pm)
Dec. 17 - Hospitality Holiday Luncheon
Jan. 5 - Staff Mtg.
Jan. 9 - Fundraiser Limo Lunch
Jan. 12 - SIT Mtg.
Jan. 16 - End of 2nd Quarter!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014
1. Don't forget Staff Holiday Spirit Week next week! I know that together we can make it to the holiday break! Thank you for all of your hard work - each of you has definitely earned a long, relaxing break!
2. Staff development credit is now available for staff to gain credit for the Critical Incident/Lockdown training and the Bloodborne Pathogen training. I will send out an email with detailed information on how you can access to receive this renewal credit.
3. Our school fundraiser products should be delivered early in the week. Once delivered, we will organize and deliver to classrooms the next day. 6th and 7th grade teams: We will deliver your team's fundraiser boxes and you can distribute as appropriate at the end of the day (7th grade, I will get with you on specific instructions). 8th grade: You will receive boxes organized by your 6th period classes. That way, your students can get their boxes at the end of the day without having to go back to homebase. Teacher instructions are simple: When you hand a student their box, please have them sign/initial that they are receiving their boxes. For students who have large orders, we will hold those orders in the main office and contact their parents for pickup.
4. You are about to receive our Teacher of the Year candidate statements. We will vote as a school on Wednesday, December 17. Instructions for voting will be in the upcoming email with details. Good luck to all of our candidates!
5. Mentors - please be sure to turn in your November AND December mentor logs.
6. The Fundraiser Glow Party will take place on Tuesday, December 16. The Fundraiser BMX Bike Show will take place on Wednesday, December 17. Instructions for this event as well as a master list of students was sent to all staff earlier this week. Please review those details as soon as possible. We will make announcements for student movement to both of these events. HB teachers, please be sure that students have their wristbands prior to each event (see email with wristband instructions).
7. This is the time of year when ISS begins to increase in student numbers. So, here are a few reminders for teachers when needing to send a student to ISS for the period: 1) Please be sure to call ahead to Room #712 to check for space, 2) Please send the student with work to complete, and 3) If you have tried ISS as a time out for a student multiple times and the behavior has not changed, then it is time to try another intervention. Please remember that ISS is not a "babysitting" service - teachers must have a valid reason for sending a student to the ISS room. The ISS room should not be used as a location for a student to make up a test. Please work that out with your peers.
8. Thank you to the Hospitality Committee for all of their hard work so far this year. They have several upcoming events for staff: 1) December 16 - SEMS has a reserved room at J.Peppers starting at 3pm for a staff meet and mingle event, 2) December 17 - Holiday luncheon catered from Sagebrush for Hospitality members, and 3) This week they will kick off their "I've been elfed!" campaign. Please see the earlier email from Jennifer Lawson for more details.
9. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
10. The PTSA will continue to sell candygrams during lunches on Dec. 15 and 16. Students (and staff) can pay $1.00 and send a candygram to anyone in the school. All candygrams will be delivered on December 19 during 6th period.
11. Safety reminders: We will be working to update our school safety plan. There is no major change in safety procedures at this time. But please remember the following: 1)You can now discard your green circles, as we will no longer be using them, 2)Keep your classroom door locked at all times, and 3)Now is a good time to update your rosters on your safety clipboards.
12. Some of you have had your classroom whiteboards upgraded this fall. Here are the answers to some of your questions about those upgrades: 1)The classrooms chosen for upgrades was based on which boards were in the worst shape this summer (determined by me), 2)The later installation was due to a backup in the district's work order system, 3)Yes, the spots on the wall look awful! 4)There is now a secondary work order in for the painters to come in and clean up the walls to make them more presentable. We are at their mercy on the timetable for this job, 5)This year's installation looks different than those classrooms done in the past because of changes in the district's regulations with the technology in the rooms. No boards can be installed underneath the TV's in the classrooms.
13. Several groups will need to complete online quarter testing in January (6-8 SS, 6-7 Sci). An email was sent last week with the schedule and details. We do plan to run a normal schedule during the January testing window. The schedule was made based on the availability of our technology in the building. We appreciate your cooperation in making this online testing successful!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Dec. 15 - Band Winter Concert
Dec. 15 - 18 - 7th/8th grade basketball tryouts
Dec. 16 - Fundraiser Glow Party (12:45pm)
Dec. 16 - Orchestra Winter Concert
Dec. 17 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show (12:50pm)
Dec. 17 - Hospitality Holiday Luncheon
Jan. 5 - Staff Mtg.
Jan. 9 - Fundraiser Limo Lunch
Jan. 12 - SIT Mtg.
Jan. 16 - End of 2nd Quarter!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Weekly Update 12/3/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014
1. For those who did not view the Critical Incident video at Monday's staff meeting, you will need to do so this month. The makeup session for any staff members who were absent will be Tuesday, December 9, at 2:20pm in Room #612.
2. Mentors - please be sure to turn in your November mentor logs.
3. Encore PLTs - Please be sure to submit your November meeting minutes as required.
4. Bloodborne Pathogen Training is on schedule for all groups in the building. This is mandatory training for all staff members, so please mark your calendars for your training date. The dates and details were sent to all staff in a previous email from Gentry.
5. We will have vertical team meetings on Monday, December 8, from 2:20 - 3:10pm. Details and locations coming soon.
6. The winter music concerts are right around the corner! Dates: December 11 - Chorus at Atkins HS, December 15 - Band at Atkins HS, and December 16 - Orchestra at Atkins HS. Staff sign-ups for these events are posted in the staff workroom. Those certified staff who have not yet signed up for a fall event will need to sign up for one concert. Many of you have asked: I've already worked a social earlier this fall - can I sign up for a concert and get some extra trade-out time to use in the future? The answer is YES! There are slots indicated on the sign up sheets for those who wish to receive trade out time.
7. We are now accepting nominations for this year's Teacher of the Year. All nominations are due to me by Monday, December 8. All details for nominations are in the email sent from me on Tuesday.
8. We will conduct a fire drill and a lockdown drill this month. I will let all staff know of the general time frame of the lockdown drill. Please remember you do no longer need to use your green circles, but you do need to make sure your classroom door is locked.
9. This is the time of year when ISS begins to increase in student numbers. So, here are a few reminders for teachers when needing to send a student to ISS for the period: 1) Please be sure to call ahead to Room #712 to check for space, 2) Please send the student with work to complete, and 3) If you have tried ISS as a time out for a student multiple times and the behavior has not changed, then it is time to try another intervention. Please remember that ISS is not a "babysitting" service - teachers must have a valid reason for sending a student to the ISS room.
10. We are looking for an individual to work the front gate at the basketball games this season. Games will start in late January and will continue through the end of February (weather pending). Games are typically on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. There is a month of intramural pay for this position. Please let me know if you are interested.
11. Thank you to the Hospitality Committee for all of their hard work so far this year. They have several upcoming events for staff: 1) December 16 - SEMS has a reserved room at J.Peppers starting at 3pm for a staff meet and mingle event, 2) December 17 - Holiday luncheon catered from Sagebrush for Hospitality members, and 3) This week they will kick off their "I've been elfed!" campaign. Please see the earlier email from Jennifer Lawson for more details.
12. Soon the 6th and 7th grade areas will be equipped with more wireless access points. There is a chance that Maintenance workers will be visible in your classrooms and in the hallway areas in order to complete this task. They will make every effort to not disrupt your lessons. This installation is in preparation for the addition of more laptop carts for the school. The WSFCS Technology Department has received approval to add more technology to every middle school. The goal to have the technology here and ready to use by January. This is great news!
13. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
14. The PTSA will be selling candygrams during lunches on Dec. 11, 12, 15, and 16. Students (and staff) can pay $1.00 and send a candygram to anyone in the school. All candygrams will be delivered on December 19 during 6th period.
15. Safety reminders: We will be working to update our school safety plan. There is no major change in safety procedures at this time. But please remember the following: 1)You can now discard your green circles, as we will no longer be using them, 2)Keep your classroom door locked at all times, and 3)Now is a good time to update your rosters on your safety clipboards.
16. Some of you have had your classroom whiteboards upgraded this fall. Here are the answers to some of your questions about those upgrades: 1)The classrooms chosen for upgrades was based on which boards were in the worst shape this summer (determined by me), 2)The later installation was due to a backup in the district's work order system, 3)Yes, the spots on the wall look awful! 4)There is now a secondary work order in for the painters to come in and clean up the walls to make them more presentable. We are at their mercy on the timetable for this job, 5)This year's installation looks different than those classrooms done in the past because of changes in the district's regulations with the technology in the rooms. No boards can be installed underneath the TV's in the classrooms.
17. Several groups will need to complete online quarter testing in January (6-8 SS, 6-7 Sci). We are working now on what the testing will look like in the building. We want to make sure that there are computers available for all groups to test. More information is coming soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Dec. 8 - Vertical Planning Sessions
Dec. 11, 12, 15, 16 - PTSA Candygram sale
Dec. 11 - Chorus Winter Concert
Dec. 12 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Dec. 15 - Band Winter Concert
Dec. 15 - 18 - 7th/8th grade basketball tryouts
Dec. 16 - Fundraiser Glow Party (12:45pm)
Dec. 16 - Orchestra Winter Concert
Dec. 17 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show (12:50pm)
Jan. 5 - Staff Mtg.
Jan. 9 - Fundraiser Limo Lunch
Jan. 12 - SIT Mtg.
Jan. 16 - End of 2nd Quarter!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014
1. For those who did not view the Critical Incident video at Monday's staff meeting, you will need to do so this month. The makeup session for any staff members who were absent will be Tuesday, December 9, at 2:20pm in Room #612.
2. Mentors - please be sure to turn in your November mentor logs.
3. Encore PLTs - Please be sure to submit your November meeting minutes as required.
4. Bloodborne Pathogen Training is on schedule for all groups in the building. This is mandatory training for all staff members, so please mark your calendars for your training date. The dates and details were sent to all staff in a previous email from Gentry.
5. We will have vertical team meetings on Monday, December 8, from 2:20 - 3:10pm. Details and locations coming soon.
6. The winter music concerts are right around the corner! Dates: December 11 - Chorus at Atkins HS, December 15 - Band at Atkins HS, and December 16 - Orchestra at Atkins HS. Staff sign-ups for these events are posted in the staff workroom. Those certified staff who have not yet signed up for a fall event will need to sign up for one concert. Many of you have asked: I've already worked a social earlier this fall - can I sign up for a concert and get some extra trade-out time to use in the future? The answer is YES! There are slots indicated on the sign up sheets for those who wish to receive trade out time.
7. We are now accepting nominations for this year's Teacher of the Year. All nominations are due to me by Monday, December 8. All details for nominations are in the email sent from me on Tuesday.
8. We will conduct a fire drill and a lockdown drill this month. I will let all staff know of the general time frame of the lockdown drill. Please remember you do no longer need to use your green circles, but you do need to make sure your classroom door is locked.
9. This is the time of year when ISS begins to increase in student numbers. So, here are a few reminders for teachers when needing to send a student to ISS for the period: 1) Please be sure to call ahead to Room #712 to check for space, 2) Please send the student with work to complete, and 3) If you have tried ISS as a time out for a student multiple times and the behavior has not changed, then it is time to try another intervention. Please remember that ISS is not a "babysitting" service - teachers must have a valid reason for sending a student to the ISS room.
10. We are looking for an individual to work the front gate at the basketball games this season. Games will start in late January and will continue through the end of February (weather pending). Games are typically on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. There is a month of intramural pay for this position. Please let me know if you are interested.
11. Thank you to the Hospitality Committee for all of their hard work so far this year. They have several upcoming events for staff: 1) December 16 - SEMS has a reserved room at J.Peppers starting at 3pm for a staff meet and mingle event, 2) December 17 - Holiday luncheon catered from Sagebrush for Hospitality members, and 3) This week they will kick off their "I've been elfed!" campaign. Please see the earlier email from Jennifer Lawson for more details.
12. Soon the 6th and 7th grade areas will be equipped with more wireless access points. There is a chance that Maintenance workers will be visible in your classrooms and in the hallway areas in order to complete this task. They will make every effort to not disrupt your lessons. This installation is in preparation for the addition of more laptop carts for the school. The WSFCS Technology Department has received approval to add more technology to every middle school. The goal to have the technology here and ready to use by January. This is great news!
13. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
14. The PTSA will be selling candygrams during lunches on Dec. 11, 12, 15, and 16. Students (and staff) can pay $1.00 and send a candygram to anyone in the school. All candygrams will be delivered on December 19 during 6th period.
15. Safety reminders: We will be working to update our school safety plan. There is no major change in safety procedures at this time. But please remember the following: 1)You can now discard your green circles, as we will no longer be using them, 2)Keep your classroom door locked at all times, and 3)Now is a good time to update your rosters on your safety clipboards.
16. Some of you have had your classroom whiteboards upgraded this fall. Here are the answers to some of your questions about those upgrades: 1)The classrooms chosen for upgrades was based on which boards were in the worst shape this summer (determined by me), 2)The later installation was due to a backup in the district's work order system, 3)Yes, the spots on the wall look awful! 4)There is now a secondary work order in for the painters to come in and clean up the walls to make them more presentable. We are at their mercy on the timetable for this job, 5)This year's installation looks different than those classrooms done in the past because of changes in the district's regulations with the technology in the rooms. No boards can be installed underneath the TV's in the classrooms.
17. Several groups will need to complete online quarter testing in January (6-8 SS, 6-7 Sci). We are working now on what the testing will look like in the building. We want to make sure that there are computers available for all groups to test. More information is coming soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Dec. 8 - Vertical Planning Sessions
Dec. 11, 12, 15, 16 - PTSA Candygram sale
Dec. 11 - Chorus Winter Concert
Dec. 12 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Dec. 15 - Band Winter Concert
Dec. 15 - 18 - 7th/8th grade basketball tryouts
Dec. 16 - Fundraiser Glow Party (12:45pm)
Dec. 16 - Orchestra Winter Concert
Dec. 17 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show (12:50pm)
Jan. 5 - Staff Mtg.
Jan. 9 - Fundraiser Limo Lunch
Jan. 12 - SIT Mtg.
Jan. 16 - End of 2nd Quarter!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Weekly Update 11/20/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014
1. Congratulations to Mrs. Davis-King, Mr. Graham, and the Robotics Team. Last weekend, they earned the 1st Place Gracious Professionalism trophy at the Robotics Qualifying Event. We are so proud of the hard work they put in to make the team successful!
2. Nancy Holmes will be returning with us after the Thanksgiving break. We are excited that she is coming back! A huge thanks to Ellen Hodges for her hard work with our 8th grade students - we will miss you, Ellen!
3. November 24 and 25 will be considered casual days for staff members. Enjoy!
4. If you need to make any grade changes to first quarter grades, please fill out a grade change form and turn in to Gentry. Once approved, Cindy Wilkes will initiate the change. Grade change forms are available in Cindy's office. Please do not make a change to a quarter grade (numeric or alpha) without filling out an approval form - any changes must be reflected in both the teacher's gradebook and on the administrative side of Powerschool.
5. Please post and celebrate your honor roll students within your homebases/teams. We will have a small celebration for first quarter straight A students on Monday, November 24. Those students received an invitation for a brief breakfast celebration in their Wednesday folders. 6th grade will go at 7:45, 7th grade at 8:15, and then 8th grade at 8:45 in the MP room.
6. This is the time of year when ISS begins to increase in student numbers. So, here are a few reminders for teachers when needing to send a student to ISS for the period: 1) Please be sure to call ahead to Room #712 to check for space, 2) Please send the student with work to complete, and 3) If you have tried ISS as a time out for a student multiple times and the behavior has not changed, then it is time to try another intervention. Please remember that ISS is not a "babysitting" service - teachers must have a valid reason for sending a student to the ISS room.
7. WSFCS is still accepting nominations for Classified Employee of the Year. If you would like to nominate one of our classified folks, please use this link http://intranet.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/CEY.nsf/NomMenu?OpenForm. Nominations will be accepted through November.
8. PLT teams are not required to have their weekly meetings on November 24/25. Take a break!
9. Bloodborne Pathogen Training is on schedule for all groups in the building. This is mandatory training for all staff members, so please mark your calendars for your training date. The dates and details were sent to all staff in a previous email from Gentry.
10. The winter music concerts are right around the corner! Dates: December 11 - Chorus at Atkins HS, December 15 - Band at Atkins HS, and December 16 - Orchestra at Atkins HS. On Monday, November 24 at 2:15pm, we will post the sign up sheets for these events. Those certified staff who have not yet signed up for a fall event will need to sign up for one concert. Many of you have asked: I've already worked a social earlier this fall - can I sign up for a concert and get some extra trade-out time to use in the future? The answer is YES! There will be slots indicated on the sign up sheets for those who wish to receive trade out time.
11. Soon the 6th and 7th grade areas will be equipped with more wireless access points. There is a chance that Maintenance workers will be visible in your classrooms and in the hallway areas in order to complete this task. They will make every effort to not disrupt your lessons. This installation is in preparation for the addition of more laptop carts for the school. The WSFCS Technology Department has received approval to add more technology to every middle school. The goal to have the technology here and ready to use by January. This is great news!
12. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
13. We will have a staff meeting on Monday, December 3. Topics include: viewing of the new Critical Incident video, review of the revised school safety plan, Teacher of the Year selection process, etc.
14. We have a new software approval process. If you have any software you would like to request on any school computers, you will need to put your request in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Downs, Mrs. Turner, and me. We will first determine whether we have sufficient funding and then proceed with the online approval system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Dec. 1 - Staff Mtg.
Dec. 3 - Core and Encore Progress Reports
Dec. 8 - Vertical Planning Sessions
Dec. 12 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Dec. 16 - Fundraiser Glow Party (12:45pm)
Dec. 17 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show (12:50pm)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2014
1. Congratulations to Mrs. Davis-King, Mr. Graham, and the Robotics Team. Last weekend, they earned the 1st Place Gracious Professionalism trophy at the Robotics Qualifying Event. We are so proud of the hard work they put in to make the team successful!
2. Nancy Holmes will be returning with us after the Thanksgiving break. We are excited that she is coming back! A huge thanks to Ellen Hodges for her hard work with our 8th grade students - we will miss you, Ellen!
3. November 24 and 25 will be considered casual days for staff members. Enjoy!
4. If you need to make any grade changes to first quarter grades, please fill out a grade change form and turn in to Gentry. Once approved, Cindy Wilkes will initiate the change. Grade change forms are available in Cindy's office. Please do not make a change to a quarter grade (numeric or alpha) without filling out an approval form - any changes must be reflected in both the teacher's gradebook and on the administrative side of Powerschool.
5. Please post and celebrate your honor roll students within your homebases/teams. We will have a small celebration for first quarter straight A students on Monday, November 24. Those students received an invitation for a brief breakfast celebration in their Wednesday folders. 6th grade will go at 7:45, 7th grade at 8:15, and then 8th grade at 8:45 in the MP room.
6. This is the time of year when ISS begins to increase in student numbers. So, here are a few reminders for teachers when needing to send a student to ISS for the period: 1) Please be sure to call ahead to Room #712 to check for space, 2) Please send the student with work to complete, and 3) If you have tried ISS as a time out for a student multiple times and the behavior has not changed, then it is time to try another intervention. Please remember that ISS is not a "babysitting" service - teachers must have a valid reason for sending a student to the ISS room.
7. WSFCS is still accepting nominations for Classified Employee of the Year. If you would like to nominate one of our classified folks, please use this link http://intranet.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/CEY.nsf/NomMenu?OpenForm. Nominations will be accepted through November.
8. PLT teams are not required to have their weekly meetings on November 24/25. Take a break!
9. Bloodborne Pathogen Training is on schedule for all groups in the building. This is mandatory training for all staff members, so please mark your calendars for your training date. The dates and details were sent to all staff in a previous email from Gentry.
10. The winter music concerts are right around the corner! Dates: December 11 - Chorus at Atkins HS, December 15 - Band at Atkins HS, and December 16 - Orchestra at Atkins HS. On Monday, November 24 at 2:15pm, we will post the sign up sheets for these events. Those certified staff who have not yet signed up for a fall event will need to sign up for one concert. Many of you have asked: I've already worked a social earlier this fall - can I sign up for a concert and get some extra trade-out time to use in the future? The answer is YES! There will be slots indicated on the sign up sheets for those who wish to receive trade out time.
11. Soon the 6th and 7th grade areas will be equipped with more wireless access points. There is a chance that Maintenance workers will be visible in your classrooms and in the hallway areas in order to complete this task. They will make every effort to not disrupt your lessons. This installation is in preparation for the addition of more laptop carts for the school. The WSFCS Technology Department has received approval to add more technology to every middle school. The goal to have the technology here and ready to use by January. This is great news!
12. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
13. We will have a staff meeting on Monday, December 3. Topics include: viewing of the new Critical Incident video, review of the revised school safety plan, Teacher of the Year selection process, etc.
14. We have a new software approval process. If you have any software you would like to request on any school computers, you will need to put your request in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Downs, Mrs. Turner, and me. We will first determine whether we have sufficient funding and then proceed with the online approval system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Dec. 1 - Staff Mtg.
Dec. 3 - Core and Encore Progress Reports
Dec. 8 - Vertical Planning Sessions
Dec. 12 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Dec. 16 - Fundraiser Glow Party (12:45pm)
Dec. 17 - Fundraiser BMX Bike Show (12:50pm)
Friday, November 14, 2014
Weekly Update 11/13/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2014
1.Congratulations to Brad Rhymes. Last week, Brad was honored at a district PTSA dinner along with the other school Teachers of the Year. Thanks for being such a great representative for SEMS, Brad!
2. Congratulations to Mrs. Wells, Mr. Mabry, and Mr. Oei for their recent success in area Music competitions! We have quite a few students to be recognized. Thanks to the Music Department teachers for their hard work in making it happen!
3. If you need to make any grade changes to first quarter grades, please fill out a grade change form and turn in to Gentry. Once approved, Cindy Wilkes will initiate the change. Grade change forms are available in Cindy's office.
4. Please post and celebrate your honor roll students within your homebases/teams. We will have a small celebration for first quarter straight A students on Monday, November 24. Those students will soon receive an invitation for a brief breakfast celebration on this morning. 6th grade will go at 7:45, 7th grade at 8:15, and then 8th grade at 8:45 in the MP room.
5. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. Please see your email from last week for November opportunities.
6. WSFCS is still accepting nominations for Classified Employee of the Year. If you would like to nominate one of our classified folks, please use this link http://intranet.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/CEY.nsf/NomMenu?OpenForm. Nominations will be accepted through November.
7. Bloodborne Pathogen Training is on schedule for all groups in the building. This is mandatory training for all staff members, so please mark your calendars for your training date. The dates and details were sent to all staff last week in an email from Gentry. The office staff and custodians will be provided with a make-up training date from this week.
8. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
9. The school fundraiser will last through November 19. Please encourage your students to participate. There are lots of incentives for them to sell items from the catalog! There has been one addition to the fundraiser incentives. We were chosen for an extra incentive event - the BMX Bike Show. So we will have the Glow Party on December 16 and the BMX Bike Show on December 17. More details coming soon. All event dates are on the master calendar.
10. If your team/group is planning to go on a field trip, the cafeteria asks for a one week notification of your total number of bagged lunches requested. They order food on a weekly basis, and they need sufficient time to ensure that bagged lunches are available. Any requests that come in late will not be able to be filled by the cafeteria. Mr. Krammer, Cafeteria Manager, asks for your cooperation with this procedure.
11. According to new guidelines, students are not permitted to get ice from the cafeteria. Only adults are allowed to go into the cafeteria to get ice from the machine.
12. We have a new software approval process. If you have any software you would like to request on any school computers, you will need to put your request in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Downs, Mrs. Turner, and I. We will first determine whether we have sufficient funding and then proceed with the online approval system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Dec. 1 - Staff Mtg.
Dec. 3 - Core and Encore Progress Reports
Dec. 8 - Vertical Planning Sessions
Dec. 12 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2014
1.Congratulations to Brad Rhymes. Last week, Brad was honored at a district PTSA dinner along with the other school Teachers of the Year. Thanks for being such a great representative for SEMS, Brad!
2. Congratulations to Mrs. Wells, Mr. Mabry, and Mr. Oei for their recent success in area Music competitions! We have quite a few students to be recognized. Thanks to the Music Department teachers for their hard work in making it happen!
3. If you need to make any grade changes to first quarter grades, please fill out a grade change form and turn in to Gentry. Once approved, Cindy Wilkes will initiate the change. Grade change forms are available in Cindy's office.
4. Please post and celebrate your honor roll students within your homebases/teams. We will have a small celebration for first quarter straight A students on Monday, November 24. Those students will soon receive an invitation for a brief breakfast celebration on this morning. 6th grade will go at 7:45, 7th grade at 8:15, and then 8th grade at 8:45 in the MP room.
5. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. Please see your email from last week for November opportunities.
6. WSFCS is still accepting nominations for Classified Employee of the Year. If you would like to nominate one of our classified folks, please use this link http://intranet.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/CEY.nsf/NomMenu?OpenForm. Nominations will be accepted through November.
7. Bloodborne Pathogen Training is on schedule for all groups in the building. This is mandatory training for all staff members, so please mark your calendars for your training date. The dates and details were sent to all staff last week in an email from Gentry. The office staff and custodians will be provided with a make-up training date from this week.
8. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
9. The school fundraiser will last through November 19. Please encourage your students to participate. There are lots of incentives for them to sell items from the catalog! There has been one addition to the fundraiser incentives. We were chosen for an extra incentive event - the BMX Bike Show. So we will have the Glow Party on December 16 and the BMX Bike Show on December 17. More details coming soon. All event dates are on the master calendar.
10. If your team/group is planning to go on a field trip, the cafeteria asks for a one week notification of your total number of bagged lunches requested. They order food on a weekly basis, and they need sufficient time to ensure that bagged lunches are available. Any requests that come in late will not be able to be filled by the cafeteria. Mr. Krammer, Cafeteria Manager, asks for your cooperation with this procedure.
11. According to new guidelines, students are not permitted to get ice from the cafeteria. Only adults are allowed to go into the cafeteria to get ice from the machine.
12. We have a new software approval process. If you have any software you would like to request on any school computers, you will need to put your request in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Downs, Mrs. Turner, and I. We will first determine whether we have sufficient funding and then proceed with the online approval system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Dec. 1 - Staff Mtg.
Dec. 3 - Core and Encore Progress Reports
Dec. 8 - Vertical Planning Sessions
Dec. 12 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Weekly Update 11/6/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014
1. Once you finalize grades, please do not go back in and make any quarter grade changes. If you finalize your grades and then need to make an update/change, please fill out the grade change form, place in my mailbox, and then I will review, approve, and give to Cindy Wilkes to make that change. Grade change forms will be available in Cindy's office.
2. The United Way drive is still going strong and will last through November 10. All staff are highly encouraged to donate. Please follow the instructions on the United Way link on the WSFCS website. Incentives for donating include: Chick-Fil-a coupons and a chance to win a Target gift card or a United Way t-shirt. In addition, any staff member who donates at least $25 total will be put in a drawing for a $50 gift card to the grocery store of your choice for Thanksgiving! Our goal as a school is to raise well over $5,000.
3. PLT meeting minutes - Core teachers, your weekly meeting minutes are required to be submitted to me by the end of each week. Encore teachers, your monthly PLT meeting minutes are to be submitted to me. The expectation for encore teachers is that you all meet monthly as a large group and then you also meet monthly as a smaller PLT. Please use the meeting minutes format that has been distributed to all teachers. Let me know if you have any questions.
4. 6th grade teachers: Please be sure to distribute the Time to Tell information to your students. It is important that this paperwork go home to parents. If any parents wish to opt their child out of the video viewing in November, they must return the form. Please give all returned forms to the Guidance Office.
5. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. More information coming soon.
6. Report cards will be distributed on November 12. We will switch back to homebase by announcement starting at 1:48. 6th grade, you may decide how to distribute your report cards on that day in order to coordinate your locker breaks for dismissal. We will then announce our dismissal patterns starting with 6th, then 7th, and then 8th as normal.
7. Please post and celebrate your honor roll students within your homebases/teams. We will have a small celebration for first quarter straight A students. More information is coming soon.
8. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
9. The school fundraiser will last through November 19. Please encourage your students to participate. There are lots of incentives for them to sell items from the catalog! There has been one addition to the fundraiser incentives. We were chosen for an extra incentive event - the BMX Bike Show. So we will have the Glow Party on December 16 and the BMX Bike Show on December 17. More details coming soon. All event dates are on the master calendar.
10. If your team/group is planning to go on a field trip, the cafeteria asks for a one week notification of your total number of bagged lunches requested. They order food on a weekly basis, and they need sufficient time to ensure that bagged lunches are available. Any requests that come in late will not be able to be filled by the cafeteria. Mr. Krammer, Cafeteria Manager, asks for your cooperation with this procedure.
11. According to new guidelines, students are not permitted to get ice from the cafeteria. Only adults are allowed to go into the cafeteria to get ice from the machine.
12. We have a new software approval process. If you have any software you would like to request on any school computers, you will need to put your request in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Downs, Mrs. Turner, and I. We will first determine whether we have sufficient funding and then proceed with the online approval system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Nov. 6 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
Nov. 10 - SEMS Professional Development Sessions
Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day - No School!
Nov. 12 - Report Card Distribution
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Dec. 1 - Staff Mtg.
Dec. 3 - Core and Encore Progress Reports
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014
1. Once you finalize grades, please do not go back in and make any quarter grade changes. If you finalize your grades and then need to make an update/change, please fill out the grade change form, place in my mailbox, and then I will review, approve, and give to Cindy Wilkes to make that change. Grade change forms will be available in Cindy's office.
2. The United Way drive is still going strong and will last through November 10. All staff are highly encouraged to donate. Please follow the instructions on the United Way link on the WSFCS website. Incentives for donating include: Chick-Fil-a coupons and a chance to win a Target gift card or a United Way t-shirt. In addition, any staff member who donates at least $25 total will be put in a drawing for a $50 gift card to the grocery store of your choice for Thanksgiving! Our goal as a school is to raise well over $5,000.
3. PLT meeting minutes - Core teachers, your weekly meeting minutes are required to be submitted to me by the end of each week. Encore teachers, your monthly PLT meeting minutes are to be submitted to me. The expectation for encore teachers is that you all meet monthly as a large group and then you also meet monthly as a smaller PLT. Please use the meeting minutes format that has been distributed to all teachers. Let me know if you have any questions.
4. 6th grade teachers: Please be sure to distribute the Time to Tell information to your students. It is important that this paperwork go home to parents. If any parents wish to opt their child out of the video viewing in November, they must return the form. Please give all returned forms to the Guidance Office.
5. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. More information coming soon.
6. Report cards will be distributed on November 12. We will switch back to homebase by announcement starting at 1:48. 6th grade, you may decide how to distribute your report cards on that day in order to coordinate your locker breaks for dismissal. We will then announce our dismissal patterns starting with 6th, then 7th, and then 8th as normal.
7. Please post and celebrate your honor roll students within your homebases/teams. We will have a small celebration for first quarter straight A students. More information is coming soon.
8. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
9. The school fundraiser will last through November 19. Please encourage your students to participate. There are lots of incentives for them to sell items from the catalog! There has been one addition to the fundraiser incentives. We were chosen for an extra incentive event - the BMX Bike Show. So we will have the Glow Party on December 16 and the BMX Bike Show on December 17. More details coming soon. All event dates are on the master calendar.
10. If your team/group is planning to go on a field trip, the cafeteria asks for a one week notification of your total number of bagged lunches requested. They order food on a weekly basis, and they need sufficient time to ensure that bagged lunches are available. Any requests that come in late will not be able to be filled by the cafeteria. Mr. Krammer, Cafeteria Manager, asks for your cooperation with this procedure.
11. According to new guidelines, students are not permitted to get ice from the cafeteria. Only adults are allowed to go into the cafeteria to get ice from the machine.
12. We have a new software approval process. If you have any software you would like to request on any school computers, you will need to put your request in writing (email is fine) to Mr. Downs, Mrs. Turner, and I. We will first determine whether we have sufficient funding and then proceed with the online approval system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Nov. 6 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
Nov. 10 - SEMS Professional Development Sessions
Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day - No School!
Nov. 12 - Report Card Distribution
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Dec. 1 - Staff Mtg.
Dec. 3 - Core and Encore Progress Reports
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Weekly Update 10/30/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014
1. Once again, congratulations to George Crummel, PE teacher. George will be retiring effective October 31. George, we wish you the best of luck and hope that you will return at the end of the school year for our annual SEMS retirement party! Please welcome our new PE teacher, Steven Hazlip, on Monday, Nov. 3. Mr. Hazlip is coming to us from Guilford County.
2. Thanks to our PTSA for our first staff luncheon. Almost 40 staff members took advantage of our first lunch. The PTSA will have another staff luncheon in December.
3. Don't forget that Daylight Savings Time takes place this weekend! Please "fall back" one hour on Sunday morning. Enjoy the extra time!
4. We are experiencing a drastic increase in the volume of students coming to breakfast. Many are coming with a breakfast pass, however, they are returning back to homebase without getting any breakfast. Homebase teachers, please remind your students that if they are given a pass, they are expected to come back with some sort of breakfast. If you notice that you have particular students who may be taking advantage of this system, please let us know. We will gladly help you out with that situation.
5. The new quarter grading policy has been approved by the School Board last month. The two changes that affect you the most: 1) After the quarter is over, the district will not go back and re-enter median grades for the letter grades (in other words, we do not have to deal with the multiple reviews of your quarter grades anymore), and 2) If any child receives an F for the quarter, all teachers must go back into the system before finalizing the grades and manually enter a 63 as the quarter score for the F (unless the F is already higher than a 63). John Downs has sent you instructions on completing first quarter grades.
6. First quarter grades and verification sheets will be due to Cindy Wilkes no later than Tuesday, November 4, at 8:00am. Report cards will be distributed on November 12.
7. Once you finalize grades, please do not go back in and make any quarter grade changes. If you finalize your grades and then need to make an update/change, please fill out the grade change form, place in my mailbox, and then I will review, approve, and give to Cindy Wilkes to make that change. Grade change forms will be available in Cindy's office.
8. We will have a different schedule for the November 6 fundraiser kickoff day. Typically we spread out the assemblies during encore time. This year we will condense the schedule and it will take place during core blocks of time. A fundraiser memo is being sent to all staff members.
9. The United Way drive is still going strong and will last through November 10. All staff are highly encouraged to donate. Please follow the instructions on the United Way link on the WSFCS website. Incentives for donating include: Chick-Fil-a coupons and a chance to win a Target gift card or a United Way t-shirt. Our goal as a school is to raise well over $5,000. We can do this!
10. PLT meeting minutes - Core teachers, your weekly meeting minutes are required to be submitted to me by the end of each week. Encore teachers, your monthly PLT meeting minutes are to be submitted to me. The expectation for encore teachers is that you all meet monthly as a large group and then you also meet monthly as a smaller PLT. Please use the meeting minutes format that has been distributed to all teachers. Let me know if you have any questions. Ms. Gardner will be visiting your PLT meetings over the next few weeks.
11. We will have an RS Teacher Workday on Friday, October 31. This day is not protected for any training, meaning that staff may take an annual leave day on this date. Soon we will ask you to indicate your intentions for October 31 on a staff sign up sheet. To clarify - since grades are not due until November 4, you do not have to have your grades completed in order to take off on October 31.
12. 6th grade teachers: Please be sure to distribute the Time to Tell information to your students. It is important that this paperwork go home to parents. If any parents wish to opt their child out of the video viewing in November, they must return the form. Please give all returned forms to the Guidance Office.
13. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. More information coming soon.
14. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
15. If your team/group is planning to go on a field trip, the cafeteria asks for a one week notification of your total number of bagged lunches requested. They order food on a weekly basis, and they need sufficient time to ensure that bagged lunches are available. Any requests that come in late will not be able to be filled by the cafeteria. Mr. Krammer, Cafeteria Manager, asks for your cooperation with this procedure.
16. According to new guidelines, students are not permitted to get ice from the cafeteria. Only adults are allowed to go into the cafeteria to get ice from the machine.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Oct. 30 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Oct. 31 - Teacher Workday (RS day)
Nov. 3 - Staff Mtg (2:20pm, MP Room)
Nov. 4 - First Qtr Grades DUE by 8:00am
Nov. 6 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
Nov. 10 - SEMS Professional Development Sessions
Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day - No School!
Nov. 12 - Report Card Distribution
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014
1. Once again, congratulations to George Crummel, PE teacher. George will be retiring effective October 31. George, we wish you the best of luck and hope that you will return at the end of the school year for our annual SEMS retirement party! Please welcome our new PE teacher, Steven Hazlip, on Monday, Nov. 3. Mr. Hazlip is coming to us from Guilford County.
2. Thanks to our PTSA for our first staff luncheon. Almost 40 staff members took advantage of our first lunch. The PTSA will have another staff luncheon in December.
3. Don't forget that Daylight Savings Time takes place this weekend! Please "fall back" one hour on Sunday morning. Enjoy the extra time!
4. We are experiencing a drastic increase in the volume of students coming to breakfast. Many are coming with a breakfast pass, however, they are returning back to homebase without getting any breakfast. Homebase teachers, please remind your students that if they are given a pass, they are expected to come back with some sort of breakfast. If you notice that you have particular students who may be taking advantage of this system, please let us know. We will gladly help you out with that situation.
5. The new quarter grading policy has been approved by the School Board last month. The two changes that affect you the most: 1) After the quarter is over, the district will not go back and re-enter median grades for the letter grades (in other words, we do not have to deal with the multiple reviews of your quarter grades anymore), and 2) If any child receives an F for the quarter, all teachers must go back into the system before finalizing the grades and manually enter a 63 as the quarter score for the F (unless the F is already higher than a 63). John Downs has sent you instructions on completing first quarter grades.
6. First quarter grades and verification sheets will be due to Cindy Wilkes no later than Tuesday, November 4, at 8:00am. Report cards will be distributed on November 12.
7. Once you finalize grades, please do not go back in and make any quarter grade changes. If you finalize your grades and then need to make an update/change, please fill out the grade change form, place in my mailbox, and then I will review, approve, and give to Cindy Wilkes to make that change. Grade change forms will be available in Cindy's office.
8. We will have a different schedule for the November 6 fundraiser kickoff day. Typically we spread out the assemblies during encore time. This year we will condense the schedule and it will take place during core blocks of time. A fundraiser memo is being sent to all staff members.
9. The United Way drive is still going strong and will last through November 10. All staff are highly encouraged to donate. Please follow the instructions on the United Way link on the WSFCS website. Incentives for donating include: Chick-Fil-a coupons and a chance to win a Target gift card or a United Way t-shirt. Our goal as a school is to raise well over $5,000. We can do this!
10. PLT meeting minutes - Core teachers, your weekly meeting minutes are required to be submitted to me by the end of each week. Encore teachers, your monthly PLT meeting minutes are to be submitted to me. The expectation for encore teachers is that you all meet monthly as a large group and then you also meet monthly as a smaller PLT. Please use the meeting minutes format that has been distributed to all teachers. Let me know if you have any questions. Ms. Gardner will be visiting your PLT meetings over the next few weeks.
11. We will have an RS Teacher Workday on Friday, October 31. This day is not protected for any training, meaning that staff may take an annual leave day on this date. Soon we will ask you to indicate your intentions for October 31 on a staff sign up sheet. To clarify - since grades are not due until November 4, you do not have to have your grades completed in order to take off on October 31.
12. 6th grade teachers: Please be sure to distribute the Time to Tell information to your students. It is important that this paperwork go home to parents. If any parents wish to opt their child out of the video viewing in November, they must return the form. Please give all returned forms to the Guidance Office.
13. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. More information coming soon.
14. If any teachers/teams/groups wish to use the multi-purpose room in the mornings or afternoons, please sign up on the MP room sign up sheet posted in the staff workroom above the first copier.
15. If your team/group is planning to go on a field trip, the cafeteria asks for a one week notification of your total number of bagged lunches requested. They order food on a weekly basis, and they need sufficient time to ensure that bagged lunches are available. Any requests that come in late will not be able to be filled by the cafeteria. Mr. Krammer, Cafeteria Manager, asks for your cooperation with this procedure.
16. According to new guidelines, students are not permitted to get ice from the cafeteria. Only adults are allowed to go into the cafeteria to get ice from the machine.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Oct. 30 - PTSA Staff Luncheon
Oct. 31 - Teacher Workday (RS day)
Nov. 3 - Staff Mtg (2:20pm, MP Room)
Nov. 4 - First Qtr Grades DUE by 8:00am
Nov. 6 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
Nov. 10 - SEMS Professional Development Sessions
Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day - No School!
Nov. 12 - Report Card Distribution
Nov. 26 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Weekly Update 10/23/14
SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014
1. Congratulations to George Crummel, PE teacher. George will be retiring effective October 31. George, we wish you the best of luck and hope that you will return at the end of the school year for our annual SEMS retirement party!
2. Thanks to Mrs. Cole, Mr. Bailey, and Officer Brown for their immediate response to our serious situation on Monday. Their swift action and attention to the matter certainly made things much easier to deal with! Thanks for your tremendous work on this case.
3. Thanks to Mrs. Watson and the Friends of Rachel Club, who created all of the orange hearts around our campus. They spent many hours making sure that all of our students and staff felt loved and cared about. Thank you for your commitment to SEMS!
4. We are experiencing a drastic increase in the volume of students coming to breakfast. Many are coming with a breakfast pass, however, they are returning back to homebase without getting any breakfast. Homebase teachers, please remind your students that if they are given a pass, they are expected to come back with some sort of breakfast. If you notice that you have particular students who may be taking advantage of this system, please let us know. We will gladly help you out with that situation.
5. The end of the first quarter is just around the corner. Please remember that teachers are required to contact parents of students who either have an F or whose grade has dropped at least two letter grades since the progress report. Please do not wait until the end of the quarter to contact the parent. Remember that calling to inform a parent that their child will get an F on their report card is not considered notification. Grade notification is when you contact a parent that their child is in danger of failing but still has an opportunity to have more grades entered before the grading period is over.
6. The new quarter grading policy has been approved by the School Board last month. The two changes that affect you the most: 1) After the quarter is over, the district will not go back and re-enter median grades for the letter grades (in other words, we do not have to deal with the multiple reviews of your quarter grades anymore), and 2) If any child receives an F for the quarter, all teachers must go back into the system before finalizing the grades and manually enter a 63 as the quarter score for the F (unless the F is already higher than a 63). John Downs will be sending you instructions on completing first quarter grades.
7. First quarter grades and verification sheets will be due to Cindy Wilkes no later than Tuesday, November 4, at 8:00am. Report cards will be distributed on November 12.
8. The United Way drive has begun and will last through the end of October. All staff are highly encouraged to donate. Please follow the instructions on the United Way link on the WSFCS website. Incentives for donating include: Chick-Fil-a coupons and a chance to win a Target gift card or a United Way t-shirt. Our goal as a school is to raise well over $5,000. We can do this!
9. PLT meeting minutes - Core teachers, your weekly meeting minutes are required to be submitted to me by the end of each week. Encore teachers, your monthly PLT meeting minutes are to be submitted to me. The expectation for encore teachers is that you all meet monthly as a large group and then you also meet monthly as a smaller PLT. Please use the meeting minutes format that has been distributed to all teachers. Let me know if you have any questions. Ms. Gardner will be visiting your PLT meetings over the next few weeks.
10. Quarter testing dates are October 27 - 28. We will have a modified schedule on these days. Please keep in mind that we will be testing pull-out groups on multiple days, which will affect EC staff members. Please consult the quarter testing email from last week for all details. It is important that you review all details prior to October 27.
11.Thursday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter. We will have an RS Teacher Workday on Friday, October 31. This day is not protected for any training, meaning that staff may take an annual leave day on this date. Soon we will ask you to indicate your intentions for October 31 on a staff sign up sheet. To clarify - since grades are not due until November 4, you do not have to have your grades completed in order to take off on October 31.
12. The PTSA will have their first staff luncheon of the year onOctober 30. Staff members can pay ahead of time and order lunch provided by the PTSA board members. They will be sending out instructions soon. Thanks to the PTSA for their continued support!
13. At our School Improvement Team meeting earlier this week, we discussed hallway supervision between class changes and how to improve the behaviors of our students. SIT and administration would like to remind all staff that during class changes, each teacher who has a classroom on that hallway is expected to be standing at their classroom door. This drastically increases the supervision needed for an efficient and safe class change.
14. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. More information coming soon.
15. All mentor teachers are reminded to turn in your required monthly mentor logs.
16. We will have a different schedule for the November 6 fundraiser kickoff day. Typically we spread out the assemblies during encore time. This year we will condense the schedule and it will take place during core blocks of time. More information coming soon.
17. The release of the teacher EVAAS data is still delayed. Apparently, there were some errors in data and they are working to resolve the problem. Once they have fixed the issue, they will notify us of the release so that the rest of you can get your EVAAS data!
18. A big thanks to all of our Early Release presenters on Wednesday. Thank you to Dr. Landry, Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Rhymes, Mrs.Douglas, Mrs. Barnes, and Mr. Downs for a job well done!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Oct. 24 - Music Fundraiser Celebration
Oct. 25 - Robot Run @ Atkins HS
Oct. 27-28 - Quarter Testing (modified schedules)
Oct. 27 - 29 - Cheerleading Tryouts
Oct. 27 - MTAC Mtg (2:20pm, Media Center)
Oct. 28 - Mix It Up Lunch!
Oct. 28 - Music Cookie Dough Pickup (2-6pm)
Oct. 30 - PTSA Staff Luncheon (details coming soon)
Oct. 31 - Teacher Workday (RS day)
Nov. 3 - Staff Mtg (2:20pm, MP Room)
Nov. 4 - First Qtr Grades DUE by 8:00am
Nov. 6 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014
1. Congratulations to George Crummel, PE teacher. George will be retiring effective October 31. George, we wish you the best of luck and hope that you will return at the end of the school year for our annual SEMS retirement party!
2. Thanks to Mrs. Cole, Mr. Bailey, and Officer Brown for their immediate response to our serious situation on Monday. Their swift action and attention to the matter certainly made things much easier to deal with! Thanks for your tremendous work on this case.
3. Thanks to Mrs. Watson and the Friends of Rachel Club, who created all of the orange hearts around our campus. They spent many hours making sure that all of our students and staff felt loved and cared about. Thank you for your commitment to SEMS!
4. We are experiencing a drastic increase in the volume of students coming to breakfast. Many are coming with a breakfast pass, however, they are returning back to homebase without getting any breakfast. Homebase teachers, please remind your students that if they are given a pass, they are expected to come back with some sort of breakfast. If you notice that you have particular students who may be taking advantage of this system, please let us know. We will gladly help you out with that situation.
5. The end of the first quarter is just around the corner. Please remember that teachers are required to contact parents of students who either have an F or whose grade has dropped at least two letter grades since the progress report. Please do not wait until the end of the quarter to contact the parent. Remember that calling to inform a parent that their child will get an F on their report card is not considered notification. Grade notification is when you contact a parent that their child is in danger of failing but still has an opportunity to have more grades entered before the grading period is over.
6. The new quarter grading policy has been approved by the School Board last month. The two changes that affect you the most: 1) After the quarter is over, the district will not go back and re-enter median grades for the letter grades (in other words, we do not have to deal with the multiple reviews of your quarter grades anymore), and 2) If any child receives an F for the quarter, all teachers must go back into the system before finalizing the grades and manually enter a 63 as the quarter score for the F (unless the F is already higher than a 63). John Downs will be sending you instructions on completing first quarter grades.
7. First quarter grades and verification sheets will be due to Cindy Wilkes no later than Tuesday, November 4, at 8:00am. Report cards will be distributed on November 12.
8. The United Way drive has begun and will last through the end of October. All staff are highly encouraged to donate. Please follow the instructions on the United Way link on the WSFCS website. Incentives for donating include: Chick-Fil-a coupons and a chance to win a Target gift card or a United Way t-shirt. Our goal as a school is to raise well over $5,000. We can do this!
9. PLT meeting minutes - Core teachers, your weekly meeting minutes are required to be submitted to me by the end of each week. Encore teachers, your monthly PLT meeting minutes are to be submitted to me. The expectation for encore teachers is that you all meet monthly as a large group and then you also meet monthly as a smaller PLT. Please use the meeting minutes format that has been distributed to all teachers. Let me know if you have any questions. Ms. Gardner will be visiting your PLT meetings over the next few weeks.
10. Quarter testing dates are October 27 - 28. We will have a modified schedule on these days. Please keep in mind that we will be testing pull-out groups on multiple days, which will affect EC staff members. Please consult the quarter testing email from last week for all details. It is important that you review all details prior to October 27.
11.Thursday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter. We will have an RS Teacher Workday on Friday, October 31. This day is not protected for any training, meaning that staff may take an annual leave day on this date. Soon we will ask you to indicate your intentions for October 31 on a staff sign up sheet. To clarify - since grades are not due until November 4, you do not have to have your grades completed in order to take off on October 31.
12. The PTSA will have their first staff luncheon of the year onOctober 30. Staff members can pay ahead of time and order lunch provided by the PTSA board members. They will be sending out instructions soon. Thanks to the PTSA for their continued support!
13. At our School Improvement Team meeting earlier this week, we discussed hallway supervision between class changes and how to improve the behaviors of our students. SIT and administration would like to remind all staff that during class changes, each teacher who has a classroom on that hallway is expected to be standing at their classroom door. This drastically increases the supervision needed for an efficient and safe class change.
14. There are several upcoming trade out time opportunities for teachers. More information coming soon.
15. All mentor teachers are reminded to turn in your required monthly mentor logs.
16. We will have a different schedule for the November 6 fundraiser kickoff day. Typically we spread out the assemblies during encore time. This year we will condense the schedule and it will take place during core blocks of time. More information coming soon.
17. The release of the teacher EVAAS data is still delayed. Apparently, there were some errors in data and they are working to resolve the problem. Once they have fixed the issue, they will notify us of the release so that the rest of you can get your EVAAS data!
18. A big thanks to all of our Early Release presenters on Wednesday. Thank you to Dr. Landry, Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Rhymes, Mrs.Douglas, Mrs. Barnes, and Mr. Downs for a job well done!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember that this calendar does NOT include all school events, meetings, etc. The online master calendar (SEMS School Calendar, through your email) contains all of these events. In the future, this list will be limited to reminders/highlights of significant events on the calendar. Please consult the master calendar for more detailed information.
Oct. 24 - Music Fundraiser Celebration
Oct. 25 - Robot Run @ Atkins HS
Oct. 27-28 - Quarter Testing (modified schedules)
Oct. 27 - 29 - Cheerleading Tryouts
Oct. 27 - MTAC Mtg (2:20pm, Media Center)
Oct. 28 - Mix It Up Lunch!
Oct. 28 - Music Cookie Dough Pickup (2-6pm)
Oct. 30 - PTSA Staff Luncheon (details coming soon)
Oct. 31 - Teacher Workday (RS day)
Nov. 3 - Staff Mtg (2:20pm, MP Room)
Nov. 4 - First Qtr Grades DUE by 8:00am
Nov. 6 - Fundraiser Kickoff Assemblies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
