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