Weekly Update 12/18/14

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