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