Weekly Update 10/2/14

SOUTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

1. Thank you to the Hospitality Committee for planning our events for this school year. Don't forget to pay your hospitality dues.  Remember that these dues go towards celebrations, retirements, death in the family, births, illness, and other family crises. Those who pay their dues by October 10 will receive a pass to wear jeans on October 15. 

2. We will conduct 8th grade EXPLORE testing on October 6 and 7.  After reviewing the staffing commitment this will require, we will have to go on a modified schedule on October 7 only.  This will affect all grade levels.  Please refer to my EXPLORE email from late last week with the attached modified schedule.  

3. PLT Team Planning Sheet final drafts are due to me no later than October 9. These sheets will be reviewed by Mrs. Gardner and me and then submitted to the Superintendent's Office.

4. We will have staff development sessions on Monday, October 13.  More details are on their way from Mr. Downs and Mrs. Gardner. These sessions are required for certified staff. 

5. The WSFCS Human Resources Dept. is making more of an effort to be accessible to all employees. So on October 15, some HR staff members will be at SEMS for at least half of the day at your service. They will be able to answer any questions or field any concerns that you may have. I will confirm the times once they are available.  

6. All subject areas/departments have periodic district meetings throughout the school year. The expectation is that there is an SEMS representative at each of those meetings. Your department may divide this up however you wish. 

7. There are times when some staff members transport a student  In these instances, it is important that you have written parent permission to do and most importantly, you are required to have an approved Employee Driver Form on file.  I have the forms in my office if you need to fill one out.  Once you complete the form, please attach a copy of your license, car insurance, and car registration.  I will sign and send to HR for approval. Once approved, you are valid for the duration of the school year. 
 
8. We are now live and online with the administrator's classroom walkthrough tool.  Once we complete a walkthrough, we will write in comments and you will be emailed directly.  The email will come to your inbox from donotreply@teachscape.com  and the subject line will be "Walk Results" - this will be the feedback and comments for your walkthrough.  

9. 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 all week, which will affect EC staff members.  Stay tuned for more information. 

10. 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 affect both encore and core in the AM hours. More information coming soon. 

UPCOMING EVENTS
 Oct. 3 - 7th Grade Social (2-4pm)
Oct. 6 - Staff Mtg. (2:20pm, MP room)
Oct. 6 - Student Council apps available 
Oct 6-7 - 8th Grade EXPLORE test (details coming) 
Oct. 9 - ELL Family Information Night (5:30 - 7pm, SEMS) 
Oct. 10 - 7th grade Storm Chasers/Tornadoes Field Trip
Oct. 10 - Student Council apps DUE  
Oct. 10 - 6th Grade Social (2-4pm)
Oct. 11 - WSFCS Bully Prevention Walk (8am, WS Dash Stadium)
Oct. 13 - 17 - Student Council Campaign Week!
Oct. 13 - Staff Development Sessions (more info coming)
Oct. 14 - Crosby Scholars Welcome Mtgs.
Oct. 14 - PTSA Board Mtg (5:30pm) 
Oct. 15 - Mobile HR on campus!
Oct. 15 - 7th grade Eye Screenings
Oct. 16 - 8th grade field trip to Reynolds Auditorium
Oct. 16 - FCCLA Krispy Kreme Delivery/Pickup
Oct. 17 - 7th grade Lightning Bolts/Cyclones field trip to Zoo
Oct. 17 - Student Council Videos and Voting! 
Oct. 22 - WSFCS Unity Day! Wear orange for Bully Prevention
Oct. 27-28 - Quarter testing
Oct. 31 - Teacher workday - 1st quarter grades due!