Friday Update 12-18-09

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
December 18th, 2009

Holiday Joy and Holiday Cheer
Gift giving time is finally here
Light up a candle or put up a wreath
Leave a cookie for Santa on Christmas Eve
Hang up the stockings, put a ball on the Tree
If it snows make a Snowman for all to see!

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”
HAMILTON WRIGHT MABIE:

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Monday 1/4 – Watch Dog – Justin Jones, 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10

Tuesday 1/5 – Joint Principal’s Mtg., Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Focused Staff Mtg., Donatos Night

Wednesday 1/6 – 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55


Thursday 1/7 – Admin. Team Mtg., 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, Technology Workshop – Social Bookmarking

Friday 1/8 - Principal’s Mtg.


Week of 1/11-1/15
(1/11) 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, SAT
(1/12) Progress reports go home, Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Staff Mtg. Big Shotz Night, Board of Education Mtg.
(1/13) 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Staff Mtg. Update, WS Symphony Fun with Fiddles (kindergarten)
(1/14) Elementary Principals Mtg., Reading Quarter Tests for grades 3-5, 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40
(1/15) Watch Dog – Darin Nolting, Admin. Team Mtg., Spelling Bee for 4th & 5th grade



Duty Schedule
Breakfast – East, Aikins, Letourneau, Sereika

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders
- Please remember Joanne Baker in your thoughts and prayers as she will be out until January recuperating
- All computers must be turned off daily. Beginning in January, Central Office will charge $1 per computer left on (OUCH!!).
- And the winner is …… MIKE HAYES! Congratulations on being Southwest’s biggest loser. You all did a great job and an extra shout out goes to Brian Vest for coming in second by less than a pound!

The staff conference sign-up sheets are outside my office door. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach our struggling students. Thank you for all that you do every day.


**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.


Staff Stars
Thank you all for the love, care and dedication that you bring to Southwest every day!

Friday Update 12-11-09

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
December 11th, 2009
The staff conference sign-up sheets are outside my office door. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach our struggling students. Thank you for all that you do every day.

"Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers." Josef Albers

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Monday 12/14 – 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, SAT

Tuesday 12/15 – Clemmons Middle Band concert for 5th grade @ 8:30, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, CC Mtg., SIT, Time to Eat Night, Board of Education Mtg.

Wednesday 12/16 – 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th PLC @ 12:55, ES AP Mtg., TAC Mtg., Year Long Tech. training @ 3:15, Carolyn Beard’s Retirement Dinner

Thursday 12/17 – 2nd PLC @ 11:05, 5th PLC @ 1:40, 1st grade to Don Juan’s restaurant, Watch Dog – Todd Stephens, Staff holiday “potluck” 6:00 at River Oaks Church

Friday 12/18 - Watch Dog – Jason Carter, 1st grade to Don Juan’s restaurant


Week of 1/4-1/8
(1/4) Watch Dog – Justin Jones, 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10
(1/5) Joint Principal’s Mtg., Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Focused Staff Mtg., Donatos Night
(1/6) 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55
(1/7) Admin. Team Mtg., 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, Technology Workshop – Social Bookmarking
(1/8) Principal’s Mtg.


Looking ahead
1/12/09 Progress Report

2/2/09 Report Card

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Weiss, Aikins, Letourneau, Sereika

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders
- Please remember Joanne Baker in your thoughts and prayers as she will be out until January recuperating
- Criminal Background forms must be completed online by Dec. 14th
- All computers must be turned off daily. Beginning in January, Central Office will charge $1 per computer left on (OUCH!!).
- Our Holiday staff get-together will be held on Thursday, December 17th at 6:00 at River Oaks Church. Please sign up in the lounge.
- All PLC’s will be held in Room 19 (our new science room) and will be facilitated by administration
- Kindergarten assistants need to attend Tuesdays PLC @ 8:50
- Duty Free Lunch will be held on TUESDAY ONLY this week


**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.


Staff Stars
Dee Brown and Georgia Kennedy – Thank you for all your help making Mrs. Baker’s class run smoothly during her absence
Kim Chadwick – Good job using non-linguistic representations (tangrams) to teach geometry
Cristen Letourneau – Excellent use of technology in the classroom
Shipps Washington – Thank you for your help directing traffic in the afternoon
Numerous SW staff members – Thank you for your work to make sure that many of our families’ needs are met for this holiday season
All PLC groups - Thank you for doing an excellent job of making our conversations useful and connected to the work that we do with our students

Friday Update 12-4-09

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
December 4th, 2009

The staff conference sign-up sheets are outside my office door. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach our struggling students. Thank you for all that you do every day.

“Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is.”-- William Glasser

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Monday 12/7 – Admin. Team Mtg., 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, ESL Principal Mtg., Tech workshop – School Center Test Bank

Tuesday 12/8 – Interim reports go home, Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Staff Mtg., Big Shotz night, Central Office Holiday Open House

Wednesday 12/9 – Watch Dog – Scott Sluder, 2nd Quarter round table mtg., 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Staff Mtg. Update
Thursday 12/10 – Principals Mtg., 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, 5th grade to Stevens Center for Nutcracker
Friday 12/11 - Watch Dog – Loran Perkins, Admin. Team Mtg.


Week of 12/14-12/18
(12/14) 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, SAT
(12/15) Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, CC Mtg., SIT, Time to Eat Night, Board of Education Mtg.
(12/16) 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th PLC @ 12:55, ES AP Mtg., TAC Mtg., Year Long Tech. Mtg., Carolyn Beard’s Retirement Dinner
(12/17) 2nd PLC @ 11:05, 5th PLC @ 1:40, 1st grade to Don Juan’s restaurant, Watch Dog – Todd Stephens, Staff holiday “potluck” 6:00 at River Oaks Church
(12/18) Watch Dog – Jason Carter, 1st grade to Don Juan’s restaurant


Looking ahead



Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Biggam, Trinkle

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders
- Please remember Joanne Baker in your thoughts and prayers as she will be out until January recuperating
- Criminal Background forms must be completed online by Dec. 14th
- All computers must be turned off daily. Beginning in January, Central Office will charge $1 per computer left on (OUCH!!).
- If you have not voted for Teacher of the Year, please write your nomination down on a purple slip ( Kim Skinner's desk) and put in the basket which is also located on her desk (the deadline is Monday, December 7 at 12:00).
- Our Holiday staff get-together will be held on Thursday, December 17th at 6:00 at River Oaks Church
- The angel tree is up in the Lounge. When you take a tag, please sign on the line beside the tag number. This year, we are requesting gifts be turned in unwrapped, but you can include wrapping paper if you wish. Just make sure that the tag number is on each item or on the bag.
As usual, if you would like to help, but are unable to shop, we will take monetary donations and do the shopping for you.

**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.

Staff Stars

Heidi Lee – Thank you for your commitment to our parents and children in your leadership at car duty (year round, rain or shine!)
Donna Williams – Thanks for your extra time and effort working with a certain ESL student
Terry Zimmerman – Excellent use of laptop computers and math website to reinforce improper fractions, mixed numbers and simplifying fractions.
Eugenia Ivy – Thank you for your support with our special situations.
Katie Chamra, Terry Lowe and friends – Great job with Jump Rope for Heart
PRT’s – Thanks for working well with everyone to make DIBELS work well






* Week of 11/20
Can Winners

K-2 Tilley 448
3-5 Merritt 679

Honorable mention
K-2 Pennington 204
3-5 Moore 506
Currie 486


Week of 12/4
Winners

K-2 Lawrence 1175
3-5 Vance 416

Honorable mention
K-2 Gough 575
Kreger 467
3-5 Vaughn 386
Marceron 249

Friday Update 11-24-09 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 27th, 2009

During the tough times that we have endured during this year, I have developed a greater appreciation of how fortunate I am to be a part of Southwest. While there are many things this year that have made it hard to stay focused on leading children to learn – you have done just that. I am extremely thankful to have the privilege to work with such a wonderful group of professionals who care deeply about the work that we do with children. Enjoy your families and take time to put school out of your minds for a few days during the Thanksgiving break.

The staff conference sign-up sheets are FINALLY outside my office door. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach our struggling students. Thank you for all that you do every day.

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”-- W.T. Purkiser

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Monday 11/30 – Admin. Team Mtg., 3rd grade PLC @12:10, Dress rehearsal for musical, SAT, Watch Dog – Todd Stephens

Tuesday 12/1 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Jump Rope For Heart (K/1st), Donatos Night, PTA winter musical and mtg.

Wednesday 12/2 – Watch Dog – David Sipprell, Kindergarten to Candle Tea, 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Jump Rope For Heart (2nd/3rd)

Thursday 12/3 – Principals Mtg., Kindergarten to Candle Tea, 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, Jump Rope For Heart (4th/5th), Staff Training, Counselors’ Mtg

Friday 12/4 - All Pro Dads Breakfast, 2nd grade to Reynolds Auditorium, Principals Mtg.

Week of 12/7-12/11
(12/7) Admin. Team Mtg., 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, ESL Principal Mtg., Tech workshop – School Center Test Bank
(12/8) Interim reports go home, Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Staff Mtg., Big Shotz night, Central Office Holiday Open House
(12/9) Watch Dog – Scott Sluder, 2nd Quarter round table mtg., 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Staff Mtg. Update
(12/10) Principals Mtg., 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, 5th grade to Stevens Center for Nutcracker
(12/11) Watch Dog – Loran Perkins, Admin. Team Mtg.


Looking ahead

Duty Schedule
Breakfast –Womble, Letourneau, Aikins, Sereika

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders
- Please remember Robin King in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover from a car accident.
- The angel tree is up in the Lounge. When you take a tag, please sign on the line beside the tag number. This year, we are requesting gifts be turned in unwrapped, but you can include wrapping paper if you wish. Just make sure that the tag number is on each item or on the bag.
As usual, if you would like to help, but are unable to shop, we will take monetary donations and do the shopping for you.

**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.

Staff Stars
Erika Coffield – Thank you for doing such a great job working with at risk 1st and 2nd graders
CarolAnn Rosenberger – Great job with tutoring of ESL students
Linda Idol, Peggy Hinshaw, Phyllis Davis, and Ann Boyer – Thank you for your help with 2nd grade testing
Gloria Allen, Eric Aikins & 3rd grade – Thank you for your work to prepare for the Winter Musical
Angela Kreger – Keep up the great work with your students with special needs
Grade chairs – Thank you for your continued leadership

Southwest staff BEFORE the hectic year to come!

Friday Update 11-20-09

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 20th, 2009

During the tough times that we have endured during this year, I have developed a greater appreciation of how fortunate I am to be a part of Southwest. While there are many things this year that have made it hard to stay focused on leading children to learn – you have done just that. I am extremely thankful to have the privilege to work with such a wonderful group of professionals who care deeply about the work that we do with children. Enjoy your families and take time to put school out of your minds for a few days during the Thanksgiving break.

The staff conference sign-up sheets are FINALLY outside my office door. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach our struggling students. Thank you for all that you do every day.

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many--not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
Charles Dickens

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Monday 11/23 – Watch Dog – Andrew Burhans, SAT, Admin. Team Mtg.

Tuesday 11/24 – Watch Dog – Richard Little, CAC Mtg., PBS Mtg., Sagebrush Night, Board of Education Mtg.

Wednesday 11/25 – Annual Leave Day (Reminder - the building will NOT be open)

Thursday 11/26 – Thanksgiving Holiday

Friday 11/27 – Holiday

Week of 11/30 – 12/4
(11/30) Admin. Team Mtg., 3rd grade PLC @12:10, SAT, Watch Dog – Todd Stephens
(12/1) Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Staff Training, Jump Rope For Heart (K/1st), Donatos Night, PTA winter musical and mtg.
(12/2) Watch Dog – David Sipprell, Kindergarten to Candle Tea, 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Jump Rope For Heart (2nd/3rd)
(12/3) Principals Mtg., Kindergarten to Candle Tea, 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, Jump Rope For Heart (4th/5th), Counselors’ Mtg.
(12/4) All Pro Dads Breakfast, 2nd grade to Reynolds Auditorium, Principals Mtg.

Duty Schedule
Breakfast –East, Letourneau, Aikins, Sereika

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders
- Please remember Robin King in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover from a car accident.
- Please welcome Ashley Bristow as the new director of the YMCA afterschool program. She joins us from the Durham YMCA and we are very happy to have her.
-The biggest losers would like to congratulate Mike Hayes as the top loser but would like for him to know that Anne Parra and Brian Vest are closing in on him.

**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.

Staff Stars
Housekeeping staff – Thank you for your efforts
Marla Dabe and Cafeteria Staff - Thanks for our Thanksgiving feast
Laila Harris and Liz Weide - Thank you for taking care of things during Mrs. King's absence
Dianne Phillips - Thank you for your help getting PAM going (Parent Assistance Module)
Rachel Foster - Thanks for so lovingly taking care of Grace
Diana Armbruster - Thank you for making indian headbands for the cafeteria and custodial staff
Elayne Green - We appreciate you keeping the coffee flowing
Debbie Dosek - Thanks for sharing your adorable indians with the office
All staff involved in a PLC – Great job with your conversations regarding Science instruction this week
Debbie Herrin & 2nd grade – Thanks for your work to make testing go well

Friday Update 11-13-09

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 13th, 2009

I want to thank all of you for your efforts to manage all that has been asked of us during this first 9 weeks of school. Last night at the PTA Council dinner to honor teachers of the year, Dr. Martin discussed the many ways that our district has experienced change this year (new evaluation, Gradebook, DIBELS, PLC’s, etc.). Our jobs are difficult, but my hope is that we can keep our focus on our students so that we can continue to serve them well.

The staff conference sign-up sheets are FINALLY outside my office door. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach our struggling students. Thank you for all that you do every day.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are endless. ~ Mother Teresa

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Monday 11/16 – CC Mtg., 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, SAT

Tuesday 11/17 – Progress Reports go home, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:50, SIT, Time to Eat Night, Treats for Troops @ 6:00, PTA Board Mtg. @ 7:00

Wednesday 11/18 – ITBS testing for 2nd grade, 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Year Long Tech Training

Thursday 11/19 – Principals Mtg., Counselors’ Mtg., ITBS testing for 2nd grade, 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40

Friday 11/20 – 4th grade to Heritage Theater, Admin. Team mtg., ITBS testing for 2nd grade, Watch Dog – Todd Stephens

Week of 11/23 – 11/27
(11/23) Watch Dog – Andrew Burhans, SAT, Admin. Team Mtg.
(11/24) Watch Dog – Richard Little, CAC Mtg., PBS Mtg., Sagebrush Night, Board of Education Mtg. (11/25) Annual Leave Day
(11/26) Thanksgiving Holiday
(11/27) Holiday


Looking ahead
Progress Report (11/17/09), Interim Report (12/8/09) Progress Report (1/12/09) Report Card (2/2/09)


Duty Schedule
Breakfast –Weiss, Letourneau, Aikins, Sereika

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders

**Please remember that any time you are out of the building on a school day or work day, your absence MUST be put into the subfinder system** Several people have not accounted for their time on the workdays. If you have not input something into the system OR signed in on the sheet in the office, please see Nellie.**

*****- Please remember Robin King in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover from a car accident.
- If you have not paid hospitality dues, please pay your $20 to Nellie.
- Be aware that we will be utilizing more electronic parent communication (email YO packet, WSFCS Parent Portal) stay tuned
**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.

Staff Stars
Kim Cressman, Debbie Herrin, Tom Keener – Great job with Principal Pals & Honor Roll recognition
Jan Hipp – Nice job with the patterns using math manipulatives
SW teachers – Great job with report cards
Betsy McGhee – Congratulations on the Bright Ideas grant
Science grant group – Thank you for your work
Technology cohort group and others – Thank you for the ways in which you are beginning to make technology a regular part of your classrooms
PLC groups – Thank you for keeping your Math Essentials discussions on track (Science next week)
Glenda Vaughn – Thanks for your Hospitality leadership
Wende Powell – Great job with “Literature Circles”
Tracey Moss – Nice job with the SOARing headbands


Can Counts:

K-2 Mrs. Hipp 1000
3-5 Mrs. Disorbo 232

Honorable Mention:
K-2 Mrs. Kreger 647
Ms. Jones 350

3-5 Ms. Zimmerman 156

We recycled 92 pounds of aluminum this week. Can we hit 200 pounds next week?

Friday Update November 6, 2009

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 6th, 2009

Now that first quarter is over, we know more about our students than ever. As a “Learning Organization”, we are expected to use that information thoughtfully. We will be working over the next several weeks to try to provide more resources for your students who are consistently working below grade level. Schools that perform well year in and year out have multiple “safety nets” to help those students who have higher needs. It is our job to help provide more resources for you in order to meet those needs. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach those students. Thank you for all that you do to reach those students every day.

The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.Mark Van Doren

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.


Next week
Treats for troops collection continues (care packages packed on Tuesday, November 17th).

Monday 11/9 –1st grade PLC @ 10:20, 3rd grade PLC mtg. @ 12:10, SAT, Admin. Team mtg., Technology – Earth Lit Trips

Tuesday 11/10 – Kindergarten PLC mtg. @ 8:50, Specialist PLC mtg. @ 9:30, Focused staff mtg., Big Shotz night, Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Report Cards go home, Staff Mtg., , 4th grade PLC @12:55, EC PLC @12:00, Board of Education Mtg.

Wednesday 11/11 – Holiday – No School (PLC’s rescheduled to other days)

Thursday 11/12 – )2nd grade PLC @11:05, 5th grade PLC @1:40, Watch Dog – Greg Marino, Staff Mtg. update, Teacher of the Year dinner

Friday 11/13 – Eye screening for 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders in gym, Admin. Team mtg., Honor Roll and Principal Pals Celebration, Picture Retake Day

Week of 11/16 – 11/20
(11/16) Watch Dog – Anthony Dubose, CC Mtg., 3rd grade PLC @ 12:10, SAT (11/17) Progress Reports go home, Specialists PLC @ 9:30, Kindergarten PLC @ 10:20, SIT, Time to Eat Night, Treats for Troops (11/18) ITBS testing for 2nd grade, 1st grade PLC @ 10:20, EC PLC @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC @ 12:55, Year Long Tech Training (11/19) Principals Mtg., Counselors’ Mtg., ITBS testing for 2nd grade, 2nd grade PLC @ 11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40 (11/20) 4th grade to Heritage Theater, Admin. Team mtg., ITBS testing for 2nd grade


**NEW**
Duty Schedule
Breakfast –Biggam, Trinkle

Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth

Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley
Inside –Womble, East, Roberts
Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby)
Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders

*****- Please remember that all computers and monitors must be turned off daily *******
- If you have not paid hospitality dues, please pay your $20 to Nellie.
- Be aware that we will be utilizing more electronic parent communication (email YO packet, WSFCS Parent Assistant)
**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.

***I need your help in identifying all of the great things that you all do EVERY DAY. Beginning Monday, October 5th , I will take email nominations for the “Staff Stars” section of our Friday Update. If you see a staff member doing a good deed or an outstanding job, please take time to send me an email to let me know. Thanks for your help.*****

Staff Stars ( There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Robin Vance – Thanks for doing a great job with your class blog
Debbie Herrin – Thank you for a great Marzano training!
Kathy Wilheit – Thanks for your leadership with serving our Hispanic students well
Teachers – Thank you for your work to get ready for report cards
Sarah Baldwin – Great work with leading us to exceed our United Way (over $5,000)!!



The following are the students who have brought in 500 or more cans:

Mrs. Kreger's class Austin Peavler 1054 cans
Matthew Reid 1000 cans
Kaitlyn East 518 cans
Mrs. Lawrence's class Caleb Bayne 1667 cans
Mrs. Vaughns' class Rachel Brann 500 cans
Mrs. Merritt's class Mack Duke 509 cans
Mrs. Skinner's class Sarah Lin 1000 cans

Friday Update October 30, 2009

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
October 30th , 2009

Now that first quarter is over, we know more about our students than ever. As a “Learning Organization”, we are expected to use that information thoughtfully. We will be working over the next several weeks to try to provide more resources for your students who are consistently working below grade level. Schools that perform well year in and year out have multiple “safety nets” to help those students who have higher needs. It is our job to help provide more resources for you in order to meet those needs. During our “10 minute conferences” that I will have over the next few weeks, I would like to focus on ways that we can help you reach those students. Thank you for all that you do to reach those students every day.

"A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils." -- Eve Garrison

**You can now view the Friday Update at the following url address: http://swefridayupdate.blogspot.com/ We will continue to send the Friday Update via email AND at the blog address for a few weeks. Please begin to use the “blogspot” address to view the Friday Update. If there are corrections, they can be made in the comment section.

Next week
Treats for troops collection begins (care packages packed on Tuesday, November 17th).

Monday 11/2 –3rd grade PLC mtg. @ 12:10, SAT, Admin. Team mtg., Jump Rope For Heart Kickoff

Tuesday 11/3 – Kindergarten PLC mtg. @ 8:50, Specialist PLC mtg. @ 9:30, Focused staff mtg., Donatos Night, Joint Principals Mtg., Picture Retake Day, Watch Dog – Andy Fitzgerald

Wednesday 11/4 – 1st grade PLC mtg. @ 10:20, EC PLC mtg. @ 12:00, 4th grade PLC mtg. @ 12:55, Report Cards turned in, CogAT testing for 2nd grade and select 5th graders, Woodwind Ensemble for 4th and 5th grades

Thursday 11/5 – 2nd grade PLC @11:05, 5th grade PLC @ 1:40, CogAT testing for 2nd grade and select 5th graders, Jr. League puppet show in auditorium for 3rd graders

Friday 11/6 – Principal Assoc. Mtg., CogAT testing for 2nd grade, Eye Screeners Training, All Pro Dads Breakfast

Week of 11/9 – 11/13
(11/9) 3 rd grade PLC mtg. @ 12:10, SAT, Admin. Team Mtg., Technology – Google Earth Lit Trips
(11/10)1st grade PLC mtg. @10:20, 4th grade PLC mtg. @ 12:55, EC PLC mtg. @ 12:00, Kindergarten PLC mtg. @ 8:50, Specialist PLC mtg. @ 9:30, Big Shotz night, Staff mtg., Board of Education Mtg., Report Cards go home, Watch Dog – David Rhyne
(11/11) Holiday- No School (PLC’s rescheduled to other days)
(11/12)2nd grade PLC @11:05, 5th grade PLC @1:40, Watch Dog – Greg Marino, Staff Mtg. update, Teacher of the Year dinner
(11/13) Eye screening for 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders in gym, Admin. Team mtg., Honor Roll and Principal Pals Celebration, Picture Retake DayLooking ahead


**Please send report cards to your administrator by Thursday, Nov. 5th (2nd & 5th to K. Cressman, 1st & 3rd to M. Hayes, K & 4th to T. Keener). **

**NEW**
Duty Schedule Breakfast –Womble, Aikins, Letourneau, Sereika
Bus –Larson, Garlow, Dosek, Marceron, Trinkle, Vest, Letourneau, Sereika, Aikins, Hauhuth
Car riders – Morning – Patty Overby, Susan Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Lee, Tilley Inside –Womble, East, Roberts Outside – Herko, King, Kreger, Currie, Drummond, Moss
Hall – Everhardt (computer lab), Hauhuth (gym lobby) Parra (Music Hall), Allen (Auditorium Lobby)

FYI/Reminders
**Please remember that any time you are out of the building on a school day or work day, your absence MUST be put into the subfind system** Several people have not accounted for their time on the workdays. If you have not input something into the system OR signed in on the sheet in the office, please see Nellie.**

*****- Please remember that all computers and monitors must be turned off daily *******- Please remember staff members who are still dealing with the loss or illness of a loved one. Georgia Kennedy’s sister and father are both dealing with serious health issues. Please keep Georgia and her family in your thoughts and prayers as well as Catherine Herko and Janet Sunderman. Janet’s mother passed away on Monday and Catherine’s great-grandmother passed on Sunday. Also, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Ruth Dobson and Tanya Pennington who are both experiencing knee problems.
- If you have not paid hospitality dues, please pay your $20 to Nellie.
- Be aware that we will be utilizing more electronic parent communication (email YO packet, WSFCS Parent Portal) stay tuned
**This year the “Can-Do man” will give every student either a dog tag or a bracelet when they reach the 500 can mark. Please encourage each student to keep an individual record of their can donations.
***I need your help in identifying all of the great things that you all do EVERY DAY. Beginning Monday, October 5th , I will take email nominations for the “Staff Stars” section of our Friday Update. If you see a staff member doing a good deed or an outstanding job, please take time to send me an email to let me know. Thanks for your help.*****

Staff Stars ( There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)

Nicole Skinner – Thank you for using ideas from Marzano workshop in the classroom by making homemade instruments.

Sandra Garcia –Thank you for your constant friendly smile and all of your efforts to help our students, parents, and staff.

1st qtr. Duty Personnel – Thanks for getting us off to a great start.

1st Grade – Nice job with your Fall unit rotation

Technology Training Cohort – Thank you for your attention and attitude during our training

3rd, 4th, 5th Grades – Great job with your continued work on NC Wise Gradebook

K, 1st, 2nd Grades – Thank you for your efforts to complete DIBELS assessments and progress monitoring

Can winners for 10/2/09
K-2 Mrs. Moss 1863-5 Mrs. Beard 1335Honorable Mention Ms. Herko 1180 Mrs. Skinner 1109During this past week, we recycled over 137 pounds of aluminum. Keep up the good work!

Friday Updates August 2007

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
August 3, 2007

In order to help with communication throughout the year, I plan to do a “Friday Update”. It will be sent via email and also posted in the office and the lounge. This will remind you of important events, duty schedules and basically help keep everyone more informed.

Thank you, again, to everyone who has helped me get off to a great start here at Southwest. The first 3 weeks have been busy, exciting and a little overwhelming as I try to learn EVERYTHING about Southwest and WSFCS before school starts. It is impossible to learn everything so I have already relied on a few of the wonderful people on our staff. I look forward to meeting more of you at our “Meet and greet” next week.

**There are a few spots left for the School Center webpage training on August 6 & 7**

Next week
Monday 8/6 – Welcome back (officially) Debbie, Kim M., Kim S. & Tom, K-2 Staff Meet & greet (8:00-9:00), School Center webpage training (8:30-9:30, 9:45-10:45)

Tuesday 8/7 – Joint Principal mtg.(7:45-11:30), School Center webpage training (8:30-9:30, 9:45-10:45), 3-5 Staff Meet & greet (1:00-2:00)

Wednesday 8/8 – Elementary Principal mtg (7:30-4:30)

Thursday 8/9 – Specialists/Classified Staff Meet & greet (8:00-9:00)

Friday 8/10 – TGIF

Week of 8/13-8/17 – (8/13) Principal discipline training, (8/14) Writing training (required for 4th grade), (8/15) Teachers back, (8/16) Shared Reading training (required for all classroom teachers) [K-2 (8-11:30), 3-5 (12:30-4)], (8/17) Words Their Way training (interested 1st grade teachers) 8:00

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – later
Bus – later
Car riders – later
Hall – later


Staff Stars
Office staff – EVERYONE in the office has shown me how valuable they are to our school. Many have worked during their “summer off time” to help make sure that we are ready to start the year. Thank you!

Custodial staff – Our custodians have worked hard to make our school look great for the opening of school. Thank you!

Have a great weekend!



Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
August 10, 2007

I want to thank all of you whose schedules allowed you to come to school for our meet and greet sessions. It was GREAT to finally meet most of you face to face. Your love and enthusiasm for what we do is evident and I am looking forward to seeing all of you work your magic with our students. I knew that Southwest was a great place for children to learn and grow. Seeing your excitement makes me realize that I have truly found a wonderful place to continue my career. I look forward to the start of the school year!

Next week
Monday 8/13 – Principal discipline training (8:00-4:00)

Tuesday 8/14 – Writing training (required for 4th grade) (8:00-12:00), Lead custodian training (9:30-12:30)

Wednesday 8/15 – 1st day – staff mtg (8:00-11:30),Lunch on your own, Afternoon to work in rooms

Thursday 8/16 – Shared reading training with Brenda Mickey (Required for all classroom teachers) K-2 (8:00-11:30)/3-5 (12:00-4:00), WSFCS Benefits Fair (12:00-5:00)

Friday 8/17 – Words Their Way training (interested 1st grade teachers) (8:00 start), Curriculum Coordinator mtg (8:00-12:00), PTA board meeting with Mike (2:30)

Week of 8/20-8/24 – (8/20) Grade 2 Phonics training (new or refresher), K-12 Art teacher training, PTA board mtg, (8/21) Grade 2 Phonics training (new or refresher), (8/22) Open House, (8/23) K-2 Literacy assessment training (new or refresher), WSFCS 4th grade writing improvement strategies training, (8/24) TGIF

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – later
Bus – later
Car riders – later
Hall – later


Staff Stars
Mary Jane Everhardt – Mary Jane has worked hard to get our new school webpage ready for the conversion in early September (Although it is flawed because she thinks the new principal’s picture should be there). She has also made sure that we are progressing on getting the new computer lab ready for the start of school. Great job!

Nellie Broyhill, Debbie Herrin, and Kiki Hutcheson – Thank you for all that you did to make our “Meet and greet” sessions successful. It was a great time to meet many of you and for you to have time to reconnect with each other before school starts. Thank you!

FYI – Marty Harrison’s mother recently passed away. Marty is a former teacher here at Southwest.

Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
August 17, 2007

It is great to see everyone here at school getting ready to start the year. Your rooms and the hallways are beginning to look fantastic and are alive with activity. They will really begin to buzz at Open House when our little ones get here.

Our journey together has gotten off to a wonderful start. I appreciate the enthusiasm and acceptance of my views from our meeting on Wednesday. We will not always agree as to the “best” way to do something, but I will always listen to your views. Together, we can accomplish ANYTHING!


Next week
Monday 8/20 – Grade 2 (New or refresher) Phonics training (8:00-3:00), Art teacher training, PTA board meeting (7:00)

Tuesday 8/21 – Grade 2 (New or refresher) Phonics training (8:00-3:00), Lead custodian training (9:30-12:30)

Wednesday 8/22 – Open House (5:30-7:30)

Thursday 8/23 – K-2 Literacy Assessment training, WSFCS 4th grade Writing Improvement strategies(8:00-11:30)

Friday 8/24 – TGIF

Week of 8/27-8/31 – (8/27) 1st day of school, (8/28), (8/29), (8/30), (8/31)

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – later
Bus – later
Car riders – later
Hall – later

FYI/Reminders
-You will get desk calendars from Lifetouch in about 2 weeks
-Please remember to turn in your Wish lists if you have needs

Staff Stars
Tom Keener & Kim Moore – Tom and Kim have continued to work hard to make sure we are progressing well to start the year. Their support and guidance have been invaluable during my orientation to Southwest. Great job!

Jan Merritt & Debbie Herrin – Thank you Jan for sharing your successful experiences in empowering writers. Thank you Debbie for working hard to organize our training sessions during these first few days.

Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
August 24, 2007

As we get the final touches ready for the 1st day of school, I am ready to get our school year started. I considered our Open House a success and know that our school year will go equally as well.

Thank you, again, for your prayers and support after my nephew’s accident. Hopefully, he will continue to recover and will be out of the hospital soon. He was moved to a regular room this afternoon so things are looking better already.

Next week
Monday 8/27 – 1st day of school, Specials begin at 10:10,

Tuesday 8/28 –

Wednesday 8/29 – West Forsyth cross country meet here (6:00)

Thursday 8/30 –

Friday 8/31 –

Week of 9/3-9/7 – (9/3) Labor Day Holiday, (9/4) School Center Web page training, (9/5) Principals meeting (9/6), (9/7) Principals meeting

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – All breakfast personnel not on other duties (East, Biggam, Weiss, Womble, Vernon, Schmoyer, Trinkle, Church, G. Allen)

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
I Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters

Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab), Parra(music), Alexander(blue)

FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to turn in your Wish lists if you have needs

Staff Stars
Janet Jones, Kim Skinner & Traci Petree – Janet, Kim & Traci have all worked hard to make sure that we are all ready for the start of school. Janet has spent many hours outside the regular day to ensure that our records are as up-to-date as possible. Kim has given us all a name plate and has done anything that was needed to help our office run smoothly. Traci has quickly jumped in to make sure that you all have what you need for your classrooms (12 rolls of laminating film so far). Thank you for your hard work!

Have a great weekend!




Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
August 31, 2007

Wow!!! What a great first week! It has been awesome to see you in action with our students this week. I have seen many of the “best practices” that I expected to see (enthusiasm and excitement, guided and independent writing K-5, graphic organizers, summarizing, etc.) Hopefully I have had the opportunity to spend at least a few brief moments in your classroom. If not, you will see me more in the coming weeks.

Part of my job coming in to Southwest was to look for ways to make us better. There will be ideas that work well and ideas that will not work so well. Thank you in advance for being patient with me as I try my “improvement experiments.”

Next week
Monday 9/3 – Labor Day Holiday (Halleluiah!!)

Tuesday 9/4 – School Center Web page training (3:00-4:00)

Wednesday 9/5 – Principals’ meeting (7:30-11:30)

Thursday 9/6 –

Friday 9/7 – Principals’ meeting (7:30-10:00)

Week of 9/10-9/14 – (9/10), (9/11) Staff meeting (9/12) West Cross country meet @ SW (9/13) Fall pictures, Elementary Principals’ meeting (9/14) Zone 7 Advisory meeting

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Weiss, Parra, East

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
I Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters

Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab), Alexander(blue)

FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to turn in your Wish lists if you have needs
-If you were out of the building for any reason (8/15-8/31), please let Nellie know the reason (sick, workshop, etc.) for payroll
-ESL classes will start Tuesday afternoon (ESL teachers will pick-up). Morning classes will be added after IPT testing is complete

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Suzanne Sarfert – Great job on involving your “community” in making class rules
Maggie Wessell – Thank you for representing SIT team well and for adding plenty of excitement to your read aloud
Maria Vernon – Congratulations on getting the Young Alum Award from Appalachian State!

Have a great weekend!
****A note from Amy Tilley****

Teachers,
You should have either received a Boxtops Envelope in your box, or have one from last year. If you do not have one, you need to put a note in Amy Tilley's box, or send her an email immediately. You may collect the Boxtops in some other container in your rooms if you wish, but I prefer them to be given to me in the envelopes. We will be starting our first Back to School contest soon. For those of you who are new, your students will be bringing in Boxtops. Please collect them in the envelopes. Once the contest starts, I will put the collection box by the cafeteria, unless someone thinks there might be an easier or better location. You may turn your envelopes in daily, it helps me to count a little at a time rather than get 1000 at one time. I will tally the totals and the winning class will get a pizza party. I am going to order some other goodies this year as well. This is a pretty good money maker for our school and gives us money that is used to give you your money at the beginning of school. The homeroom teachers that really "RAH, RAH" this in their rooms are usually the ones that win, so talk it up.
Thanks, Amy Tilley

Friday Updates September 2007

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
September 7, 2007

Our school year has officially kicked into high gear. Why did our 4 day school week feel like it was a 6 day school week? As the school year gets busier, it gets harder to stay organized. Please stay informed and keep “your calendar” up to date. The calendar beside Nellie’s desk will be coordinated with our online calendar so make sure that you know what is going on. It is also important for each individual and group to put your events on our school office calendar. Everyone has done an awesome job so far of giving your information to Nellie. Thank you and keep up the great work!!

Next week ******3rd Grade Pretest & Make-ups September 10-14*********
Monday 9/10 – PTA volunteer sign-up (6-7), PTA board mtg. (7:00)

Tuesday 9/11 – Staff mtg. (3:00-4:00)

Wednesday 9/12 – West Forsyth CC meet (5:00)

Thursday 9/13 – Fall pictures, EC process visit, Elem. Principal mtg, (7:30-4:30), Vest volunteer mtg., Skate Haven Night

Friday 9/14 – Zone 7 mtg (7:30-12:00), K-5 Assembly (1:30-2:15)

**Saturday 9/15 – No Parent Left Behind Conf.**

Week of 9/17-9/21 – (9/17) United Way kick-off, curriculum coord. Mtg, ESL principal mtg, K-2 curriculum night (9/18) Progress Reports, School center webpage training, 3-5 curriculum night/Scout night (9/19) Asst Principals’ mtg (9/20) 1st gr to Sci Museum, School Center webpage training, 4th gr writing training (9/21) TGIF

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Twyman, Letourneau

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters

Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab), Alexander(blue)
FYI/Reminders
-Our new school center website will go live on Monday, 9/10 (The minimum expectation is for everyone to have a basic page with name, grade level, and brief welcome)
-Please remember to turn in your Wish lists if you have needs (we have about 60% so far)DUE 9/14
-If you were out of the building for any reason (8/15-8/31), please let Nellie know the reason (sick, workshop, etc.) for payroll
-Remember to bring in your cans and boxtops

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Specialists – Great job with Duty-free lunch so far. Thank you for your help.
Joyce Wilson – Thank you for patience and flexibility in your classroom during these first 2 weeks
Sherry Marceron – Thank you for representing your grade level well and for getting your student teacher off to a good start
Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
September 14, 2007

Yesterday’s assembly was a really nice experience for me and our entire school. While we have to be careful about compromising “academic time”, our assembly served a few key purposes for us. When a school’s enrollment approaches 1,000 students, it is difficult to maintain the feel of a close-knit school community. To me, assemblies such as the one yesterday, help keep us a close-knit school community.

Thank you to Gloria Allen and Kellee Church for doing such a nice job with our patriotic celebration.
Please continue to reinforce the points I made with our students regarding school safety. It will take some time and training for them to make our hallways and pick-up areas more safe and orderly. Please remember to make can collection counts a regular part of your day. The money that we earn through can recycling will go directly back into our school (wish list items, technology, STAFF APPRECIATION, ect.).

The staff conference schedule sign-up will be outside my door by Monday. Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work!!

Next week
Monday 9/17 – United Way kick-off (Training Dawn & Sarah 3:30-4:45), ESL Principal mtg. (3:30-5:00), K-2 Curriculum Night (6-7:30)

Tuesday 9/18 – Progress reports, School Center document training (3-4, 4-5), Flex Benefits mtg. (3-4), 3-5 Curriculum Night (6-7:30), Scout Night

Wednesday 9/19 – PTA Newsletter information DUE, Assistant Principals’ meeting (9:30-11:30)

Thursday 9/20 – SIT meeting (7:15-7:45), 1st grade to Science Museum (Gough, Baldwin, Keeney, Wilson), School Center documents training (3-4), 4th grade Writing training (3:15-4:45 @ CO)

Friday 9/21 – TGIF(No tornado, please)

Week of 9/24-9/28 – (9/24) W-S Symphony (4th & 5th), 1st grade to Sci Museum (Baker, Jones, Kreger, Atkins), Principal Evaluation training (9/25) Staff meeting (EC training) (9/26) Brick Oven Night (9/27) Technology Facilitator’s meeting (9/28) Box Top contest ends

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Vernon, Schmoyer, Trinkle, Church

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab), Alexander(blue)

FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to turn in your Wish lists if you have needs (we have about 80% so far)DUE TODAY
-If car riders have have notes, please send them to Mrs. Herrin in the office so that those on car rider duty are aware
-Remember to bring in your cans and boxtops (**turn in their Boxtops envelopes to the box on the table beside the couches outside the cafeteria**)

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Debbie Herrin, proctors, administrators, helpers & 3rd grade – Great job with 3rd grade testing. Thank you for keeping us organized.
Kindergarten – Thank you for doing an excellent job of grooming our new students. They are doing well!
Kathryn Dice & Marilyn Barr – Great job with your detailed writing activity encouraging “4th grade words” and discouraging “dead” words. Have a great weekend!



Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
September 21, 2007

I have to say that I am enjoying our quick, “10 minute” conferences so far. There are many issues to discuss (some heavy, some light), but it also gives me the chance to get to know you all better. The more comfortable you feel sharing concerns and praises, the better our school will be. I appreciate the thoughtful and professional conversations as well as the more informal chats. They all serve us well.

You should begin to hear about the “Classroom Walkthrough” training that I received last week. The district is giving us another coaching tool to help us learn how to improve our use of “Best Practices.” You will be hearing more about “Classroom Walkthroughs” in your grade level meetings in the next few weeks.

Next week
Monday 9/24 – ***The W-S Symphony (4th & 5th) has cancelled due to illness***, 1st grade to Sci. Museum (Atkins, Baker, Jones, Kreger), Principal Evaluation training (2-4)

Tuesday 9/25 – Principal LEA rep training (9-10), Staff meeting (EC training, United Way) (3-4)

Wednesday 9/26 – Brick Oven Night

Thursday 9/27 – Noche Hispana Planning Mtg (7:15), Technology facilitator’s meeting (9-12), NC Wise training (3-4, 4:15-5:15)

Friday 9/28 – Box top contest ends

Week of 9/24-9/28 – (10/1) (10/2) Principals’ Mtg, PTA Newsletter home, Teacher of the Year Banquet (10/3) (10/4) Principals’ Mtg (10/5) Backyard Burger Night

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Salamanca, Biggam, Womble

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab), Alexander(blue)

FYI/Reminders
-Mary Jane Everhardt’s mother is back in the hospital and is critically ill. Please keep her in your thoughts.
-Remember to bring in your cans and boxtops (**turn in your Boxtops envelopes to the box on the table beside the couches outside the cafeteria**) We will get your class can totals next week.
-So that our school can function as smoothly as possible, please do your best to be on time for pick ups/drop offs for lunch, specials and dismissals. Please offer opportunities for your students to visit the restroom prior to going to specials.

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
K-2 staff – Great job with our Curriculum Night on Monday. Your parent meetings were informative and should help to set the stage for a successful year.
3-5 staff – Thank you for doing such a great job with your Curriculum Night on Tuesday. Our parents should feel more informed about your grade level activities and information.
Kathy Wilheit, Nancy Frye, Rosario Salamanca – Thank you for what you are doing to help us improve the ways in which we reach out to our Hispanic parents.


Have a great weekend!



Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
September 28, 2007

Thank you for the great response with our boxtop and can collections. While the collections can seem burdensome and tedious, those projects will help us earn resources to put back into your classrooms. I have your wishlists put into a spreadsheet (thanks Mrs. Petree) and will begin to look at meeting some of your requests. Our boxtop collections went well (thanks Mrs. Tilley) and our can trailer continues to fill up for the first of many times this year.
Our Can-Do Recycling recognition will take place as follows: We will recognize the top class for the week with a popcorn party. The top class for the month will receive a pizza party. You can track your class’ progress on the charts outside the cafeteria (thanks Mrs. Hancock & Mr. Keener). Congratulations to our top 3 classes this week: 1) Mrs. Beard’s class (587 cans), 2) Mrs. Vance’s class (506 cans), 3) Ms. Pennington’s class (500 cans)
Great job!

Next week
Monday 10/1 – Golf tournament meeting (3-4),

Tuesday 10/2 – Principals’ Meeting (7:30 -12:00), Interim Reports home, PTA Newsletter home, Teacher of the Year Banquet (4–6), School Center webpage training, Excell Basics training

Wednesday 10/3 – Doughnuts with Dad (7:15), Core I & II classes to Dixie Classic Fair

Thursday 10/4 – Principals’ meeting (7:30-10:00), Leadership meeting (1-2), School Center training, Publisher training

Friday 10/5 – Backyard Burger Night, Core I & II classes go bowling

Week of 9/24-9/28 – (10/8) (10/9) Staff Mtg, 4th grade to Hiddenite, Big Shotz Night, School Board ABC’s recognition (10/10) Teacher Advisory Council Mtg., 4th grade to Hiddenite, New principal training(10/11) Picture Make-ups, 5th grade to Dinosaurs, Skate Haven Night (10/12) (10/13) Campus Beautification

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Weiss, Parra, East

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-If you have not met with me for your mini-conference, please sign up ASAP. A new sign-up sheet for the week of October 8th is outside my door.
-With duty-free lunch it will extremely helpful to make sure that you have trained your classes as to the proper way to clean table, sweep the floor, eat quietly, etc..

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Jan Merritt – Congratulations 2007-08 Southwest Teacher of the Year (enjoy the banquet on Tuesday!)
Tiffany Larson – Great job with your “Early readers.”
Bonnie Alexander – Nice use of a “Double Bubble Map” to compare and contrast your Wordly Wise books.
Amy Hancock – Thank you for effort to prepare our student art display for the Dixie Classic Fair (& can charts).

Have a great weekend!

Friday Updates October 2007

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
October 5, 2007

We are definitely fully into the school year (discipline referrals, parent conferences, etc.) and it can be a stressful time. Make sure to take the time to relax and do something fun in order to recharge your batteries away from school. 180 school days is a journey, not a sprint. Thanks for ANOTHER great week at Southwest!

**Our can recycling has gotten off to an excellent start. Our top can collectors for the week are:

1st – Marceron (1,015) 2nd – Herko (641) 3rd – Gough (592) Honorable Mention – Cundiff (535)

Next week
Monday 10/8 –

Tuesday 10/9 – Staff Mtg, 4th grade to Hiddenite, Big Shotz Night, School Board ABC’s recognition training

Wednesday 10/10 – Teacher Advisory Council Mtg., 4th grade to Hiddenite, New principal training

Thursday 10/11 – Picture Make-ups, 1st grade to Lewisville Fire Dept., 5th grade to Dinosaurs, Leadership meeting (1-2), Skate Haven Night

Friday 10/12 – Core I & II classes go bowling (10:00-12:30)

Saturday 10/13 – Campus beautification day (8-1)

Week of 10/15-9/19 – (10/15) Assessment training (10/16) Final Donation Day, K to Children’s Museum, SIT mtg, Powerpoint Basics, Hispanic Liaison mtg (10/17) K to Children’s Museum, Brick Oven Night (10/18) Elementary Principals mtg, K to Children’s Museum, Word Basics (10/19) W-S symphony, K to Children’s Museum, EMD bowling

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Letourneau, Twyman

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-Please extend your condolences to Katrina Sutcliffe who lost her grandmother this week. Also, please remember Ellen Barnes who lost her mother in law. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
-We are getting staff development renewal credit for our staff meeting trainings this year, but you must first register online. It is called “Best Practices – K-5 Curriculum & Instruction”.
-If you have not met with me for your mini-conference, please sign up ASAP. We are almost to the end of the list.
-With duty-free lunch it will extremely helpful to make sure that you have trained your classes as to the proper way to clean table, sweep the floor, eat quietly, etc..

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
3rd & 5th grade – Thank you for being so willing to give up some of your time in the afternoon to help tutor your Gateway students.
Joyce Wilson – Nice job with your brainstorming activity when writing about a scarecrow.
Bus and car rider duty folks – Thank you for your supervision to make our dismissal more orderly and safe.
Amy Tilley – Great job with your pre-writing activity about the Dixie Classic Fair.
Jan Hipp – Congratulations on your National Board Certification renewal

Have a great weekend!

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
October 12, 2007

Our meeting Tuesday was just the start of what I hope will be a series of informative and helpful staff training sessions. Yes, we are still having meetings, but I want them to be MORE than just meetings. In order to help me lead us to use our time more effectively, I am asking for your feedback. As we have our training sessions, please let me know what is useful and what is not useful. I would also invite you to offer suggestions as to what information/resources you would like to see when we cover specific topics. Our next staff meeting will focus on our students in the English as a Second Language program. I have some ideas as to what I would like to share on this topic, but would like for you to help me focus our presentation so that it is THE BEST.

Next week
Monday 10/15 – Leadership mtg (8:30-9), Mrs. Herrin to assessment training

Tuesday 10/16 – Final Donation Day, K to Children’s Museum (9-1:30), EC process visit **All EC staff** (2:30-3:00), SIT mtg (3-4), Powerpoint Basics (3-4), Hispanic Liaison mtg (6-7:30)

Wednesday 10/17 – K to Children’s Museum (9-1:30), Brick Oven Night (5-8)

Thursday 10/18 – Elementary Principals mtg (7:30-12), K to Children’s Museum (9-1:30), Leadership mtg (1-2), Word Basics (3-4, 4:15-5:15)

Friday 10/19 – W-S symphony (9-10), K to Children’s Museum (9-1:30), EMD bowling (10-12:30)


Week of 10/22-10/26 – (10/22) EOQ testing window(Oct 22-Nov 2), Science Fair begins (10/23) Science fair, Progress reports, Words Their Way III (10/24) Science fair, 3rd gr to Science in Greensboro, AP mtg (10/25) Science fair, Tech facilitator mtg (10/26) 2nd gr to Stevens Center, End of 1st quarter, EMD bowling (10/27) SW miniature golf day

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Vernon, Schmoyer, Trinkle, Church

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-Lynn Biggam’s son remains in the hospital with an infection in his arm.
-Jan Womble's youngest son, Jonah, broke his leg in a soccer game a couple of weeks ago. He will be homebound for several weeks.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
-We are getting staff development renewal credit for our staff meeting trainings this year, but you must first register online. It is called “Best Practices – K-5 Curriculum & Instruction”.
-If you have not met with me for your mini-conference, please sign up ASAP. We are almost to the end of the list.

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Kim Moore & friends – Thank you for keeping our buses rolling while Mr. Keener was away.
Brian Vest & Becky Vestal – Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility in the classroom.
PRT’s and assistants – Thank you for being such a valuable resource to our students.
2nd grade – Great job on the butterfly launch

Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
October 19, 2007

Our growing ESL population has added a new dynamic to our school. This year, we have tried to renew our efforts to improve the connection between school and home for these families. Our PTA is committed to helping these efforts and several bilingual parents have agreed to serve as liaisons to our Hispanic community. They will help with translation, recruitment and anything else that will help bridge that gap. This Tuesday is our first Southwest Noche Hispana for the 2007-08 school year. I encourage all of you to help publicize this event and talk with your students about what it means so that we can maximize the effect. Improved communication and better connections will help to make all of our students more successful.


Next week
Monday 10/22 – EOQ testing window(Oct 22-Nov 2), Science Festival kick-off in gym (3-5 @ 8:30, K-2 @ 9:30)

Tuesday 10/23 – Science festival, Progress reports, Words Their Way III, Noche Hispana (6-7:30)

Wednesday 10/24 – Science festival, 3rd gr to Science in Greensboro, AP mtg

Thursday 10/25 – Science festival, Tech facilitator mtg

Friday 10/26 – 2nd gr to Stevens Center, End of 1st quarter, EMD bowling

Saturday 10/27 – Southwest miniature golf day at Jimmy Mac’s (Clemmonsville Road)


Week of 10/29-11/2 – (10/29) Workday!!!!!!, Words Their Way IV(10/30) 1st grade Fall activities (10/31) 1st grade Fall activities (11/1) 1st grade Fall activities (11/2) Principals’ mtg, Backyard Burger Night

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Womble, Burke

Bus – Barr, Marceron, Crain, Sutcliffe, Hipp, Cundiff, Hancock, Larson

Car riders – Morning – Hancock, Salamanca, Chamra
Afternoon – Caller – Pat Taylor, Donna Williams
Inside – A. Brown, Crutchfield, Armbruster
Outside – Powell, Green, Tsolis, Wilheit, Baldwin, Winters
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-We have just a couple of days to finish our United Way campaign on a strong note. We will update our goal progress on Monday. Thanks for your help.
-The record room door has been rekeyed to work with your door key. It will be locked, but your key should work.
-We are getting staff development renewal credit for our staff meeting trainings this year, but you must first register online. It is called “Best Practices – K-5 Curriculum & Instruction”.
-**If you have not met with me for your mini-conference, please sign up this week.**

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Anna Keeney & friends – Great job with your learning centers and the Science focus on types of matter.
1st grade – Thank you for your work with our early readers & your Fall Festival preparation.
Debbie Herrin & science festival committee – Thank you for your work to prepare for next week. I can’t wait!
5th grade – Great job with your focused Science lessons (Science EOG - here we come)!

Have a great weekend!

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
October 26, 2007

It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of our first nine weeks of school. Time flies when you are having fun. It has been a fun, interesting, and sometimes challenging time as I have tried to learn a lot in a short time. Hopefully, you feel that for the most part, Southwest is still a great place for children to learn and that we are working to make our school better. Although I am 99% complete with our staff conferences, my door is always open to discuss issues about our school. Thank you, again, for welcoming me into our school and allowing me to be a part of something special.

Next week
Monday 10/29 – Workday!!!!!!, Staff breakfast provided by the YMCA, Bookroom check-out training with Glinda Hayes (9:00-9:30), Words Their Way IV

Tuesday 10/30 – 1st grade Fall activities

Wednesday 10/31 – 1st grade Fall activities

Thursday 11/1 – 1st grade Fall activities,

Friday 11/2 – Principals’ mtg, Backyard Burger Night
***Due to the previously mentioned conflict with computer training, we will move our first November staff meeting to Tuesday, November 6th(Best practice for working with English Language Learners). We are still scheduled to meet with Dr. Martin on Tuesday, November 20th.****

Week of 11/5-11/9 – (11/5) (11/6) Election day (PE in auditorium), Principals’ meeting, Staff meeting(11/7) (11/8) Skate Haven Night(11/9)

Duty Schedule
**New Roster**
Breakfast – Weiss, Parra, East

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Coffield, Overby, Trinkle, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-****As you have done in the past, please forward your report cards ASAP to your assigned administrator for review (K & 4th-Mr. Keener, 2nd & 5th-Ms. Moore, 1st & 3rd-Mr. Hayes) By Friday, November 2nd at the latest****
-Thanks for those of you who were able to help with United Way. We were still short of our goal. Sarah and Dawn will give us our exact totals next week.
-Aaren Brown's family, especially her mother, continues to recover from a serious car accident. Also, her husband's Grandfather passed away.
-Jan Womble's son, Jonah, is back in the hospital after a second surgery on his broken leg.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Debbie Herrin & science festival committee – Thank you for your work to make our science festival successful.
4th grade – Great job with your writing instruction! Keep up the good work.
PE ladies – Thank you for adapting well to the science festival and the rain.
Noche Hispana committee – Great job with our 1st night of the year!
Tanya Pennington – Fantastic work with your fall website update.
Kim Moore – Georgia Kennedy says “thanks for helping with the jumper cables.”
Earnest Squire – Thank you for your help with science festival set-up/clean-up.
Great job to everyone on the can collections!
Have a great weekend!

Friday Updates November 2007

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 2, 2007

Kim, Tom and I have spent much of this week reviewing your report cards. As part of our leadership meeting today along with Debbie, we discussed how well you all have done. Your comments are balanced with some positive comments about each child as well as feedback that is aligned with areas of concern. Again, you have shown me that, as a group, you are working “Above grade level.” Thank you for a job well done!

**** Report cards will go home Tuesday, November 13th ****

Next week
Monday 11/5 – Music program practice

Tuesday 11/6 – Election day (PE in auditorium), Principals’ meeting, Music program practice, Staff meeting

Wednesday 11/7 – Jr. League Puppet show, Music program practice

Thursday 11/8 – Staff appreciation dinner (4:00), Skate Haven Night

Friday 11/9 – EMD bowling, Music program practice, 1st quarter AR celebration (Please send your students to the cafeteria from 1:45 until 2:15, when they will rejoin their class. This is an AR recognition)


Week of 11/12-11/16 – (11/12) Holiday (11/13) K-1 Jump rope for heart, Big Shotz Night (11/14) 2-3 Jump rope for heart (11/15) 4-5 Jump rope for heart (11/16) 1st grade celebration, PTA newsletter info due, Honor Roll & Principal Pals celebration (11/17) Miniature golf day at Jimmy Mac’s

Duty Schedule
**Thank you for a smooth change to a new duty list**
Breakfast – Burke, Twyman, Letourneau

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Coffield, Overby, Trinkle, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-Jan Womble's son, Jonah, is back in the hospital after a second surgery on his broken leg.
-Robin King’s father is ill and in the hospital.
-Sandra Sellers’ (cafeteria) husband suffered a heart attack.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
1st grade – Great job with your Fall Festival rotation activities.
Loren Burke – Thank you for helping in so many different areas of our school.
Becky Drummond – Great job with pushing your students to be their best.
Kathy Lawrence – Thank you for your grade level leadership.
Carolyn Beard/Laurie Steadman – Nice job with the cans this week.
Mary Jane Everhardt – Thank you for keeping us on track with report cards, training, etc..
Office staff – Thank you for helping to make our sign-out procedures safer.

Have a great weekend!

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 9, 2007

After just dealing with an “out of control” 4th grader and then his father, it helped remind me how easy it is to “become frustrated” with a student. Many times it is difficult to keep the situation in perspective when a child is “pushing your buttons.” If you feel that a situation is beginning to escalate or feel that your patience is waning, it is OK to ask for help. If it is a relatively minor situation or minor class disruption, ask a neighboring teacher to watch the child for a time out. The time out can serve to let the child refocus while also allowing you to refocus. If it is a major disruption to your classroom, please do not hesitate to ask for help from the office. We are here to help you maintain a good learning environment.

Next week
Monday 11/12 – Holiday

Tuesday 11/13 – Report Cards go home, K-1 Jump rope for heart, Musical practice (12-1, 2:30-3:30), Computer training, Big Shotz Night

Wednesday 11/14 – 2-3 Jump rope for heart, Musical practice (12-1)

Thursday 11/15 – Elementary Principals meeting (7:30-4:00), 4-5 Jump rope for heart, Blue Diamond training 3rd, 4th, 5th (3-4), PTA Fall Banquet (6:30-9:00)

Friday 11/16 – Curriculum coordinators mtg (8-3), Musical practice (11-1), 1st grade celebration, PTA newsletter info due, Honor Roll & Principal Pals celebration

Saturday 11/17 – Miniature golf day at Jimmy Mac’s

Week of 11/19-11/23 – (11/19) Musical practice, EC process visit, ESL principals meeting (11/20) Fall/Winter newsletter information due, Dr. Martin school visit (classrooms, lunch, staff meeting at 3:00), Musical practice(11/21) Required/requested Leave day (11/22) Holiday (11/23) Holiday

Duty Schedule
**Thank you for a smooth change to a new duty list**
Breakfast – Vernon, Schmoyer, Church

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Coffield, Overby, Trinkle, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-Jerri Smith had surgery on her wrist. She is home and recovering.
-Robin King’s father is still ill and in the hospital.
-Sandra Sellers’ (cafeteria) husband suffered a heart attack.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers
*Please remember that if you check materials out of the bookroom, you must now use the electronic check-out

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Tonya Grisette - Great job with your use of a “hook” in your writing activity.
Glinda Hayes – Thank you for helping in so many different areas of our school – especially fixed assets.
Robin Vance – Great job of bringing out the emotions of your students with the class novel.
Krystle Jones – Great job of keeping your lessons on pace despite some interesting classroom personalities.
Monique Jones – Great job with your enthusiastic math lesson this week.
Janice Council/Jan Hipp – Thank you for keeping us on our toes with some different kinds of “kids”
Have a great weekend!

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update
November 16, 2007

Dr. Martin will visit our school this Tuesday, November 20th. He will visit classrooms, eat lunch in the cafeteria and then speak with all of us at a “brief” staff meeting at 3:00. Do not do anything different than you normally would. Our walkthroughs are confirming that most all of you do a wonderful job most of the time. The best part of my day is the time that is spent in your classrooms. I am sure that Dr. Martin will feel the same way and will share that with you on Tuesday. Keep up the great work!

Next week
Monday 11/19 – Musical practice, EC process visit (3:00), ESL principals meeting (3:30-5:00)

Tuesday 11/20 – Fall/Winter newsletter information due, Dr. Martin school visit (10:00-11:30 classrooms, lunch, staff meeting at 3:00), Musical practice, **Energy reminders**Close and secure all windows and doors.,close all blinds for insulation and security, turn off all TV’s, computer monitors, non-essential CPU’s and Copiers.

Wednesday 11/21 – Leave day (stay home or travel)

Thursday 11/22 – Thanksgiving holiday

Friday 11/23 – Holiday

Week of 11/26-11/30 – (11/26) Music practice (11/27) Progress reports, music practice (11/28) music practice (11/29) Tech. facilitator’s meeting, music practice (11/30) 4th grade to Heritage Museum, 4th & 5th assembly 12:30-1:00 in auditorium (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Salamanca, Biggam, Womble

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Overby, Trinkle, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-One of our cafeteria workers, Jessica Brown, passed away unexpectedly early this morning.
-Jerri Smith had surgery on her wrist. She is home and recovering.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers

-NC Wise will be down for maintenance after 5:00 today. Please see Janet Jones’ memo for attendance instructions
-It is time to complete your 07-08 IGP’s. Either Debbie, Kim, Tom or I will conference with you to complete the form.
-If you are out of school for staff development, please give Nellie a copy of the registration for our financial records
-Teachers: If you had a student who was absent last friday and did reach their AR goal, please send that name to Mrs. Nicole Skinner so that she can get the student the award (pencil, bookmark, suckers) Thanks!
-Flu shots are available at the W-S/FCS Administrative Center on November 28th & 29th
-Student pictures for the cumulative folders have arrived. They will be in your mailboxes to place in/on folders.

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Rosario Salamanca – Congratulations on your Donors Choose grant.
Wende Powell – Great use of a fun activity to review your word wall list. Congratulations on your Donors Choose grant.
Tiffany Larson – Great job with your learning centers and letter sound lessons.
Jennifer Crain – Fantastic use of graphic organizers to help your students classify.
Kathy Wilheit – Congratulations on passing your National Board Certification requirements.
PE ladies – Thank you for leading us to a successful Jump Rope for Heart campaign.
4th grade – Nice job with your writer’s bootcamp folders.
Anne Parra – Thank you for facilitating our efforts to support our needy families.

Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update on Monday
November 26, 2007

I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving break. The stretch between now and the Christmas break is a busy one so please do your best to stay informed. Keep up the great work!

Next week
Monday 11/26 – Musical practice, PTA board meeting (7:00)

Tuesday 11/27 – Musical practice, Progress reports home

Wednesday 11/28 – Musical practice, Flu shot available at CO

Thursday 11/29 – Musical practice, Tech. facilitator’s meeting, Flu shot available at CO

Friday 11/30 – 4th grade to Heritage Museum, 4th & 5th assembly 12:30-1:00 in auditorium (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory)

Week of 12/3-12/7 – (12/3) (12/4) Winter musical (9:00-10:00, 7:00-8:00), Principals’ Mtg, PTA Newsletter home (12/5) (12/6) 3rd grade to Dana Auditorium, K to Candle Tea (12/7) Principal’s Mtg, K to Candle Tea, Backyard Burger Night

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Weiss, Para, East

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Overby, Trinkle, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
**Congratulations to two new grandparents:
Mr. Keener’s family welcomed Abigail Morgan Page and Ms. Dosek’s family welcomed Caroline Alexandra Dosek

-It is time to complete your 07-08 IGP’s. Either Debbie, Kim, Tom or I will conference with you to complete the form.
-If you are out of school for staff development, please give Nellie a copy of the registration for our financial records
-Flu shots are available at the W-S/FCS Administrative Center on November 28th & 29th

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Jan Hipp – Thank you for your work with Mrs. Cranfill
Sherry Marceron – Thank you for your work with Mrs. Jensen
PRT’s – Thank you for your continued work with classes and small groups.
Amy Hancock – Great job with our holiday cards.
Brian Schmoyer – Excellent turkey lesson with our first graders and thank you for helping with holiday cards.
Gloria Allen/Kellee Church – Thank you for work leading up to the Winter Musical.
Robin King/Betsy McGhee/Sharon Gheen – Thank you for providing fun learning experiences for your students

Have a great weekend!

Friday Updates December 2007

Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update on Monday
December 2, 2007

This past week, Debbie, Kim, Tom and I started a series of grade level training meetings. We are beginning with the upper grades as we look more closely at some of our assessment data. We will meet with all grades as we collect more data from our classroom walkthroughs. As I have said many times this year, you are doing an awesome job! It is our responsibility as leaders to work with you to make you better. If we are serious about continuing to improve an already great school, it will take some work and trust. We look forward to working with you to help us grow. Thank you for your commitment to your students and your desire to be THE BEST.

Next week
Monday 12/3 – Musical dress rehearsal, 4th grade meeting (1:45)

Tuesday 12/4 – Mr. Keener at NWRESA, Winter musical (9:00-10:00, 7:00-8:00), Principals’ Mtg, PTA Newsletter home

Wednesday 12/5 –

Thursday 12/6 – 3rd grade to Dana Auditorium, K to Candle Tea

Friday 12/7 – Principal’s Mtg, K to Candle Tea, Backyard Burger Night

Week of 12/10-12/14 – (12/10) (12/11) 2nd grade to Bethabara, Kiwanis Party in auditorium, Staff meeting, Big Shotz Night (12/12) 2nd grade to Bethabara (12/13) 2nd grade to Bethabara, Elementary Principals’ Mtg, Skate Haven Night (12/14) (12/15) SW miniature golf day at Jimmy Mac’s

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Letouneau, Burke

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Overby, Hancock, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
-Nellie is still in the hospital but seems to be on the mend. The doctors believe that inflammation in her esophagus is the reason for the pain. She thinks that she will be discharged tomorrow (Monday, 12/3).
**Congratulations to two new grandparents:
Mr. Keener’s family welcomed Abigail Morgan Page and Ms. Dosek’s family welcomed Caroline Alexandra Dosek

-It is time to complete your 07-08 IGP’s. Either Debbie, Kim, Tom or I will conference with you to complete the form.
-If you need help with the subfinder system, please ask. It is important to get those days in correctly.

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Joyce Wilson - Great parent follow up and communication.
Nancy Frye – Thank you for kicking off and getting ready for Friday treats in the lounge.
3rd & 5th grade – Great start with our grade level meetings.
Debbie H., Janet J., Kim S., Traci P., & Kiki H. – Thank you keeping the office on track during Nellie’s illness.
Cafeteria staff – Thank you for being open to suggestions to make our lunch service better.

Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update on Monday
December 7, 2007

The expectations, stress, and pressure of being part of an excellent school can sometimes be overwhelming. The adult worries that we sometimes carry can also make it difficult to focus on what is important. When I saw the winter musical on Tuesday night, it reminded me of the wonderful things that our children are capable of. I encourage you to remember what is MOST important when it comes to our tasks at school. We have all been blessed to have the opportunity to work with children so we should take advantage of that every day. Thank you for your commitment to your students and your desire to be THE BEST.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” Rachel Carson, biologist and writer

Next week
Monday 12/10 – Secret Santa activities begin

Tuesday 12/11 – 2nd grade to Bethabara, Kiwanis Party in auditorium, Staff meeting, Big Shotz Night

Wednesday 12/12 – 2nd grade to Bethabara

Thursday 12/13 – 2nd grade to Bethabara, Elementary Principals’ Mtg, Skate Haven Night

Friday 12/14 – TGIF

Saturday 12/15 – SW miniature golf at Jimmy Mac’s

Week of 12/17-12/21 – (12/17) (12/18) SIT mtg (12/19) Asst. Principals’ mtg, curriculum coordinators’ mtg (12/20) SIP presentation with Dr. Martin (12/21) Leave day Merry Christmas!!!!!

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Vernon, Trinkle, Schmoyer, Church

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Overby, Hancock, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
**Congratulations to our latest new grandparent:
Mrs. Herrin’s family welcomed Tanner Clayton

-It is time to complete your 07-08 IGP’s. Either Debbie, Kim, Tom or I will conference with you to complete the form.
-If you need help with the subfinder system, please ask. It is important to get those days in correctly.

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)
Kindergarten – Thank you for sharing the Candle Tea experience with your students.
Debbie, Kim & Tom – Thank you for your advice, hard work and school leadership.
4th grade – Great start with our grade level meetings.
1st grade. – Great job with you latest holiday rotation.
2nd grade – Thank you for continuing to work well as a team.


Have a great weekend!


Southwest Elementary School
Friday Update on Saturday
December 14, 2007

This last week before the Christmas break is often filled with fun activities that can get in the way of instructional time. Take the time to have fun with your students, but try not to forget that every hour of every instructional day is a precious resource. Thank you for your commitment to your students and your desire to be THE BEST.

I want to wish each of you and your families a Happy Holiday break. This is the best time to reinvest in your families and others close to you. Our work at school is more than just a job and it can take away from our family time. I encourage you to enjoy the break and take the time to appreciate the gifts around us.

Next week
Monday 12/17 – 3rd, 4th, 5th grade Blue Diamond work session (3:15-4:15)

Tuesday 12/18 – Staff social at Big Shotz (3:30-5:30)

Wednesday 12/19 – curriculum coordinators’ mtg

Thursday 12/20 – SIP presentation with Dr. Martin

Friday 12/21 – Leave day Merry Christmas!!!!!

Week of 1/3-1/11 – (1/3) (1/4) Principals’ mtg (1/7) (1/8) Progress reports, Principals mtg, Staff mtg, Big Shotz night (1/9) 4th grade field trip, Kindergarten mtg @ Moore (1/10) 4th grade field trip, Skate Haven night (1/11) 4th grade field trip, Backyard Burger night

Duty Schedule
Breakfast – Salamanca, Biggam, Womble

Bus – Baker, Freshwater, Dease, Gough, Merritt, Vance, Zimmerman

Car riders – Morning – Overby, Hancock, Twyman
Afternoon – Caller – Taylor, Frye
Inside – Roberts, Womble, East
Outside – Jones, Barnes, Merrill, Currie, Wilson, DiSorbo
Hall – Bowser(lounge), Everhardt(computer lab)

FYI/Reminders
**Congratulations to our Southwest addition:
Mrs. Moss’ family welcomed Bailey Ryan

-It is time to complete your 07-08 IGP’s. Either Debbie, Kim, Tom or I will conference with you to complete the form.
-If you need help with the subfinder system, please ask. It is important to get those days in correctly.

Staff Stars (There are too many good deeds to list them all. Over the course of the year, I would like to recognize as many as possible)

Joyce Wilson – Congratulations, Southwest 2007-08 Teacher of the Year

Southwest staff – Thank you all for your hard work and commitment during this first half of the school year. It has been a tremendous blessing for me to become part of such a talented group of professionals. I look forward to leading us to even more great accomplishments during 2008.

Mike

Have a great weekend!