10.22.18

~Grade Level Meetings: On Oct. 22nd and Oct. 29th the coaches from ELA Dept. will facilitate our grade level meetings.  Please prepare for these meetings by taking some time to reflect on the following questions; What are the components of a high quality ELA block and how should the time be broken up? What does a high quality phonics lesson look like? ( what should it entail?) How do you set up for guided reading, and what does it look like? Please bring your laptops to the meeting and be on time. Below are the norms that were suggested by staff on the needs assessment survey.  Collaboratively we will work together to ensure we are following these norms and that are time together is productive. NORMS: ·     Put students first ·     Be on time/prepared ·     Be respectful ·     Be focused ·     Be sure to bring materials for the meeting that you were asked to bring ·     Come with an open mind ~Intervention/LLI: Our LLI block gives us another opportunity to focus on sharing a passion for Reading, Teaching and Learning with our students.   Here are some tips to help you maximize this time:    -Use the 30 (first grade) or 45 minute lesson framework to structure the time    -Be intentional in your focus—get the students engaged in reading and incorporate progress-Monitoring    -Get creative with resources; it’s OK to substitute materials as needed    -Do your best (and forget the rest)!!! ~ Ready Teacher Toolbox: We have an awesome resource for you to use. Please read the information attached from Our Math Department about the Ready Teacher ToolboxJ  We will dive deeper into this resource at our grade level meetings.  However, DON’T wait until then to explore and use it as a resource. The Math Department has made Ready Teacher Toolbox a central piece of their Math Intervention Guides (click HERE) Our  school has a unique code (see below) that teachers must use during their registration process.  While each teacher will have a unique registration, you will all use this school code to set up your account. They have purchased Math licenses only.  The Math Department  has bought enough licenses for all of our teachers in Grades 3-6. If you have any difficulties with registration, please call Ready Customer Service at 1-800-225-0248. Go to www.Teacher-Toolbox.com to register. Code: M1Q1F7DN9FHX

~Assemblies: On October 26th, we will have our first monthly assembly.  Please discuss assembly behavior with your students prior to coming.  The assembly will be held in the cafe. Grades K - 3 will be at 2 PM and grades 4 - 6 will be at 10 AM. ~Walk through Focus: Our walk through focus will continue to be on Learning Targets and Morning Meeting.  Administration is now using the electronic tool to provide you feedback from a walk through visit. ~Update from Superintendent Barbara Deane-Williams:  We often talk about our commitment to “Every student by face and name.” This is a promise to ensure our children have a safe and nurturing environment at school to learn and grow to their potential. You delivered on that promise by responding quickly and working with colleagues and city and county officials to ensure our students had a productive day and arrived home safely.  We can continue to help our students feel safe by establishing a strong sense of security, talking with them openly about their fears, and assuring them that schools are safe places. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) also recommends strategies, which are detailed in the resource “Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers.”  Thank you, again, for your calm and caring professionalism, and for your dedication to our students.   Sincerely, Barbara Deane-Williams ~Updates from the Office of Student Support Services and Social Emotional Learning: Restorative Times newsletter. Please contact Ruth Turner with any questions.  ~Upcoming Dates: Monthly Assembly - Friday, October 26th, 2018  Superintendents Conference Day  - Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 Veterans Day (all facilities closed) - November 12th, 2018 Thanksgiving Recess - Wednesday, November 21st - November 23rd, 2018