3.31.19

Hope is the the thing that can give us strength throughout the day. Hope can encourage hard work, risks and meaning. what do you do to encourage hope in your students. Please take an opportunity to read the article  "How to Help Students Develop Hope" to find ways you can inspire hope.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_help_students_develop_hope


~K-6 Report Card Information 2018-2019

Please contact your school-based registrar for any information regarding the report card and grading processes specific to your school (Elizabeth Foran)

To log into PTG from home: https://ptgprod.rcsdk12.org:8443/powerschool-gradebook/

Marking Period	End Date	Week Report Cards are Sent/Mailed Home	Date when Grades need to be in PowerTeacher Gradebook	Date when Program School Grades need to be in PowerTeacher Gradebook
Quarter 1	November 2, 2018	Week of November 12th	November 6, by 11:59 PM	October 29, 11:59 PM
Quarter 2 & Semester 1	January 25, 2019	Week of February 4th	January 29, by 11:59 PM	January 22, by 11:59 PM
Quarter 3	April 19, 2019	Week of April 29rd	April 23, by 11:59 PM	April 09, by 11:59 PM
Quarter 4, Semester 2 & End-of-Year	June 26, 2019	Mailed: Week of July 1th Sent home: Week of June 24th	June 18, by 11:59 PM*	June 18, by 11:59 PM*

~Walk through Focus:
Week of 4.1.19  - 4.26.19 Lesson Plans, Intervention, GRAIR, Morning Meeting

~School - Wide Learning Walk Feedback:
Feedback from both Learning Walks (Classroom environment and Zearn) was sent out.  It is an expectation that you review the feedback and ensure that you are implementing all components that was reviewed.

~School - Wide Learning Walks:
Learning Walks will be conducted throughout the year by the JWS Leadership Team.
Specific topics will be observed and feedback will be provided. The topics are instructional, behavioral and school - wide expectations. These expectations have been approved at SBPT/Building Committee and are expected to have been implemented. 

~Character Attribute of the Month:
Our monthly character attribute is Kindness. 
Please discuss the attribute with your students and have them participate in literature and activities that engage them with this attribute.
Links to support you:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/kindness-lesson-plan-rebecca-alber

https://proudtobeprimary.com/kindness-activities/

~JWS Spotlight:

Mrs. Franzese's first graders have been busy working hard in Science & Social Studies learning about Our Earth.  They have been discussing how the Earth is made up of land and water.  They have studied geography and maps locating the 7 continents and major oceans.  They have discussed the difference between salt and fresh water sources as well as different landforms (mountains, plains, and valleys).  In addition to learning about the earth’s surface, the class has also discussed rocks, soil, and erosion.  Some of their focused learning targets have been…I can describe the earth’s surface, I can identify the 7 continents and 4 major oceans on earth, I can identify sources of water, I can describe rocks and categorize rocks by attributes (texture, size, shape), I can describe soil and tell what soil is made of, I can describe how the land/rocks changes and how erosion can be prevented.  Students were engaged in a science inquiry - exploring rocks. Their rock exploration inquiry is captured in these photos.

  

On Thursday, March 28th staff and students participated in our annual staff vs. student basketball game.
Although the staff won again this year, our students had a blast.  Thank you to all that participated, Mr. Birthwright for organizing the event and Ms. Angie for bringing the students to the game to cheer everyone on.
                           

      
                                                                                                   

  

                                       If you have class news to share please send the information to L. Garrow.

~Upcoming Important Dates:

April 12: SOAR Incentive Day - Movie Day (see email for details)
April 15 - 19: Spring Recess
April 23: Report Card grades recorded in PowerTeacher and submitted to Admin
April 26: Early Dismissal Day

~Information, student work and upcoming news:
If you have anything you would like to have posted in our blog, please email admin.
We encourage you to share student work, news about your classroom/grade level etc.

~JWS Annual Project Fair:
Congratulations to Mrs. Cowles, JWS staff and students for all of your hard work and support with the annual project fair.  Great job!

~Walk through Focus:
Week of 3.11.19 - 3.29.19  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention

~School - Wide Learning Walks:
Learning Walks will be conducted throughout the year by the JWS Leadership Team.
Specific topics will be observed and feedback will be provided. The topics are instructional, behavioral and school - wide expectations. These expectations have been approved at SBPT/Building Committee and are expected to have been implemented. 

~Character Attribute of the Month:
Our monthly character attribute is Self - Control. 
Please discuss the attribute with your students and have them participate in literature and activities that engage them with this attribute.

~Upcoming Important Dates:

March 21: Early Dismissal Day

March 22: Recess Day/No School for Students
March 25: Feb & March Character Education Assembly

3.11.19

~Administrative Message:
As we approach the NYS Assessment period, please be mindful about the importance of preparing our students for these assessments.  Please take some time to discuss the importance of the ELA and Math assessments, why we take these assessments and what the results are used for. We are asking that ALL staff Pre - K through 6, speak with your students and staff that assist your classroom, about keeping our hallways quiet and our school atmosphere calm.
Please also engage your students in the activities below to assist them with stress/anxiety they may have around testing.
Have a great week,
Admin

https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/students-cut-stress-before-tests/

http://www.teachhub.com/helping-kids-cope-school-test-anxiety

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/05/24/teaching-students-to-de-stress-over-testing.html




~Information, student work and upcoming news:
If you have anything you would like to have posted in our blog, please email admin.
We encourage you to share student work, news about your classroom/grade level etc.

~JWS Annual Project Fair:
This year we celebrate our 25th annual project fair on March 14th. Our plan is to be on the first floor between our formal entrance and the gym. This evening is an opportunity to share all that we do with our parents, partners, and the community. Teachers are expected to have a display on a project board on the first floor with standards addressed, a description of the task, and student work with a commentary. This could be a past project or something new.  A project board will be provided if needed (see J. Cowles). On Wednesday, March 13th, it is necessary to have 2 staff members at all times to accept projects from 2:30 – 5:30pm. We need staff to volunteer for at least one half hour shift the night of the event.  Each booth will have all materials and complete directions. Activities will be simple, but interactive. A sign up sheet will be posted in the office to sign up for working a booth. Without volunteers, we can not run the activities. The first floor will be the only area open that evening. All teachers on the 2^nd & 3^rd floor will bring their classroom display boards down to the first floor to an assigned area. Classroom displays are samples of activities already going on in your classrooms. Classes are invited and encouraged to view the project “museum” during the day.  If you have any questions, please see J. Cowles.

~Walk through Focus:
Week of 3.11.19 - 3.22.19  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention

~School - Wide Learning Walks:
Learning Walks will be conducted throughout the year by the JWS Leadership Team.
Specific topics will be observed and feedback will be provided. The topics are instructional, behavioral and school - wide expectations. These expectations have been approved at SBPT/Building Committee and are expected to have been implemented. 

~3.8.19 Learning Walk:
The Leadership Team (L. Garrow, M. VerSchneider, B. O'Donnell, J. Osborne, M, Michel, S. Franzese and K. Hall) conducted a Learning Walk on 3.8.19. The feedback has been posted in the Learning Walk/Walkthrough section and has been sent out in an email. We would like to thank you for your cooperation and welcoming us into your classrooms!  Mrs. Roberts  wants to extend her apologies for missing the learning walk due to an out of the building meeting. However, she is  a part of the Leadership Team as well and will be conducting future Learning Walks with her team.

~Music In Our Schools Month:

March is Music In Our Schools Month. Our students have been hard at work creating a display to celebrate music. All students in the school had the opportunity in music class to share their thoughts on music by creating puzzle pieces. Together they have shown how puzzles and music have a lot in common. One puzzle piece or one note is nice, but doesn't  show the whole picture. 

If we each add our piece, together we can create something beautiful. 

~Character Attribute of the Month:
Our monthly character attribute is Self - Control. 
Please discuss the attribute with your students and have them participate in literature and activities that engage them with this attribute.

~NYS ELA and Math Assessment:
141/2 days are left to prepare for the NYS ELA Assessment (April 2 & 3).
30 1/2 days are left to prepare for the NYS Math Assessment (May 1 & 2).
Please be sure you are on target with your pacing and are using the released test questions with students.

~Upcoming CFA 's: 
Grade 4 Math CFA 3 March 12th

Grade 6 Math CFA 4 March15th

~Upcoming Important Dates:

March 14th: Annual Project Fair
March 21: Early Dismissal Day

March 22: Recess Day/No School for Students
March 25: Feb & March Character Education Assembly

3.4.19

~Message from your administrators:

Happy Teachers Create Happy Classrooms. 

Read the article (link below) to find out how you can be the greatest influence on your students during the school day.

https://www.ateachersbestfriend.com/happy-teachers-create-happy-classrooms-2/

Have a great week.

~Walk through Focus:
2/25 - 3/15  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention

~School - Wide Learning Walks:
Learning Walks will be conducted throughout the year by the JWS Leadership Team.
Specific topics will be observed and feedback will be provided. The topics are instructional, behavioral and school - wide expectations. These expectations have been approved at SBPT/Building Committee and are expected to have been implemented. 

~Character Attribute of the Month:
Our monthly character attribute is Self - Control. 
Please discuss the attribute with your students and have them participate in activities that engages them around this attribute.
Review the links below to support you with activities around the attribute of Self - Control.

http://characterfirsteducation.com/c/curriculum-detail/2039081

 https://www.edutopia.org/article/simple-ways-to-help-young-kids-develop-self-control-donna-wilson-marcus-conyers


~Upcoming Data Meetings:

Intervention teachers, reading teachers, and classroom teachers must have all intervention logs up to

date by Friday, March 1^st.

Please follow the revised data meeting schedule below and be prepared for your meeting (see the

email that was sent out by L. Garrow for specific information). 

If you have any questions please see Jen or Michele.

Data Meeting Schedules

Time	Wednesday, March 6th
9:55-10:25	Mrs. Franzese
10:30-11:15	Mrs. Ebner
11:20-12:05	Mrs. Oliver
12:45-1:30	Mrs. Hall
1:40-2:25	Mr. Birthwright
2:30-3:15	Mrs. Cowles

Data Meeting Schedules continued

Time	Thursday, March 7th
9:55-10:25	Mrs. Fornarola
10:30-11:15	Mrs. McMindes
12:45-1:30	Mrs. Gauvin
1:40-2:25	Ms. Frank
2:30-3:15	Ms. White-Spraggins

Time	Tuesday, March 12
11:35-12:05	Mrs. Berardicurti
12:25-12:55	Mrs. Standinger
1:00-1:35	Mr. DiNottia
1:35-2:05	Ms. Brown
2:05-2:35	Ms. Nathan
2:40-3:10	Ms. Williams

Time	Wednesday, March 13
10:30-11:15	Ms. DeWitt
11:20-12:05	Mrs. Mey-Brooks
12:10-12:40	Ms. Givens
12:45-1:30	Mrs. Maggio
1:40-2:25	Ms. White
2:30-3:00	Ms. Weinstein

~JWS Annual Project Fair:
This year we celebrate our 25th annual project fair on March 14th. Our plan is to be on the first floor between our formal entrance and the gym. This evening is an opportunity to share all that we do with our parents, partners, and the community. Teachers are expected to have a display on a project board on the first floor with standards addressed, a description of the task, and student work with a commentary. This could be a past project or something new.  A project board will be provided if needed (see J. Cowles). On Wednesday, March 13th, it is necessary to have 2 staff members at all times to accept projects from 2:30 – 5:30pm. We need staff to volunteer for at least one half hour shift the night of the event.  Each booth will have all materials and complete directions. Activities will be simple, but interactive. A sign up sheet will be posted in the office to sign up for working a booth. Without volunteers, we can not run the activities. The first floor will be the only area open that evening. All teachers on the 2^nd & 3^rd floor will bring their classroom display boards down to the first floor to an assigned area. Classroom displays are samples of activities already going on in your classrooms. Classes are invited and encouraged to view the project “museum” during the day.  If you have any questions, please see J. Cowles.

~Upcoming Station Rotations:
Our next school - wide station rotations are scheduled for March 14th and 15th.
ALL K - 6 students are expected to participate in the rotations.  This isn't an option. 
Please review the schedule that was sent out by L. Garrow.
See L. Garrow with any questions or concerns.


~24 Challenge Math Tournament:
The 24 Challenge Tournament will be held on Thursday, May 23 at School No. 7 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please contact L. Garrow with participating student names.
Registration ends on March 29, so please register quickly! 

~Social Media Resource:

Information Regarding the Recent “MOMO” Internet Phenomenon:

As many may have seen in local media and circulating on social media, there is a recent internet phenomenon known as “MOMO”. There are varying reports regarding the credibility of this phenomenon. Most credible sources indicate that this has probably been enhanced by social media. Out of an abundance of caution, the District would like to acknowledge the phenomenon and make all aware of the everyday protections that are in place to protect our students from harm. The District’s content filters have been configured to block references to MOMO on student devices such as Chromebooks. Additionally, the application “WhatsApp”, which has been cited as a conduit for “MOMO”, is not and cannot be installed on District devices. 

Per YouTube: “we’ve not received any recent evidence of videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube. Content of this kind would be in violation of our policies and removed immediately.”

However, there are YouTube videos from news clips that refer to MOMO and there is also clickbait, which may appear similar.

The District takes the internet safety of our children very seriously. In addition to our Internet Safety information and events, such as our Digital Citizenship Day Camp we host for students at Central Office, we would like to share a list of resources with all so that informed conversations can be had with the entire school community. Please see below:

·    https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/viral-youtube-challenges-internet-stunts-popular-with-kids

·    https://www.netsmartz.org/TeachingResources

Additionally, we would like to thank everyone for their vigilance in monitoring student internet use and ensuring the safety of all. Attached is the letter to families that we shared with you earlier today.

~Upcoming Important Dates:

March 14th: Annual Project Fair
March 21: Early Dismissal Day

March 22: Recess Day/No School for Students
March 25: Feb & March Character Education Assembly

2.25.19

Hello Staff,

Welcome Back! 

We hope you had a chance to relax and enjoy your vacation. 

Please take a moment to read the quote above and reflect upon the "what ifs". "

"What if" we could create a journey for our students that embraced each component above?

Have a great week back, embrace your students positively and continue to support each other.

Admin

~Data Meetings:

We will conduct data meetings beginning March 5th through March 12th.  Please come to your scheduled meeting prepared.  Review the email sent out by L. Garrow in regards to your scheduled time and pertinent information.

~School - Wide Learning Walk:
A school - wide Learning Walk is scheduled for March 6th. The Leadership Team as well as other staff members will participate in the Learning Walk.  The team will share the LW focus and tool prior to visiting your classroom.  More information about our upcoming LW is forthcoming.

~Walkthrough Focus:

2/25 - 3/15  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention.

~Assessments:

NYS 3-8 ELA 

The administration window begins on Tuesday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 3, 2019. The make-up window begins immediately preceding the two-day administration period and continues to Tuesday, April 9, 2019. 

NYS 3 - 8 Math

The administration window begins on Wednesday, May 1 through May 2, 2019. The make-up window begins immediately preceding the two-day administration period and continues to Wednesday, May 8, 2019. 
Upcoming CFA 's 
Grade 5 Math CFA 3 March 8th
Grade 4 Math CFA 3 March 12th

Grade 6 Math CFA 4 March15th

Please be sure you are using paper and pencil practice assessments as you instruct and prepare our students for the ELA and Math NYS Assessment.

Please use the NYS released questions that L. Garrow shared with you during grade level meetings.

We also have practice NYS ELA and Math books that you can sign out that can assist you with supporting your students.  Please see Jennifer Osborne or Michele Michel to sign these resources out. These resources will be collected and stored after the NYS assessments are completed.

~PBIS Station Rotations:

Station Rotation will take place on March 7 & 8, 2019. 

More information is forthcoming.

~Black History Month:

Please review the information sent out by the JWS Black History Month Team about upcoming events.
Links to support you-
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/celebrate-black-history-month/

https://www.teachervision.com/holidays/black-history-month

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/bhm-curriculum-resources-gradesK-5.html

~Dr Seuss's birthday & Read Across America Day:

Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books,  A book list was sent out to you by Ms. Garigen and students will celebrate reading by participating in activities in their classrooms.  Staff and students will also celebrate this day by participating in a Dr. Seuss spirit week.  Information about this was sent out to staff and students.  The School Climate Team and administration discussed and planned this week together.  This was also discussed at the last SBPT. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please an administrator. 

Links to support you - 

http://www.seussville.com/Educators/educatorReadAcrossAmerica.php

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/lindsey-petlak/top-10-read-across-america-ideas-upper-elementary/

http://www.nea.org/grants/69971.htm

~Upcoming Dates:

Character Education Assembly - February 25th
JWS Black History Month Celebration - February 28th 10AM & 5:30PM

2.11.19 Finding a students Sweet Spot

     

Administration's Message:
How do we find the sweet spot where students are engaged and passionate about learning?
There’s a sweet spot in every student. 
It takes a little experimentation to find but when you find a students sweet spot you will know that you got it right!
There's a  variety of ways for finding the sweet spot for an optimal learning experience. When tapping into a students sweet spot you provide students with enough support to help them succeed, enough challenges to help them grow and their learning style has been identified.
In chapter 3 of our school - wide collegial read "Best Practices at Tier 1, Daily Differentiation for Effective Instruction, the authors discuss finding a child's sweet spot and ways on how to personalize learning for each student. 

How do you personalize learning for your students in your classroom?

Take sometime to reflect upon this guided question and review the links provided below.
Have a great week,
JWS Administration

https://youtu.be/yTtenP8AOU8
https://youtu.be/68-MBrKMzSQ
https://www.thirstforthinking.org/thirst-for-thinking-blog/finding-the-sweet-spot 

Principal Updates:

Good news!

Grades 3-6 students will NOT take Paper based testing for the NYS Math Assessments for the 2018-2019 school year. 

Our school is doing a great job with timely, completion of student attendance daily!  Keep up the great job! Please look forward to information about attendance incentives coming soon.  J

 Reminder to All Teachers,

Please don’t forget to update and post learning targets as well as display lesson plans in a visible location.  Don’t forget to remember to give shout outs to continue to boost morale and school culture. Grade level minutes must be posted in grade level google drive folders.  Ms. Garrow has sent information out about how to access this folder. 

Data Sheets need to be updated regularly with student progress as well. It’s difficult for Ms. Garrow and I to pull data if it is not there. 

Zearn is a school wide expectation  not a choice (grades1 -5) and all students should complete 120 minutes on Zearn each week. We are struggling school wide to meet our weekly goal.  

AimswebPlus progress monitoring is a school wide expectation as well. Don’t forget to progress monitor each student at least 1x a month in ELA.  We encourage you to monitor your students in Math as well. Administration is also monitoring your reports to ensure this is getting done.

JWS BLOG Don’t forget to review the Blog weekly and seek additional information and resources. Ms. Garrow and I plan for explicit information to be shared and communicated about school happenings. Thanks a bunch, Ms. Garrow for doing such a fabulous job!

Walk-Throughs

Thank you to all of you who continue to engage your students and ensure that the learning targets are relevant and understood by the students. Generally you would receive an email with feedback about what was noticed during the visit.   Also, When Chief Wilson visits, she uses the tool I shared with you previously.  I will share our noticing from her next visit(s) on 2/5/19. I will forward a weekly update from our visits this week. I’m looking forward to seeing our students actively engaged and learning throughout the week.

Arrival/Dismissal/Transitions- these are most of our busiest times of the day, please make sure you have direct supervision and eyes on your students.  Many incidents have been occurring and students have been wandering off or incidents have heighten during these times.  It is extremely important that we all continue to follow the procedures and adhere to the times allotted for these transitions.  All hands on deck is greatly appreciated! 

Classroom Management/Referrals

We are noticing a larger number of referrals.  Please review  your classroom management plan.  Check to see if it’s still effective, or if it is time to make changes that will minimize incidents and maximize instruction.  Take some time to reflect on individual students’ needs.  For example, behavior journals, check and connects with support staff, lunch bunch groups, and any other positive reinforcements may make a difference for some students. Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Rosenhack, Ms. Garrow, anyone from the support team or I for additional support.

Receivership Updates:

Thank you to those of you who came to the Pubic Hearing. Your support was much appreciated.

Community Engagement Team Meeting is 2/11/19 (If you are interested in joining the team, please let me ASAP).

Team Shout Out:
Thank you to the JWS Black History Month Committee for all of the work, dedication and wonderful opportunities you planned for our students.

Walkthrough Focus:
1/28 - 2/15  - Lesson Plans, Zearn and Intervention

Upcoming Learning Walk

A school - wide Learning Walk is scheduled for March 6th. The Leadership Team as well as other staff members will participate in the Learning Walk.  The team will share the LW focus and tool prior to visiting your classroom. For information is about our upcoming LW is forthcoming.

JWS Classroom Environment & Instructional Expectations:
Classroom Environment Expectations:

Standards Based Bulletin Boards

Leveled Library in each classroom

Daily Schedule posted

Word Wall(s) in each classroom

Data Wall in each classroom

Work areas (small, large, individual work areas)

School Creed and Effort Rubric posted (School Creed Posters are being ordered)

Instructional Artifacts posted

Instructional Expectations:

Data Notebooks for each classroom

GRAIR

Morning Meeting

DEAR

Progress Monitoring

Student Data Portfolios

Daily Lesson Plans

Parent Communication Log

Emergency Sub Plans and supporting materials

Looking at Student Work (LASW) Protocol 

February's Character Education Attribute of the Month:
Friendship
Review these NEW links below for ways to teach this attribute in your classroom to your students.

https://www.peelregion.ca/health/commhlth/bodyimg/changes-in-me/lessons/pdf/LessonSeven.pdf

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/good-relationships/qualities-of-a-good-friend


100th Day of School:
The 100th Day of school is on February 15th, 2019. We encourage you to celebrate your students attendance and 100 days of success. Below are some links that can be reviewed for ideas and activities. Enjoy!

https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/teachers-share-their-100th-day-school-ideas/

https://proudtobeprimary.com/100-days-of-school-activities/


Annual Snow Ball:
On February 15th JWS will celebrate our SOAR students by giving them a Snow Ball Dance.

The Annual Snow Ball will be held on Feb. 15^th.

Please see the information below for details. 

Students will need 15 Eagle Bucks to receive an entrance ticket. 

Hallway Bulletin Boards:
Be sure to update your bulletin boards with student work that is current.  Including the assignment description, the standard and a scoring rubric is essential. Many of our bulletin boards are outdated throughout our school.

Deadlines to meet:
Upcoming CFA 's - 
Grade 3 Math CFA 2 Feb. 15th
Grade 5 Math CFA 3 March 8th
Grade 4 Math CFA 3 March 12th
Grade 6 Math CFA 4 March15th

Zearn Expectations:
Administration continues to review your Zearn usage amounts and lesson completion.  We also look to see what teachers have logged into their Zearn account and how often.  Be mindful that Zearn is a school - wide expectation.
Hats off to those of you who meet the Zearn expectations every week.  We are proud of you and your students.
We will continue to have conversations with classroom teachers who are not meeting their Zearn goal.  If you need support with ensuring you are meeting this expectation, please see your administrator immediately.
Reminder:

• Grades 1 - 5 120 minutes per week
• average of 4 lessons a week
• 50/50 Model must be used in your classroom (30 minutes Zearn, 30 minutes small group instruction)

Important Dates:

100th Day of School - February 15th
JWS Annual Snow Ball Dance - February 15th (K -3, 12:15 to 1:40 & 4 - 6 1:45 to 3:00)
February Recess - February 18th - 22nd
Character Education Assembly - February 25th
JWS Black History Month Celebration - February 28th 10 AM & 5:30 PM