Week 9

 

Happy Last Week of October Team... Thank you so much for all of your hard work this past week as you are preparing for next week's Interim tests.  I truly appreciate all of the time and effort you put into each instructional day for your students.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend...that you are able to get some rest and relaxation with family and/or friends.  Here's to another strong week!

On a personal note, I would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your support and dedication...and for everything you give to Laurus, your students, families, each other, and to me.  Each of you have handled these first 9 weeks of school with strength and determination, and I applaud you for all that you've given and done.  My prayer for our team is that we are turning a corner, settling in to the awesome work we have to do, and are beginning to come into our own...and that each of you are healthy, safe, and fulfilled. 💗

This Week (It's going to be a busy one!):

Interim Week -

Next week is Interim 1 Assessment Week.  All Students in grades 3-8 will be taking their ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science Interims.  I am recommending that you have the students take their tests in the morning, when they are more mentally alert.  The afternoons can be used for any curriculum that needs to be taught next week, content review, and make up testing from the morning (or absences).  It is an expectation that all Interims are to be completed and graded by end of day on Friday, November 1st.

Corrective Reading

Due to the importance of Interim testing, Corrective Reading classes will be not be held next week.  These will resume the week of November 4th.

03s, Data Meetings and GLTS

These meetings are canceled for next week.  Please continue to meet as teams to get your planning done.  You are also expected to use these times to get any Interim test correcting done, as it needs to be completed by end of day on Friday, November 1st.

10/31 - Half Day

Thursday, October 31st is a Half Day.  Students will be dismissed at 11:00, with our end of day announcements occurring at 10:45.  As such, student lunch will not be served.  Specials will NOT be held.  Once dismissal has finished at 11:30 staff are free to leave.  No staff are able to leave prior to 11:30 am.

Moral Focus and Read Aloud

The Master Schedules for grades 3-5 indicate that Read Aloud instruction begins at 8:15.  Instructional pacing is very important so that we have enough time for each subject.  Please make sure that you are beginning Read Aloud at 8:15.

Bulletin Boards

It's time to update your Hallway Achievement Bulletin Boards.  New Student Writing Samples are due to be posted by end of day, Friday, November 1st.  These work samples should reflect their end of unit Narrative Writing Final Draft. Also, please take a look at the paper and border.  They are starting to look a bit raggedy.  Make sure that the borders and papers  are stapled and look neat. Remember to provide feedback and scores.  Also, display the appropriate Standard/Objective and Rubric.

Sub Plans/Emergency Sub Folder

It is very important that when you plan to be out, you provide the necessary materials for the guest teacher.  This includes all of the worksheets, packets, Attendance Grids, Daily Schedule, etc.  You should also have a document in the folder you leave listing any student allergies.  Please make sure all copies are made and everything is ready for use.  Your teammates and I do not always have the time before school begins to get your classwork put together for the substitute teacher.

You should also have an Emergency Sub Folder that provides all of the above information but also includes an emergency work packet that can be copied.

Classroom Lighting

With the days getting shorter and darker, we have to make sure that the students have adequate lighting in the classrooms enabling them to see clearly.  I know that many of you are not fond of the florescent lighting in the classrooms, and I agree.  However, we do have many students that have vision issues and need more lighting.  As such,  I need you to make sure that your classrooms provide appropriate lighting.  I know I have mentioned this to some of you in the past.  Please make sure to take care of this.

Use of "Shut Up"

Please remember that saying "Shut Up" to students is not appropriate.  I am asking that if this is something that you use with students, that you cease immediately.  

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 28-Friday, November 1 - Interim 1 Week for grades 3-8.  Students will sit for the Interim 1 Assessments in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Monday, October 28 - Tutoring begins for those students who were invited.  Tutoring for those students runs on Monday-Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30.  

Monday, October 28 - Gleaners Canned Food Drive Begins.  This ends on Friday, November 8th.

Wednesday, October 30 - Trunk or Treat for Laurus Students 4:30-5:30 or while supplies last

Thursday, October 31 - Half Day 8:00 am - 11:00 am.  It is a Free Dress Day, however, students may wear costumes but no Masks or Weapons; Lock Down - AM

Monday, November 4 - Fire Drill (Lunch)

Monday, November 4 - Moral Focus Assembly K-5 8:15-8:30, 6-8 2:15-2:45; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Tuesday, November 5 - Election Day!  Make your vote count!

Friday, November 8- Progress Report Friday; $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday, November 11 - Committee Meeting 3:35;

Wednesday, November 13 - Lock Down - PM; Math Night 4:00-5:00 pm

Friday, November 15 - Gradebook closes. Last day for grades to be entered into Gradebook for Report Cards.

Monday, November 18 - Wing Meeting 3:35

Friday, November 22 - End of Trimester 1; Report Cards Home; Dress Down $2.00

Monday, November 25 - Friday, December 6  - Voice of the Parent Survey Begins

Monday, November 25 - Trimester 2 Begins; Free Dress Down

Tuesday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Feast & PIE DAY; Free Dress Down

Wednesday-Friday, November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break

Monday - Friday, December 2-6 - Voice of the Parent Continues (Ends on 12/6); Parent Teacher Conference Week

Wednesday, December 4 - Half Day for Parent Teacher Conferences.  PTC's run from 12:00-3:00 pm on this Half Day.  

ALL STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM WHETHER YOUR CONFERENCES ARE COMPLETED OR NOT, AND WHETHER OR NOT YOU CONDUCT CONFERENCES.  EVERYONE HAS TO STAY UNTIL 3:00 PM.

Week 8

 

Happy Friday Team.  You did it...you made it through another busy week.  I want to tell you how much I appreciate the effort you make to prepping for instruction.  It is very obvious to me, to our coaches, to any administration, and visitors when you have prepped for the lesson instruction and are prepared to teach, and when you are not.  This is the expectation and NHA standard, so if this is an area you need to work on, please do so.

This weekend is supposed to be beautiful...and it's Sweetest Day Weekend.  I hope that you take some R&R time to balance out your prep time this weekend and that you can spend sometime with your "sweetie".  Take care of yourself, get some rest, and remember we have our Regional PD at Oakside Academy on Monday! (Please be on time!)

This Week:

Regional PD Day

We have our first Regional PD Day.  You should have received an email from DARCY LOWNEY which provides the necessary details you need for Monday.  Please make sure you read it over before Monday so that you are there on time.  

Start Time - 8:00 am  (Breakfast Coffee and Bagels at 7:45 am)

End Time - 2:40 pm

Interims

Our first Interim testing cycle will begin the week of October 28.  Grades 3-8 will sit for Interim 1 in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies during that week.  Remember that during Interim 1 week we have a half day (October 31st).  It is the expectation that ALL Interims are administered and completed by end of day November 1st.  Please pace your administration so that you get all of these administered.

It is recommended that your review for Interim 1 takes place in the afternoons during Week 8 (this coming week) so that you have all of the time you need for test administration during our test week (Week 9).

Staff Arrival

Tardiness in Staff arrival is increasing!  An expectation of your job is that you are here on time...7:30 am.  This is a non-negotiable, as we discussed during Back to School training.  If you are late, you will be expected to cover your classroom lunch. We do have to keep track of your late days, in addition to your days out of the building.  Thank you for your adherence to this expectation.

Candy Needed for Trunk or Treat

In order to ensure that there is enough candy for Trunk or Treat, we are asking each family to send in two large bags of candy as soon as possible.  Please send this reminder home OFTEN in your School Connect in these next couple of weeks to help us get the candy donations we need.

Whole Class Discipline

It is important to remember to be very careful about giving whole class consequences for discipline.  It can be demoralizing for those students who were not at fault to be punished for others' behaviors.  Please be very thoughtful and purposeful if/when you utilize this behavior consequence.

Ear Buds/Phones

I am starting to notice staff members wearing earbuds during work time.  This is not an acceptable practice at Laurus.  Please make sure that you are not wearing these while you are at work.

Also,  I am starting to see some of my teachers with their phones out, and on their phones.  Your phones need to be muted and not visible. You are able to check your phones on your prep and at lunch.

Students' Chronic Absenteeism

If you have students who are chronically absent, make sure that you submit those students names to Ms. Hall.  She is our Student Family Liaison and part of her job is to work with parents on these types of student absenteeism.

Chromebooks

Again, chrome books cannot leave the classrooms. Please make sure that you are monitoring them to ensure they remain in class.  Remember to send your chrome book inventory count to Mr. Orlando every Friday before you leave.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 21 - REGIONAL PD Day - No School for Students.  Information above.

Tuesday, October 22 - Picture Re-Take Day; Safe Schools Week

Wednesday, October 23 - Principal Coffee 8:30-9:00 am.

Friday, October 25 - $ 2.00 Dress Down Michigan vs. MSU Gear; October Birthday Celebration Day 2:00-2:30

Monday, October 28-Friday, November 1 - Interim 1 Week for grades 3-8.  Students will sit for the Interim 1 Assessments in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Monday, October 28 - Gleaners Canned Food Drive Begins.  This ends on Friday, November 8th.

Wednesday, October 30 - Trunk or Treat for Laurus Students 4:30-5:30 or where supplies last

Thursday, October 31 - Half Day 8:00 am - 11:00 am.  It is a Free Dress Day, however, students may wear costumes but no Masks or Weapons; Lock Down - AM

Friday, November 1 - Fire Drill (Lunch)

Monday, November 4 - Moral Focus Assembly K-5 8:15-8:30, 6-8 2:15-2:45; Staff Meeting 3:35-4:00

Tuesday, November 5 - Election Day!  Make your vote count!

Friday, November 8- Progress Report Friday; $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday, November 11 - Committee Meeting 3:35;

Wednesday, November 13 - Lock Down - PM; Math Night 4:00-5:00 pm

Friday, November 15 - Gradebook closes. Last day for grades to be entered into Gradebook for Report Cards.

Friday, November 22 - End of Trimester 1; Report Cards Home; Dress Down $2.00

Monday, November 25 - Friday, December 6  - Voice of the Parent Survey

Monday, November 25 - Trimester 2 Begins; Free Dress Down

Tuesday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Feast & PIE DAY

Wednesday-Friday, November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break

Week 7

 

Happy Friday Team! 

We made it though another week!  Yay!  Can you believe that next week we will be half way through October!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  

This month, in addition to focusing on planning and instruction, I want to continue focusing on Classroom Culture because what you do now shapes and frames your year, as well as, impacts student behavior at the end of the year.  This week I want to discuss Positive Framing.  This is a Relationship Building strategy that can positively impact your entire classroom if you use it consistently.

Positive Framing is spotlighting those who are following the expectations, you can guide students in the right direction without focusing on the negative. This helps other students follow suit and maintains a positive classroom culture. 

My challenge to you is to try to utilize this strategy as often as possible throughout the next week.  I will be interested in hearing your feedback in our 03's.

News to Know:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Sending a BIG Congratulatory "Shout Out" to Ms. McNeil on her upcoming GRADUATION from the University of Phoenix next weekend!  We are so excited for you...and so proud of your hard work in the pursuit of your degree.  Well done and enjoy this wonderful experience!

Routines/Procedures/Expectations/Classrooms

I saw several instances of classrooms "tightening up" this past week, per my suggestions.  Please continue to monitor student behaviors with the expectations of using/implementing your classroom procedures and routines with 100% fidelity.  

Also, I need to continue to stress cleanliness and orderliness of your classroom.  Please continue to focus on this.

Lateness

You are doing a great job with letting me know of absences.  Just a reminder that if you are going to be arriving late (after 7:30 am), you need to let me know.

"I Cans" and "Week"

I am beginning to notice an absence of "I Cans" and the "Week" noted on your Whiteboards.  Please make sure that you are using and updating these on a daily and weekly basis.

3-5 Rest Room Use

Thank you for giving me feedback on your concerns with the issues arising from our Rest Room break schedule.  I do want to clarify that students in 3-5 are not the only students using these restrooms.  Due to students in Art, Music, and Gym using the K-2 restrooms, Ms. Wheeler needs to have two of her classrooms use the 3-5 bathrooms.  These classrooms are Ms. McKay and Ms. Voss.  I have noticed students from other 1st and 2nd grade classrooms using 3-5 and have conveyed that information to Ms. Wheeler.  Rest assured that she is taking care of those concerns.  

I recommend you use your phone timer...set it for 12 minutes as you begin your restroom break...and time your breaks.  Give the kids heads up as to how much time is left.  This is what other NHA schools do.  Let's give it a try.  Thanks!

Science/Social Studies Experiments

Just a reminder that during our PD we discussed holding your Science Experiments and any Social Studies projects until Friday afternoons.  I really want the students to experience doing the experiments/projects.  So, when you are planning, please plan to conduct those on Fridays.

Students' Chronic Absenteeism

If you have students who are chronically absent, make sure that you submit those students names to Ms. Hall.  She is our Student Family Liaison and part of her job is to work with parents on these types of student absenteeism.

Chromebooks

Again, chrome books cannot leave the classrooms. Please make sure that you are monitoring them to ensure they remain in class.  Remember to send your chrome book inventory count to Mr. Orlando every Friday before you leave.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 14th - Committee Meeting 3:35;  Cyber Bullying Assembly for Middle School - 8:30 am

Tuesday, October 15 - 5th Grade Field Trip Parent Meeting - 5:30 pm

Wednesday, October 16th - High School Night for 8th Grade 4:30-5:30 pm;  Mrs. Ebling Visit - AM

Monday, October 21st - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS; Regional PD Training for Staff (All Day)

Tuesday, October 22nd - Picture Re-take

Tuesday-Friday, October 22-25 - SAFE SCHOOLS WEEK

Wednesday, October 23rd - Principal Coffee 8:30-9:00 am

Friday, October 25th - $ 2.00 UM vs. MSU DRESS DOWN; October Birthday Celebration Day 2:00-2:30 pm

Monday - Friday, October 28-November 1 - INTERIM 1 ELA & MATH TESTS GR. 3-8

Wednesday, October 30 - TRUNK OR TREAT FAMILY EVENT 4:30-5:30 or until candy runs out

Thursday, October 31 - Half Day - Dismissal 11:00 am ; FREE DRESS/STUDENTS CAN WEAR COSTUMES (NO WEAPONS); Parties - 10:00-10:30; LOCK DOWN - AM

Friday, November 1 - FIRE DRILL - LUNCH

Friday, November 22 - REPORT CARDS HOME; End of Trimester 1

Week 6

 

Happy Friday Team! 

Welcome to October...this is one of my favorite months of the year.  I love the fall season! I love the colors, the cooler temps, all of the fall flavors and foods, and the feeling of coziness!  Hopefully, even if you're not a "fall" person, you can find something in this season that brings you joy!  Have a wonderful weekend!

News to Know:

Routines/Procedures/Expectations/Classrooms

I am starting to notice students and staff beginning to get "comfortable" and letting certain behaviors/expectations slide.  I really need you to tighten up...with monitoring student behaviors, with the expectations of using/implementing your classroom procedures and routines with 100% fidelity, with the cleanliness and orderliness of your classroom.  This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Hallway Passes - these must be implemented
• Hallway Voice Level 0
• Bathroom Breaks - Students having a book to read while waiting quietly
• Students blurting out - raising hands and waiting to be called upon
• Classroom Movement - Implementing your expectations for children out of seat and movement in the classroom-too many classrooms allowing too many students up out of their seats at the same time
• Students Talking, Shouting Out, Class Noise Level - Utilizing CHAMPS and Voice Levels with fidelity during instruction/independent work time
• Teacher Desk/Work Tables - these must be neat and organized areas
•  Bookcases - Books need to be neat and orderly
• Bulletin Boards - neatness for in class and hallway

I need you to look at your classroom through the lens of a visitor. When we do this, we often can see the areas that need to be addressed.  Please work to ensure that these areas of concern are addressed by the beginning of the week.  Thank you!

Absence Text

You are doing a great job with letting me know of absences.  However, I am going to ask that on the day of your absence, that you please send me a reminder text.  I try to remember to jot it down on the calendar, but sometimes it doesn't happen.  Thanks so much!

Informal Observations

I will continue to do pop in observations next week.

Chromebooks

Again, chrome books cannot leave the classrooms. Please make sure that you are monitoring them to ensure they remain in class.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, October 7th - Moral Focus Assemblies.  K-5 8:15 am; 6-8 2:15 pm; IAT Forms due to Ms. Schofield, Staff Meeting 3:35

Monday-Friday, October 7th-11th - GLINT STAFF SURVEY

Wednesday, October 9th - FIRE DRILL - AM; 

Friday, October 11th - IAT Meeting Day; Candy Sale Ends

Monday, October 14th - Committee Meeting 3:35;  Cyber Bullying Assembly for Middle School - 8:30 am

Wednesday, October 16th - High School Night for 8th Grade 4:30-5:30 pm;  Mrs. Ebling Visit - AM

Friday, October 18th -  $ 2.00 Dress Down

Monday, October 21st - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS; Regional PD Training for Staff (All Day)

Tuesday, October 22nd - Picture Re-take

Tuesday-Friday, October 22-25 - SAFE SCHOOLS WEEK

Wednesday, October 23rd - Principal Coffee 8:30-9:00 am

Friday, October 25th - $ 2.00 UM vs. MSU DRESS DOWN; October Birthday Celebration Day 2:00-2:30 pm

Monday - Friday, October 28-November 1 - INTERIM 1 ELA & MATH TESTS GR. 3-8

Wednesday, October 30 - TRUNK OR TREAT FAMILY EVENT 4:30-5:30 or until candy runs out

Thursday, October 31 - Half Day - Dismissal 11:00 am ; FREE DRESS/STUDENTS CAN WEAR COSTUMES (NO WEAPONS); Parties - 10:00-10:30; LOCK DOWN - AM

Friday, November 1 - FIRE DRILL - LUNCH

Friday, November 22 - REPORT CARDS HOME; End of Trimester 1