2.4.19

~Administrative Message:

February is Black History Month, and it's important for us to take some time to reflect on the African Americans who have played a part in American history and what our country and the world can learn from this experience. 

As educators it is crucial to create environments in which all students, faculty and staff feel welcomed. We are proud to honor the backgrounds and identities of the members of our nation, community and school, not just in the month of February but always. We believe that as a community we should be curious about learning more about all cultures throughout the year — not just for a month at a time. Please take opportunities to engage your students as well as yourself in literature, activities and discussions that will create a deeper understanding and acceptance.

Have a great week,

~JWS Admin Team

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

~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


~Black Lives Matter at School Week:
On February 4-8, 2019, Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action will reach more schools and districts nationwide and will be embraced by the National Education Association, the largest Teachers Union in the United States. As we prepare for the Week of Action, please read a piece that outlines the demands for the week and explains some of the ways we can value Black lives in our schools. To get involved, visit the Black Lives Matter at School website. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact Ruth Turner. 
Primary Article: Introduction to Teaching for Black Lives from Rethinking Schools

Guiding Questions:

·    How has the Black Lives Matter movement impacted you, your school, and your students?

·    What does it look like when Black lives matter in schools?

·    How do the demands of the Black Lives Matter Week of Action apply to your school and district?

·    How will you participate in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action (February 4-8, 2019)?

~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 NEW 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/

~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.

~Assessments:

NWEA - The NWEA test administration window opened on January 7 and closes on February 8.

All students in grades K through 8 are expected to sit for these assessments in Reading and Math during this time. NWEA student rosters are updated automatically every night; if you have questions about NWEA user access, please contact the AIMSweb Plus and NWEA mailbox (TestingDeptApplications@rcsdk12.org). 
Be sure to print out your class report and ensure you have a score for each student.

AIMSwebPlus - Assessment window closes on Feb. 8th.  Please be sure all students are assessed.

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

~Data Sheet & SUTW Tracking Sheet:
Be sure that all student data is accurately recorded on the data sheet for both ELA and Math.  Also be sure that you have recorded all writing genre data on your tracking sheet. Administration will review both data logs after the assessment window has closed for NWEA and AIMSwebPlus.

~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:

Black Lives Matter at School Week - February 4th - 8th
Report Cards go home - February 8th
100th Day of School - February 15th
February Recess - February 18th - 22nd
Character Education Assembly - February 28th
JWS Black History Month Celebration - February 28th 5:30 to 8 PM