Friday Update
January 7th, 2011
I would like to renew my practice of having a ten minute conference with everyone on staff beginning this Monday, January 10th. Please sign up on the sheets outside my office door. These conferences will give me a chance to stay in touch with each of you, get your feedback on the year so far and also answer questions about the transition for next year. I look forward to hearing your views on how our school is doing and how we can make it better to finish the year well.
I would like for you to frame our conversations in the following way. Please be prepared to answer the following questions:
What has gone well with your part of our school this year?
What could you improve about your part of our school?
School-wide, what has gone well this year?
School-wide, what would you like to improve?
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” Norman Vincent Peale
Next week
Monday 1/10 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
Tuesday 1/11 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC @ 12:30, WatchDOG – David Rhyne, Staff Meeting
Wednesday 1/12 –.4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, 5th grade Science EOQ, Happy Birthday to Eugenia Ivy
Thursday 1/13 - WatchDOG – David Seibert, 3rd-5th grade Reading EOQ
Friday 1/14 – 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, WatchDOG – Jon Marzano, 3rd-5th Reading EOQ Make-ups, Southwest Spelling Bee, Happy Birthday to Mike Hayes
Week of 1/17 – 1/21: (Modified PLC’s this week to work on Guided Reading)
1/17 – No school for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Happy Birthday to Susan Twyman
1/18 – SIT, 3rd-5th Math (calculator active) EOQ
1/19 – 3rd-5th Math (calculator inactive) EOQ, Happy Birthday to Joe Sereika
1/20 - 3rd-5th Math EOQ Make-ups, WatchDOG – Jeff Hinshaw, Principals Meeting, Technology Workshop – Digital Storytelling with photo story, Skate Night, Happy Birthday to Gloria Allen
1/21 – Teacher Work Day, no school for students
FYI/Reminders:
-Please keep the staff of Clemmons Middle School in your thoughts and prayers. One of their office staff members passed away unexpectedly on Thursday.
Staff Stars
Lori Allen - Thank you for generously donating 125 children's books to the speech department.
Becky Drummond - Nice job with your summarizing activity.
PBIS team - Thank you for your work to move towards individual SOAR tickets.
Bart Rodden - Thank you for your positive impact on Southwest.
Anne White - Thank you for your continued work to make our students excited about Science.
Kathryn Dice - It is great to see the love for writing that you share with our students.
2nd grade team- Super job focusing on unpacking third quarter math standards. Thank you for sharing math strategy resources with each other.
Kathi Lawrence, Angela Kreger, Amy Tilley and Brian Vest - Thank you for taking the time to visit another PBIS school this week and leading with our OWL MART.
5th grade - Excellent job with Science related essential questions during your PLC.
Mitzi Dease - Great job keeping your little personalities focused during guided reading.
Vanessa Menendez - Thank you for your efforts to connect your ESL instruction to grade level material.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday Update 12-10-10
Friday Update
December 10th , 2010
The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving. We have the special opportunity to give many gifts to our students. Hopefully you receive as many gifts from them as they get from you. Take advantage of the break to enjoy your time away from school.
“No person was ever honored for what he received. He was honored for what he gave.”
– Calvin Coolidge
Next week –
**Please invest some time in reminding your students about their specific SOAR expectations in various areas of the school. Our discipline referrals have increased in number during the last two weeks so we want to work as hard as possible to add structure to one of our less structured weeks of the year.
**Staff – please plan to give at least two eggs per day to SOARing classes. Administration will give away at least five eggs per day. Thanks for your help!!
Monday 12/13 – WatchDog – Doug Sidney (Bradley & Max K.), Student Council make practice speeches @ 9:00, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Debbie Herrin
Tuesday 12/14 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Glenda Vaughn, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Student Council Assembly @ 10:00 for 2nd – 5th graders, SIT Meeting
Wednesday 12/15 – Clemmons Middle School band performance @ 8:30 (required for 5th grade/optional for other classes), 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev.
Thursday 12/16 - Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, 1st grade catered Mexican lunch
Friday 12/17 – Festive Friday (5th, 2nd, 1st and PRT’s), 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Core I & II Bowling (9:00-12:30)
12/20 – 12/31
No School – Have a safe and happy holiday season!!
FYI/Reminders:
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
- Festive Fridays Continue this week – 5th grade, 1st grade and PRT’s, and 2nd grade are invited to bring “goodies” to share.
Staff Stars
Tiffany Larson – Congratulations of being named 2010-11 Southwest Teacher of the Year!
First grade for offering a variety of hands on learning activities during your Christmas around the World rotation. Great team planning for this event!
Vanessa Menendez - Super job of modeling for students how to find supporting details of the main idea - great graphic organizer!
Terry Zimmerman and Jan Merritt - An authentic discussion during literature circles with students questioning each other.
Dawn Garlow - Great job with trying vocabulary teams!
Heidi Lee - Thank you for writing your EQ on board and having students copy into their notebooks to answer! Great accountability for students in the lesson!
Amy Tilley - Super job of continuing to implement Kagan Learning Structures with your students. Your students really do enjoy the high level of engagement with these structures.
PBIS TEAM - Thanks for our positive training on Wednesday. We are anticipating the kick off for individual incentives!
Beth Bowser- Great job differentiating for your media lesson
Nicole Skinner & Aaren Brown – Nice job collaborating with your 4th grade and kindergarten students.
Noche Hispana team – Great job with our first parent night of the year.
Second grade – Thank you for consistently utilizing Guided Reading to help your students grow.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed in big and small ways to our Angel Tree and needy family outreach.
December 10th , 2010
The holiday season is a time of giving and receiving. We have the special opportunity to give many gifts to our students. Hopefully you receive as many gifts from them as they get from you. Take advantage of the break to enjoy your time away from school.
“No person was ever honored for what he received. He was honored for what he gave.”
– Calvin Coolidge
Next week –
**Please invest some time in reminding your students about their specific SOAR expectations in various areas of the school. Our discipline referrals have increased in number during the last two weeks so we want to work as hard as possible to add structure to one of our less structured weeks of the year.
**Staff – please plan to give at least two eggs per day to SOARing classes. Administration will give away at least five eggs per day. Thanks for your help!!
Monday 12/13 – WatchDog – Doug Sidney (Bradley & Max K.), Student Council make practice speeches @ 9:00, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Debbie Herrin
Tuesday 12/14 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Glenda Vaughn, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Student Council Assembly @ 10:00 for 2nd – 5th graders, SIT Meeting
Wednesday 12/15 – Clemmons Middle School band performance @ 8:30 (required for 5th grade/optional for other classes), 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev.
Thursday 12/16 - Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, 1st grade catered Mexican lunch
Friday 12/17 – Festive Friday (5th, 2nd, 1st and PRT’s), 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Core I & II Bowling (9:00-12:30)
12/20 – 12/31
No School – Have a safe and happy holiday season!!
FYI/Reminders:
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
- Festive Fridays Continue this week – 5th grade, 1st grade and PRT’s, and 2nd grade are invited to bring “goodies” to share.
Staff Stars
Tiffany Larson – Congratulations of being named 2010-11 Southwest Teacher of the Year!
First grade for offering a variety of hands on learning activities during your Christmas around the World rotation. Great team planning for this event!
Vanessa Menendez - Super job of modeling for students how to find supporting details of the main idea - great graphic organizer!
Terry Zimmerman and Jan Merritt - An authentic discussion during literature circles with students questioning each other.
Dawn Garlow - Great job with trying vocabulary teams!
Heidi Lee - Thank you for writing your EQ on board and having students copy into their notebooks to answer! Great accountability for students in the lesson!
Amy Tilley - Super job of continuing to implement Kagan Learning Structures with your students. Your students really do enjoy the high level of engagement with these structures.
PBIS TEAM - Thanks for our positive training on Wednesday. We are anticipating the kick off for individual incentives!
Beth Bowser- Great job differentiating for your media lesson
Nicole Skinner & Aaren Brown – Nice job collaborating with your 4th grade and kindergarten students.
Noche Hispana team – Great job with our first parent night of the year.
Second grade – Thank you for consistently utilizing Guided Reading to help your students grow.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed in big and small ways to our Angel Tree and needy family outreach.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday Update 12-3-10
Friday Update
December 3rd , 2010
The December edition of “Educational Leadership” magazine focuses on the issue of The Effective Educator. I have always believed that good teachers can come in many different types. Some may be highly organized planners who get the most out of every school day while others may be creative artists who constantly capture their students’ imaginations to push them to be their best. Some teachers do both of those things well while most of us fall somewhere in between. In short, I believe that effective teaching is both a science and an art that combines good strategies within an environment that enriches and challenges our students. Effective teaching is most evident in clear learning results and the most effective teachers are constantly growing to show improvement.
There are a few key points in the “Educational Leadership” that are worth mentioning and that tie into my beliefs:
-Teacher effectiveness is now clearly tied to learning (results).
-The best teachers I have known are humbled by how much more they need to learn (improvement).
-Without exception, (effective) teachers define their role as doing whatever it takes to ensure their students’ success (results).
-The most effective teachers are the most eager to talk about their failures (improvement).
-Effective teaching must be in service of student learning (results).
-Great teachers possess many intangible attributes (art).
-Expertise does not happen by chance. It requires deliberate practice (science).
ducational Leadership - December 2010
Children remind us to treasure the smallest of gifts, even in the most difficult of times.
Allen Klein
Next week –
Monday 12/6 – Dress rehearsal for Winter Musical (switch lunches for 3rd and 2nd), 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Becky Drummond
Tuesday 12/7 – Winter Musical assembly at 9:00, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Principals Meeting, Winter Musical and PTA mtg.
Wednesday 12/8 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Staff Meeting
Thursday 12/9 - Happy Birthday to Marilyn Barr, Staff meeting recap at 11:45 in auditorium, Noche Hispana at 6:00
Friday 12/10 – Festive Friday (3rd, 4th, office and administration), 5th grade PLC @ 10:00 , All Pro Dads Breakfast, Watch DOG – Bill O’Brien, Kiwanis Gathering for Core I & II, Kindergarten to Nursing Home
12/13 – 12/17
12/13 – Student Council speech practice at 9:00, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Debbie Herrin
12/14 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Glenda Vaughn, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Student Council Assembly for 2nd – 5th graders, SIT Meeting, Holiday Open House at Central Office
12/15– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev.
12/16– Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, 1st grade catered Mexican lunch
12/17– Festive Friday (5th , 2nd, 1st and PRT’s), 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Paul Scott, Core I & II Bowling (9:00-12:30)
FYI/Reminders:
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
- Festive Fridays Continue this week – 3rd grade, 4th grade, Office Staff and Administration are invited to bring “goodies” to share!
- Lunch Bunch this week will be offered by Pizza Hut. Choices range from pizza to pasta to wings for $6.00. Please put in your order by 10:00 am on any day you would like to order.
Staff Stars
Fifth grade team - A wonderful start with literature circles.
Catherine Herko - Thank you for implementing essential questions.
Second Grade Team - Awesome job with implementing two standardized tests in November and continuing to teach! Way to Go!
Alicia Bailey - A super start with student council! The posters look great and we can't wait until elections.
Debbie Herrin & Testing team - Thank you for persevering through testing and make up testing.
Jennifer Cohn - Super job with parent conferencing last week.
Amy Trinkle - Thank you for being there when needed to help guide our students and parents.
Cornelia Hauhuth – Thanks for always stepping in to help out with a smile!
Joyce Wilson – Thank you for your always having a kind and guiding spirit.
Fourth grade – Thank you for your work to score your content writing papers.
Glenda Vaughn – Your leadership of our Hospitality Team has been awesome.
December 3rd , 2010
The December edition of “Educational Leadership” magazine focuses on the issue of The Effective Educator. I have always believed that good teachers can come in many different types. Some may be highly organized planners who get the most out of every school day while others may be creative artists who constantly capture their students’ imaginations to push them to be their best. Some teachers do both of those things well while most of us fall somewhere in between. In short, I believe that effective teaching is both a science and an art that combines good strategies within an environment that enriches and challenges our students. Effective teaching is most evident in clear learning results and the most effective teachers are constantly growing to show improvement.
There are a few key points in the “Educational Leadership” that are worth mentioning and that tie into my beliefs:
-Teacher effectiveness is now clearly tied to learning (results).
-The best teachers I have known are humbled by how much more they need to learn (improvement).
-Without exception, (effective) teachers define their role as doing whatever it takes to ensure their students’ success (results).
-The most effective teachers are the most eager to talk about their failures (improvement).
-Effective teaching must be in service of student learning (results).
-Great teachers possess many intangible attributes (art).
-Expertise does not happen by chance. It requires deliberate practice (science).
ducational Leadership - December 2010
Children remind us to treasure the smallest of gifts, even in the most difficult of times.
Allen Klein
Next week –
Monday 12/6 – Dress rehearsal for Winter Musical (switch lunches for 3rd and 2nd), 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Becky Drummond
Tuesday 12/7 – Winter Musical assembly at 9:00, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Principals Meeting, Winter Musical and PTA mtg.
Wednesday 12/8 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Staff Meeting
Thursday 12/9 - Happy Birthday to Marilyn Barr, Staff meeting recap at 11:45 in auditorium, Noche Hispana at 6:00
Friday 12/10 – Festive Friday (3rd, 4th, office and administration), 5th grade PLC @ 10:00 , All Pro Dads Breakfast, Watch DOG – Bill O’Brien, Kiwanis Gathering for Core I & II, Kindergarten to Nursing Home
12/13 – 12/17
12/13 – Student Council speech practice at 9:00, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Debbie Herrin
12/14 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Glenda Vaughn, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Student Council Assembly for 2nd – 5th graders, SIT Meeting, Holiday Open House at Central Office
12/15– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev.
12/16– Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, 1st grade catered Mexican lunch
12/17– Festive Friday (5th , 2nd, 1st and PRT’s), 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Paul Scott, Core I & II Bowling (9:00-12:30)
FYI/Reminders:
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
- Festive Fridays Continue this week – 3rd grade, 4th grade, Office Staff and Administration are invited to bring “goodies” to share!
- Lunch Bunch this week will be offered by Pizza Hut. Choices range from pizza to pasta to wings for $6.00. Please put in your order by 10:00 am on any day you would like to order.
Staff Stars
Fifth grade team - A wonderful start with literature circles.
Catherine Herko - Thank you for implementing essential questions.
Second Grade Team - Awesome job with implementing two standardized tests in November and continuing to teach! Way to Go!
Alicia Bailey - A super start with student council! The posters look great and we can't wait until elections.
Debbie Herrin & Testing team - Thank you for persevering through testing and make up testing.
Jennifer Cohn - Super job with parent conferencing last week.
Amy Trinkle - Thank you for being there when needed to help guide our students and parents.
Cornelia Hauhuth – Thanks for always stepping in to help out with a smile!
Joyce Wilson – Thank you for your always having a kind and guiding spirit.
Fourth grade – Thank you for your work to score your content writing papers.
Glenda Vaughn – Your leadership of our Hospitality Team has been awesome.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday Update 11-19-10
Friday Update
November 19th , 2010
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. I am thankful for so many things including: a wonderful wife and three beautiful kids, a hard working staff, students who love us no matter what, an office staff that rocks, music to soothe my nerves, a cool fall morning, Christmas is on its way. I urge you to find the blessings in your life and to acknowledge them. While no one’s world is ever perfect, we all can look for the “good things” to try to keep our glass half full.
“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future."
~George Bernard Shaw.
Next week –
Monday 11/22 – Staff BBQ lunch provided by our Southwest PTA
Tuesday 11/23 - Watch DOG – Brett Todd
Wednesday 11/24 – No School – The building will be locked – enjoy the break
Thursday 11/25 - No School – Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday 11/26 – No School
11/29-12/3
11/29 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
11/30 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Amy Hancock, AP Professional Dev., Focused Staff Training, PTA Board Meeting
12/1– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
12/2– Watch DOG – Rick MacDonald
12/3– 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
FYI/Reminders:
-The space in front of the annex sidewalk is no longer available for parking. It must remain open so that we maintain proper handicap access. We will put in a work order to have it properly.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Heidi Lee – Thanks for the amazing energy you show in the classroom
Thanks to Loren Burke who graciously volunteered to switch workdays so she could help with the Southwest-Holy Family Thanksgiving Outreach Program on Monday.
First grade PLC team - Awesome job with creating calendar for teaching math objectives week by week and looking ahead to common assessments!
Betsy McGhee - Great social skills lesson on how to apologize
3rd/5th Grade Tutors - A great start this week!
Bunny Coates - A great job with teacher THINK ALOUD with read aloud text
Joyce Wilson - Super job with teaching ways to represent a number through song!
Jan Barr - Great story map graphic organizer
November 19th , 2010
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. I am thankful for so many things including: a wonderful wife and three beautiful kids, a hard working staff, students who love us no matter what, an office staff that rocks, music to soothe my nerves, a cool fall morning, Christmas is on its way. I urge you to find the blessings in your life and to acknowledge them. While no one’s world is ever perfect, we all can look for the “good things” to try to keep our glass half full.
“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future."
~George Bernard Shaw.
Next week –
Monday 11/22 – Staff BBQ lunch provided by our Southwest PTA
Tuesday 11/23 - Watch DOG – Brett Todd
Wednesday 11/24 – No School – The building will be locked – enjoy the break
Thursday 11/25 - No School – Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday 11/26 – No School
11/29-12/3
11/29 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
11/30 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Amy Hancock, AP Professional Dev., Focused Staff Training, PTA Board Meeting
12/1– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
12/2– Watch DOG – Rick MacDonald
12/3– 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
FYI/Reminders:
-The space in front of the annex sidewalk is no longer available for parking. It must remain open so that we maintain proper handicap access. We will put in a work order to have it properly.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Heidi Lee – Thanks for the amazing energy you show in the classroom
Thanks to Loren Burke who graciously volunteered to switch workdays so she could help with the Southwest-Holy Family Thanksgiving Outreach Program on Monday.
First grade PLC team - Awesome job with creating calendar for teaching math objectives week by week and looking ahead to common assessments!
Betsy McGhee - Great social skills lesson on how to apologize
3rd/5th Grade Tutors - A great start this week!
Bunny Coates - A great job with teacher THINK ALOUD with read aloud text
Joyce Wilson - Super job with teaching ways to represent a number through song!
Jan Barr - Great story map graphic organizer
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday Update - 11-12-10
Friday Update
November 12th , 2010
I hope that you all had a good weekend. The intent of inviting James Lucas to our staff meeting last week was to try to ease some fears about how the new Zone 7 elementary school will affect Southwest. While it did seem to help to explain the process, I know that we all still have many unknowns. That is a fact that we can not do anything about. Our job for now is to do our best to serve the students that we have now and to let the other things about next year take care of themselves. There are no guarantees in life and we simply have to “live in the present.” Thank you for all that you do every day for our students.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." Anonymous
Next week –
Monday 11/15 ––3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Tiffany Larson
Tuesday 11/16 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Pat Taylor, SIT, Winston Salem Symphony Strings for 4th and 5th grade
Wednesday 11/17 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Happy Birthday to Terry Zimmerman, 3rd grade puppet show, 4th grade to Heritage Theater (will leave @ 10:00)
Thursday 11/18 - Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, Spanish Club, PBIS Meeting, Honor Roll Celebration @ 10:00
Friday 11/19 – 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Randy Patton, 1st grade Thanksgiving Feasts, 3rd grade to Children’s Theater (Fausch, Marceron, Sunderman, and Vaughn gone from 9:15 – 11:15; Winters, Rosenberger, and Drummond gone from 11:15 – 1:30)
11/22-11-26
11/22 –
11/23 – Watch DOG – Brett Todd
11/24– No School
11/25– No School – Happy Thanksgiving!
11/26– No School
FYI/Reminders:
-The space in front of the annex sidewalk is no longer available for parking. It must remain open so that we maintain proper handicap access. We will put in a work order to have it properly.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
-Tonya Grisette and Wende Powell and Beth Bowser - Great job with your book genre graphs!!!!
-PLC facilitators - Thank you for your work to keep our discussions focused on learning.
-Sarah Baldwin - Great job with our United Way campaign during a tough budget year.
- Mr. Mabry – Thanks for your waiting and making sure a teacher made it to her car safely one evening.
-Amy Hancock – Thank you for representing Southwest well as our Teacher of the Year.
-Melissa Stone – Nice job with your centers and writing lesson.
November 12th , 2010
I hope that you all had a good weekend. The intent of inviting James Lucas to our staff meeting last week was to try to ease some fears about how the new Zone 7 elementary school will affect Southwest. While it did seem to help to explain the process, I know that we all still have many unknowns. That is a fact that we can not do anything about. Our job for now is to do our best to serve the students that we have now and to let the other things about next year take care of themselves. There are no guarantees in life and we simply have to “live in the present.” Thank you for all that you do every day for our students.
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." Anonymous
Next week –
Monday 11/15 ––3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Tiffany Larson
Tuesday 11/16 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Pat Taylor, SIT, Winston Salem Symphony Strings for 4th and 5th grade
Wednesday 11/17 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Happy Birthday to Terry Zimmerman, 3rd grade puppet show, 4th grade to Heritage Theater (will leave @ 10:00)
Thursday 11/18 - Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, Spanish Club, PBIS Meeting, Honor Roll Celebration @ 10:00
Friday 11/19 – 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Randy Patton, 1st grade Thanksgiving Feasts, 3rd grade to Children’s Theater (Fausch, Marceron, Sunderman, and Vaughn gone from 9:15 – 11:15; Winters, Rosenberger, and Drummond gone from 11:15 – 1:30)
11/22-11-26
11/22 –
11/23 – Watch DOG – Brett Todd
11/24– No School
11/25– No School – Happy Thanksgiving!
11/26– No School
FYI/Reminders:
-The space in front of the annex sidewalk is no longer available for parking. It must remain open so that we maintain proper handicap access. We will put in a work order to have it properly.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
-Tonya Grisette and Wende Powell and Beth Bowser - Great job with your book genre graphs!!!!
-PLC facilitators - Thank you for your work to keep our discussions focused on learning.
-Sarah Baldwin - Great job with our United Way campaign during a tough budget year.
- Mr. Mabry – Thanks for your waiting and making sure a teacher made it to her car safely one evening.
-Amy Hancock – Thank you for representing Southwest well as our Teacher of the Year.
-Melissa Stone – Nice job with your centers and writing lesson.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday Update 11-5-10
Friday Update
November 6th , 2010
We have two new Southwest Elementary staff members to welcome to our family. Please welcome them as they begin their time with us next week.
Mrs. Betty Pendley will start half days next week as our new Data Manager. She has worked as an assistant and technology facilitator at Clemmons Elementary School.
Mr. Bart Rodden has been hired as our new Lead Custodian. He is coming to us from Meadowlark Elementary and will be joining us in a few days.
Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. ~Author Unknown
Next week –
Monday 11/8 –– 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Watch DOG – David Seibert
Tuesday 11/9 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Happy Birthday to Erin Gough, Staff Meeting, White Elephant BINGO (6:00 – 7:30), Report Cards Go Home
Wednesday 11/10 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
Thursday 11/11 – No School – Happy Veterans Day!
Friday 11/12 – 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Ray McDowell, Last Day of Book Fair
11/15-19
11/15 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Tiffany Larson
11/16 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Pat Taylor, SIT, Winston Salem Symphony Strings for 4th and 5th grade
11/17– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Happy Birthday to Terry Zimmerman, 3rd grade puppet show, 4th grade to Heritage Theater
11/18– Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, Spanish Club, PBIS Meeting, Honor Roll Celebration @ 10:00
11/19– 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Randy Patton, 1st grade Thanksgiving Feasts
FYI/Reminders:
-The space in front of the annex sidewalk is no longer available for parking. It must remain open so that we maintain proper handicap access. We will put in a work order to have it properly.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
- Thank you for your work to get report cards ready. Please remember to follow up with communication with those students below grade level
Staff Stars
2nd grade teachers – Thanks for a great job testing!
5th grade – Great PLC today!
Wende Powell – Thank you for your work with 2nd grade enrichment
Kathi Lawrence and Peggy Isenhour – Nice work with your guided reading groups
Vanessa Menendez and Sandra Garcia – Thank your for always being willing to translate whatever and whenever needed!
Marilyn Barr - Great use literacy graphic organizers for predicting/inferring
Nicole Skinner - Effective use of THINK ALOUD with teacher read aloud text and student friendly division picture strategy that helped your students
Dawn Garlow - Creative Alliteration Sentences/Illustrations
Joyce Burnette - Wonderful writer's dialogue thinking through the step by step actions
Amy Tilley - Hats off to you for trying Hand Up/Pair Up/Share cooperative learning structure
Cristen Leteourneau - Creative Spanish interactive powerpoint focusing on directional words
Catherine Herko - Awesome job empowering your fifth grader writers to write poetry
Lauren Hagler - Effective job with the cooperative fraction to decimal to percent activity
Katie Chamra - Great job with cooperative learning activities in fourth grade - thanks for being focused on the needs of your learners
Donna Williams - Wonderful fundations instruction with your students
Bunny Coates - Super job with guided reading decoding strategies!
Nellie Broyhill, Debbie Herrin, Cornelia Hauhuth - Hats off to you for opening up our buildiing each morning!
November 6th , 2010
We have two new Southwest Elementary staff members to welcome to our family. Please welcome them as they begin their time with us next week.
Mrs. Betty Pendley will start half days next week as our new Data Manager. She has worked as an assistant and technology facilitator at Clemmons Elementary School.
Mr. Bart Rodden has been hired as our new Lead Custodian. He is coming to us from Meadowlark Elementary and will be joining us in a few days.
Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. ~Author Unknown
Next week –
Monday 11/8 –– 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Watch DOG – David Seibert
Tuesday 11/9 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Happy Birthday to Erin Gough, Staff Meeting, White Elephant BINGO (6:00 – 7:30), Report Cards Go Home
Wednesday 11/10 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
Thursday 11/11 – No School – Happy Veterans Day!
Friday 11/12 – 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Ray McDowell, Last Day of Book Fair
11/15-19
11/15 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Tiffany Larson
11/16 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Pat Taylor, SIT, Winston Salem Symphony Strings for 4th and 5th grade
11/17– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Happy Birthday to Terry Zimmerman, 3rd grade puppet show, 4th grade to Heritage Theater
11/18– Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Principals Meeting, Spanish Club, PBIS Meeting, Honor Roll Celebration @ 10:00
11/19– 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Randy Patton, 1st grade Thanksgiving Feasts
FYI/Reminders:
-The space in front of the annex sidewalk is no longer available for parking. It must remain open so that we maintain proper handicap access. We will put in a work order to have it properly.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
- Thank you for your work to get report cards ready. Please remember to follow up with communication with those students below grade level
Staff Stars
2nd grade teachers – Thanks for a great job testing!
5th grade – Great PLC today!
Wende Powell – Thank you for your work with 2nd grade enrichment
Kathi Lawrence and Peggy Isenhour – Nice work with your guided reading groups
Vanessa Menendez and Sandra Garcia – Thank your for always being willing to translate whatever and whenever needed!
Marilyn Barr - Great use literacy graphic organizers for predicting/inferring
Nicole Skinner - Effective use of THINK ALOUD with teacher read aloud text and student friendly division picture strategy that helped your students
Dawn Garlow - Creative Alliteration Sentences/Illustrations
Joyce Burnette - Wonderful writer's dialogue thinking through the step by step actions
Amy Tilley - Hats off to you for trying Hand Up/Pair Up/Share cooperative learning structure
Cristen Leteourneau - Creative Spanish interactive powerpoint focusing on directional words
Catherine Herko - Awesome job empowering your fifth grader writers to write poetry
Lauren Hagler - Effective job with the cooperative fraction to decimal to percent activity
Katie Chamra - Great job with cooperative learning activities in fourth grade - thanks for being focused on the needs of your learners
Donna Williams - Wonderful fundations instruction with your students
Bunny Coates - Super job with guided reading decoding strategies!
Nellie Broyhill, Debbie Herrin, Cornelia Hauhuth - Hats off to you for opening up our buildiing each morning!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday Update 10-29-10
Friday Update
October 29th , 2010
Thank you for your efforts during first quarter!!!! Enjoy your weekend.
“Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the bigger things.”
Robert Brault
Next week –
Monday 11/1 –– 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Jump Rope for Heart (Kindergarten and 1st grade) 2:30-4:00
Tuesday 11/2 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Gwen Nolting, P.E. in auditorium (Voting in gym), Principals Meeting, Focused Staff Training
Wednesday 11/3 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Jump Rope for Heart (2nd and 3rd grades) 2:30-4:00, Book Fair Begins, Flu Shots Offered at Central Office
Thursday 11/4 – Jump Rope for Heart (4th and 5th grades) 2:30-4:00, Technology Workshop - Skype, AR Recognition
Friday 11/5 – Watch Dog – Matt Hubbard, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Happy Birthday to Loren Burke, All Pro Dads Breakfast
11/8 – 11/12
11/8 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Watch DOG – David Seibert
11/9 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Happy Birthday to Erin Gough, Staff Meeting, White Elephant BINGO (6:00 – 7:30)
11/10– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
11/11– No School – Happy Veterans Day!
11/12– 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Ray McDowell, Last Day of Book Fair
FYI/Reminders:
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Cristen Letourneau – Thank you for offering your time and help to 5th grade teachers during testing
Brian Vest and Sherry LeCompte - Nice job with the readingeggs.com website.
Robin King, Sylvia Green and Gwen Nolting - Excellent job using a wide variety of activities within the same lesson.
EOQ testers and helpers - Thank you for helping our testing go as smoothly as possible.
Tiffany Larson and Pat Taylor - Great job with your varies learning centers.
Sherry Marceron - Thank you for staying tuned into your student's situation.
Cathy Weiss and Maria Vernon- nice job making candy apples with Robin King's class!
Sandra Garcia and Amy Trinkle – Thanks for your help with the Holiday Family Support
Anne White-Thanks for taking your quarter test children under your wing!
October 29th , 2010
Thank you for your efforts during first quarter!!!! Enjoy your weekend.
“Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the bigger things.”
Robert Brault
Next week –
Monday 11/1 –– 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Jump Rope for Heart (Kindergarten and 1st grade) 2:30-4:00
Tuesday 11/2 - Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Gwen Nolting, P.E. in auditorium (Voting in gym), Principals Meeting, Focused Staff Training
Wednesday 11/3 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Jump Rope for Heart (2nd and 3rd grades) 2:30-4:00, Book Fair Begins, Flu Shots Offered at Central Office
Thursday 11/4 – Jump Rope for Heart (4th and 5th grades) 2:30-4:00, Technology Workshop - Skype, AR Recognition
Friday 11/5 – Watch Dog – Matt Hubbard, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Happy Birthday to Loren Burke, All Pro Dads Breakfast
11/8 – 11/12
11/8 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Watch DOG – David Seibert
11/9 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Happy Birthday to Erin Gough, Staff Meeting, White Elephant BINGO (6:00 – 7:30)
11/10– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
11/11– No School – Happy Veterans Day!
11/12– 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – Ray McDowell, Last Day of Book Fair
FYI/Reminders:
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Cristen Letourneau – Thank you for offering your time and help to 5th grade teachers during testing
Brian Vest and Sherry LeCompte - Nice job with the readingeggs.com website.
Robin King, Sylvia Green and Gwen Nolting - Excellent job using a wide variety of activities within the same lesson.
EOQ testers and helpers - Thank you for helping our testing go as smoothly as possible.
Tiffany Larson and Pat Taylor - Great job with your varies learning centers.
Sherry Marceron - Thank you for staying tuned into your student's situation.
Cathy Weiss and Maria Vernon- nice job making candy apples with Robin King's class!
Sandra Garcia and Amy Trinkle – Thanks for your help with the Holiday Family Support
Anne White-Thanks for taking your quarter test children under your wing!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday Update 10-22-10
Friday Update
October 22nd , 2010
The Smile
By - Karen Kimbrell
On the first day of this school year, I noticed a boy sitting in the back of my classroom, expressionless, apathetic, and unmotivated. He quickly became a child that consumed a lot of my thought time. He never smiled, He never interacted with his classmates, He looked and acted the same every day - expressionless and unmotivated. I went to his 3rd grade teacher and she said "Yes, that's John. He'll be that way all year." He attempted little of his work, he seldom raised his hand, and his facial expression never changed. I think that is what grabbed me the most - he was flat emotionally all day, every day. When you would hug him or show any kind of affection, he showed nothing in return. He was just "there". As the school year progressed, it was obvious to the class that he was different, but they just ignored him, They knew what he was like from being in previous classes with him, but I didn't want this year to be like every other year. One day this past February, I was teaching at the overhead and I looked right at him and he smiled at me! I was so stunned and elated everything stopped! I stood there a moment and went over to him and threw my arms around him. He didn't react to the hug, but he smiled! The first change in his expression I'd seen all year! Now its May and a few more things have happened, He's interacting a little more with his peers, he's completing some of his assignments, and he's realized that he's good at reciting poems - so he recites quite often! But the biggest thing is that he feels a connection with me. Shortly after "the smile," I returned to my classroom after car duty, only to see John vacuuming our classroom, He said in a very shy voice, "I want to help you." I was sick last week and out of school 4 days, I went to my front door and he had made me a card. It said, "Miss Kimbrell, the Bestest teacher in the whole world, I hope you fill better rill soon." That little card is why I teach school and love what I do. It is because of all the little Johns that sometimes need more than the 3 R's. By the way, while on my journey with John this year, I've come across some readings on a syndrome called "Aspergers" which I think he may have. It's a very high functioning form of autism and quite interesting.
Lessonplanspage.com/inspiration
“If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.” Proverb
***Due to popular demand – we will have DOUBLE STAFF JEANS WEEK 10/25-10/28!!!!***
Pay $2 per day to wear jeans to support Southwest United Way
Next week –
Monday 10/25 –– 1st grade (Atkins, Barr, Jones, and Kreger)to Natural Science Center, Crain and Sutcliffe to Bethabara, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to CarolAnn Rosenberger, 3-5 Math EOQ
Tuesday 10/26 - Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Miller and Freshwater to Bethabara, PBIS Meeting, Happy Birthday to Wende Powell, Bunny Coates, and Janet Sunderman, 3-5 Math EOQ
Wednesday 10/27 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev., Chadwick and Stone to Bethabara, Make-ups for Math EOQ
Thursday 10/28 – Watch DOG – Dave Miller, Dease to Bethabara, End of Quarter, Skate Night, Make-ups for Math EOQ, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
Friday 10/29 – No School for Students
11/1 – 11/5
11/1 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Jump Rope for Heart (Kindergarten and 1st grade) 2:30-4:00
11/2 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Gwen Nolting, P.E. in auditorium (Voting in gym), Principals Meeting, Focused Staff Training
11/3– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Jump Rope for Heart (2nd and 3rd grades) 2:30-4:00, Book Fair Begins
11/4– Jump Rope for Heart (4th and 5th grades) 2:30-4:00, Technology Workshop - Skype, AR Recognition
11/5– Watch Dog – Matt Hubbard, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Happy Birthday to Loren Burke, All Pro Dads Breakfast
FYI/Reminders:
- Great job with your PLC's this week. Please remember to keep your discussions focused on student learning and instruction. It is easy to get taken off the path by issues, but please keep focused.
-Staff may take Annual Leave on October 29 unless there is a required workshop or end of quarter “things” to finish.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Mr. Hayes ~ great job keeping parents informed with the phone calls!
Mrs. Hauhuth willingness to do whatever with a smile!
Kindergarten teachers had a great PLC meeting on differentiation strategies in math!
Mrs. Barnes reading with each child!
Dianne Phillips – Best wishes on the job at Clemmons Middle
Angela Kreger – Great job with your centers.
Debbie Dosek – Thank you for always having a smile to offer.
Mitzi Dease – You have done a great job with your class on SOARing improvements.
Glenda Vaughn – Thank you for your hospitality leadership.
Heidi Lee – Your good deed to the Southwest parent did not go unnoticed.
Brooke DiSorbo/Robin Vance – Thank you for working together to help your student get through a tough time.
Susan Twyman – Thank you for your work to revive peer mediation.
October 22nd , 2010
The Smile
By - Karen Kimbrell
On the first day of this school year, I noticed a boy sitting in the back of my classroom, expressionless, apathetic, and unmotivated. He quickly became a child that consumed a lot of my thought time. He never smiled, He never interacted with his classmates, He looked and acted the same every day - expressionless and unmotivated. I went to his 3rd grade teacher and she said "Yes, that's John. He'll be that way all year." He attempted little of his work, he seldom raised his hand, and his facial expression never changed. I think that is what grabbed me the most - he was flat emotionally all day, every day. When you would hug him or show any kind of affection, he showed nothing in return. He was just "there". As the school year progressed, it was obvious to the class that he was different, but they just ignored him, They knew what he was like from being in previous classes with him, but I didn't want this year to be like every other year. One day this past February, I was teaching at the overhead and I looked right at him and he smiled at me! I was so stunned and elated everything stopped! I stood there a moment and went over to him and threw my arms around him. He didn't react to the hug, but he smiled! The first change in his expression I'd seen all year! Now its May and a few more things have happened, He's interacting a little more with his peers, he's completing some of his assignments, and he's realized that he's good at reciting poems - so he recites quite often! But the biggest thing is that he feels a connection with me. Shortly after "the smile," I returned to my classroom after car duty, only to see John vacuuming our classroom, He said in a very shy voice, "I want to help you." I was sick last week and out of school 4 days, I went to my front door and he had made me a card. It said, "Miss Kimbrell, the Bestest teacher in the whole world, I hope you fill better rill soon." That little card is why I teach school and love what I do. It is because of all the little Johns that sometimes need more than the 3 R's. By the way, while on my journey with John this year, I've come across some readings on a syndrome called "Aspergers" which I think he may have. It's a very high functioning form of autism and quite interesting.
Lessonplanspage.com/inspiration
“If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours.” Proverb
***Due to popular demand – we will have DOUBLE STAFF JEANS WEEK 10/25-10/28!!!!***
Pay $2 per day to wear jeans to support Southwest United Way
Next week –
Monday 10/25 –– 1st grade (Atkins, Barr, Jones, and Kreger)to Natural Science Center, Crain and Sutcliffe to Bethabara, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to CarolAnn Rosenberger, 3-5 Math EOQ
Tuesday 10/26 - Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Miller and Freshwater to Bethabara, PBIS Meeting, Happy Birthday to Wende Powell, Bunny Coates, and Janet Sunderman, 3-5 Math EOQ
Wednesday 10/27 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev., Chadwick and Stone to Bethabara, Make-ups for Math EOQ
Thursday 10/28 – Watch DOG – Dave Miller, Dease to Bethabara, End of Quarter, Skate Night, Make-ups for Math EOQ, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
Friday 10/29 – No School for Students
11/1 – 11/5
11/1 – 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Jump Rope for Heart (Kindergarten and 1st grade) 2:30-4:00
11/2 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Happy Birthday to Gwen Nolting, P.E. in auditorium (Voting in gym), Principals Meeting, Focused Staff Training
11/3– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Jump Rope for Heart (2nd and 3rd grades) 2:30-4:00, Book Fair Begins
11/4– Jump Rope for Heart (4th and 5th grades) 2:30-4:00, Technology Workshop - Skype, AR Recognition
11/5– Watch Dog – Matt Hubbard, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Happy Birthday to Loren Burke, All Pro Dads Breakfast
FYI/Reminders:
- Great job with your PLC's this week. Please remember to keep your discussions focused on student learning and instruction. It is easy to get taken off the path by issues, but please keep focused.
-Staff may take Annual Leave on October 29 unless there is a required workshop or end of quarter “things” to finish.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Mr. Hayes ~ great job keeping parents informed with the phone calls!
Mrs. Hauhuth willingness to do whatever with a smile!
Kindergarten teachers had a great PLC meeting on differentiation strategies in math!
Mrs. Barnes reading with each child!
Dianne Phillips – Best wishes on the job at Clemmons Middle
Angela Kreger – Great job with your centers.
Debbie Dosek – Thank you for always having a smile to offer.
Mitzi Dease – You have done a great job with your class on SOARing improvements.
Glenda Vaughn – Thank you for your hospitality leadership.
Heidi Lee – Your good deed to the Southwest parent did not go unnoticed.
Brooke DiSorbo/Robin Vance – Thank you for working together to help your student get through a tough time.
Susan Twyman – Thank you for your work to revive peer mediation.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday Update 10-15-10
Friday Update
October 15th , 2010
In a school as large as ours there will inevitably be situations big and small involving either students or staff. How we handle those issues is as important as anything that happens in our school. Supporting each other through tough times and through various issues that we face is part of what can make a school outstanding and also what can tear a school apart. Our professional responsibility requires us to have appropriate discussions about our students and about each other. I expect all of us to follow this guideline no matter where we work in the school. Sometimes situations involving school personnel can not be discussed or explained. That is just how it is. Southwest has always been an awesome school in terms of having a family atmosphere. One way we can help keep it that way is to be kind to each other and to support each other. We all need support and positive words to be our best.
“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.” Benjamin Franklin
Next week –
Our 2010 Southwest United Way campaign is underway. Please see the hard copy donation form in your mailbox or you can use the electronic submission form from the United Way email on Wednesday.
Don't forget staff jeans days next week ($1 per day to Nellie). Student/staff hat day ($1) is Friday, Oct 22.
Monday 10/18 –– Watch Dog – Brett Todd, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Heidi Lee, 1st grade (Wilson, Lawrence, and Tilley) to Natural Science Center
Tuesday 10/19 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, SIT Meeting
Wednesday 10/20 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Picture Retake Day
Thursday 10/21 –PTA Speaker – Joyce Kohfeldt @ 7:00, Watch Dog – Chris Cowen, 3rd – 5th grade End of Quarter Reading Test
Friday 10/22 – TGIF, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch Dog – Jon Marzano and Corky McClellen, West Players Reading Day, Community Helper Day for Kindergarten classes in auditorium, Reading Make Up Testing, “Hat Day” for United Way
10/25 – 10/29
10/25 – 1st grade (Atkins, Barr, Jones, and Kreger)to Natural Science Center, Crain and Sutcliffe to Bethabara, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to CarolAnn Rosenberger, 3-5 Math EOQ
10/26 – Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Miller and Freshwater to Bethabara, PBIS Meeting, Happy Birthday to Wende Powell, Bunny Coates, and Janet Sunderman, 3-5 Math EOQ
10/27– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev., Chadwick and Stone to Bethabara, Make-ups for Math EOQ
10/28– Watch DOG – Dave Miller, Dease to Bethabara, End of Quarter, Skate Night, Make-ups for Math EOQ
10/29– No School for Students
FYI/Reminders:
*** On Friday, Oct. 22 they are going to be paving the front parking lot so everyone needs to plan to leave school by 3:30!!
-Mr. Squire has left Southwest and will not be back. Our lead custodian position has been posted and will be filled ASAP. Thank you to the other housekeepers and the sub, Ms. Nicholson, for helping to keep things as normal as possible.
-Staff may take Annual Leave on October 29 unless there is a required workshop or end of quarter “things” to finish.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Martina Nicholson – Thanks for doing such a wonderful job cleaning the 5th grade pod – it has been magnificent!! The trash can liners have been changed, bathrooms cleaned, etc…. very nice!!!!
Nicole Skinner – thanks for inspiring others to try class games for play a few times a week.
Aaren Brown – Great job trying out new technology
Amy Tilley – Thank you for helping others grow in technology
Mary Jane Everhardt - Awesome technology support for everyone
Melissa Stone – Your creative language arts centers were nice
Amy Trinkle - Great job sharing with parents about bullying Tuesday night
Nellie Broyhill - Wonderful support with wheelchair on Thursday
Joyce Wilson - Held Parent Conferences for each student in her room - 100%!
Janet Sunderman - Awesome belief in your students and support for them
Eugenia Ivey - Wonderful job connecting with parents and providing resources
Monique Jones – Great writing and peer conferencing lesson.
October 15th , 2010
In a school as large as ours there will inevitably be situations big and small involving either students or staff. How we handle those issues is as important as anything that happens in our school. Supporting each other through tough times and through various issues that we face is part of what can make a school outstanding and also what can tear a school apart. Our professional responsibility requires us to have appropriate discussions about our students and about each other. I expect all of us to follow this guideline no matter where we work in the school. Sometimes situations involving school personnel can not be discussed or explained. That is just how it is. Southwest has always been an awesome school in terms of having a family atmosphere. One way we can help keep it that way is to be kind to each other and to support each other. We all need support and positive words to be our best.
“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.” Benjamin Franklin
Next week –
Our 2010 Southwest United Way campaign is underway. Please see the hard copy donation form in your mailbox or you can use the electronic submission form from the United Way email on Wednesday.
Don't forget staff jeans days next week ($1 per day to Nellie). Student/staff hat day ($1) is Friday, Oct 22.
Monday 10/18 –– Watch Dog – Brett Todd, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Heidi Lee, 1st grade (Wilson, Lawrence, and Tilley) to Natural Science Center
Tuesday 10/19 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, SIT Meeting
Wednesday 10/20 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Picture Retake Day
Thursday 10/21 –PTA Speaker – Joyce Kohfeldt @ 7:00, Watch Dog – Chris Cowen, 3rd – 5th grade End of Quarter Reading Test
Friday 10/22 – TGIF, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch Dog – Jon Marzano and Corky McClellen, West Players Reading Day, Community Helper Day for Kindergarten classes in auditorium, Reading Make Up Testing, “Hat Day” for United Way
10/25 – 10/29
10/25 – 1st grade (Atkins, Barr, Jones, and Kreger)to Natural Science Center, Crain and Sutcliffe to Bethabara, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to CarolAnn Rosenberger, 3-5 Math EOQ
10/26 – Watch DOG – Eric Blanks, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Miller and Freshwater to Bethabara, PBIS Meeting, Happy Birthday to Wende Powell, Bunny Coates, and Janet Sunderman, 3-5 Math EOQ
10/27– 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, AP Professional Dev., Chadwick and Stone to Bethabara, Make-ups for Math EOQ
10/28– Watch DOG – Dave Miller, Dease to Bethabara, End of Quarter, Skate Night, Make-ups for Math EOQ
10/29– No School for Students
FYI/Reminders:
*** On Friday, Oct. 22 they are going to be paving the front parking lot so everyone needs to plan to leave school by 3:30!!
-Mr. Squire has left Southwest and will not be back. Our lead custodian position has been posted and will be filled ASAP. Thank you to the other housekeepers and the sub, Ms. Nicholson, for helping to keep things as normal as possible.
-Staff may take Annual Leave on October 29 unless there is a required workshop or end of quarter “things” to finish.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to wear your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Martina Nicholson – Thanks for doing such a wonderful job cleaning the 5th grade pod – it has been magnificent!! The trash can liners have been changed, bathrooms cleaned, etc…. very nice!!!!
Nicole Skinner – thanks for inspiring others to try class games for play a few times a week.
Aaren Brown – Great job trying out new technology
Amy Tilley – Thank you for helping others grow in technology
Mary Jane Everhardt - Awesome technology support for everyone
Melissa Stone – Your creative language arts centers were nice
Amy Trinkle - Great job sharing with parents about bullying Tuesday night
Nellie Broyhill - Wonderful support with wheelchair on Thursday
Joyce Wilson - Held Parent Conferences for each student in her room - 100%!
Janet Sunderman - Awesome belief in your students and support for them
Eugenia Ivey - Wonderful job connecting with parents and providing resources
Monique Jones – Great writing and peer conferencing lesson.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday Update 10-8-10
Friday Update
October 8th , 2010
As the end of the first quarter approaches, it is easy to get bogged down in the “negativeness” within the business of school. I have always encouraged you to draw on the positive energy of your students to help maintain a positive classroom environment. One way to add more positive energy to your classroom is to add more praise. It should be done, however, in the correct way.
Dr. Ben Bissel (1992) wrote that there are five key characteristics of effective praise: authentic, specific, immediate, clean and private. Children are smart enough to know when they are getting authentic praise. Knowing that they are being recognized for something true makes a big difference. Specific praise helps to ensure that a student’s positive actions or behavior is reinforced. When praise is immediate the reinforcing effect is even more powerful. Clean praise for students comes without strings attached. There is no “but…..” attached to the praise or the unrealistic expectation that the student will never do something wrong in the future. Finally, Dr. Bissel believes that the most lasting praise is done in private. A personal bit of praise delivered in a private manner can help solidify the student-teacher relationship. However you choose to praise your students can make a tremendous difference to both their attitude and yours.
“If one man praises you, a thousand will repeat the praise.”
Japanese Proverb
Next week
Monday 10/11 –– Watch Dog – Joe Mutter, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Mary Epperson
Tuesday 10/12 – Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Staff Meeting, Curriculum Night (6:30-8:30)
Wednesday 10/13 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
Thursday 10/14 – Watch Dog – Basil Guffey, Tech Workshop – Teacher Webportal, Happy Birthday to Kim Skinner
Friday 10/15 – TGIF, Watch Dog – Andrew Burhans, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
10/18 – 10/22
10/18 – Watch Dog – Brett Todd, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Heidi Lee, 1st grade (Wilson, Lawrence, and Tilley) to Natural Science Center
10/19 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, SIT Meeting
10/20 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Picture Retake Day
10/21 – Principals Meeting, PTA Speaker – Joyce Kohfeldt @ 7:00, Watch Dog – Chris Cowen, 3rd – 5th grade End of Quarter Reading Test
10/22 – TGIF, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch Dog – Jon Marzano and Corky McClellen, West Players Reading Day, Community Helper Day for Kindergarten classes in auditorium, Reading Make Up Testing
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to where your staff ID every day.
- Welcome to Joyce Burnette, who will be filling in for Katherine Dice while she is out recovering!
Staff Stars
Glenda Vaughn - Victory with a student this week!
Tracey Moss- Michell Winters - Wonderful job with reading buddies!
Tanya Pennington - Dazzling differentiation to meet the needs of your learners!
Friday's -IEP Team - An awesome job of being prepared and collaborating!
Debbie H and Nellie - for going over and beyond the call of duty!
Eye vision team - excellent job!
First grade - good job with fall rotation.
Terry Zimmerman - nice use of similarity and differences within lesson.
Tonya Grisette - your non-linguistic representations rocked!
Wende Powell - thank you for continuing to look for ways to make our program better.
Kim Chadwick – great job with family fitness night
October 8th , 2010
As the end of the first quarter approaches, it is easy to get bogged down in the “negativeness” within the business of school. I have always encouraged you to draw on the positive energy of your students to help maintain a positive classroom environment. One way to add more positive energy to your classroom is to add more praise. It should be done, however, in the correct way.
Dr. Ben Bissel (1992) wrote that there are five key characteristics of effective praise: authentic, specific, immediate, clean and private. Children are smart enough to know when they are getting authentic praise. Knowing that they are being recognized for something true makes a big difference. Specific praise helps to ensure that a student’s positive actions or behavior is reinforced. When praise is immediate the reinforcing effect is even more powerful. Clean praise for students comes without strings attached. There is no “but…..” attached to the praise or the unrealistic expectation that the student will never do something wrong in the future. Finally, Dr. Bissel believes that the most lasting praise is done in private. A personal bit of praise delivered in a private manner can help solidify the student-teacher relationship. However you choose to praise your students can make a tremendous difference to both their attitude and yours.
“If one man praises you, a thousand will repeat the praise.”
Japanese Proverb
Next week
Monday 10/11 –– Watch Dog – Joe Mutter, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Mary Epperson
Tuesday 10/12 – Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Staff Meeting, Curriculum Night (6:30-8:30)
Wednesday 10/13 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
Thursday 10/14 – Watch Dog – Basil Guffey, Tech Workshop – Teacher Webportal, Happy Birthday to Kim Skinner
Friday 10/15 – TGIF, Watch Dog – Andrew Burhans, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
10/18 – 10/22
10/18 – Watch Dog – Brett Todd, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40, Happy Birthday to Heidi Lee, 1st grade (Wilson, Lawrence, and Tilley) to Natural Science Center
10/19 – Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, SIT Meeting
10/20 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55, Picture Retake Day
10/21 – Principals Meeting, PTA Speaker – Joyce Kohfeldt @ 7:00, Watch Dog – Chris Cowen, 3rd – 5th grade End of Quarter Reading Test
10/22 – TGIF, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch Dog – Jon Marzano and Corky McClellen, West Players Reading Day, Community Helper Day for Kindergarten classes in auditorium, Reading Make Up Testing
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to where your staff ID every day.
- Welcome to Joyce Burnette, who will be filling in for Katherine Dice while she is out recovering!
Staff Stars
Glenda Vaughn - Victory with a student this week!
Tracey Moss- Michell Winters - Wonderful job with reading buddies!
Tanya Pennington - Dazzling differentiation to meet the needs of your learners!
Friday's -IEP Team - An awesome job of being prepared and collaborating!
Debbie H and Nellie - for going over and beyond the call of duty!
Eye vision team - excellent job!
First grade - good job with fall rotation.
Terry Zimmerman - nice use of similarity and differences within lesson.
Tonya Grisette - your non-linguistic representations rocked!
Wende Powell - thank you for continuing to look for ways to make our program better.
Kim Chadwick – great job with family fitness night
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday Update 10-1-10
Friday Update
October 1st , 2010
This week our PLC’s got off to a great start! It was good to have a few minutes to speak with you in a small group setting and to celebrate all that we accomplished last year. We have to keep building on those successes in order to be our best. We also shared some specific information regarding how your students performed last year. While we have to be proud of last year, we also have to be ready to learn and stretch even higher. Our professional development plans will be developed over the next few weeks and we would like for you to think about some specifics about how you can keep growing as a professional. The more we engage ourselves and our students in reflective dialogue, the more we will grow. I am proud of all of you and the work that you do every day.
“You must become the change you want to see in the world.”
Mohandas Gandhi
Next week
Monday 10/4 –– Jump Rope for Heart Week begins in PE classes, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
Tuesday 10/5 – 4th grade to Hiddenite, Principal’s Meeting, Focused Staff Training, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30
Wednesday 10/6 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
Thursday 10/7 –
Friday 10/8 – TGIF, West Football Players Reading Day, Vision Screening for Grades 1, 3, 5, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – David Seibert
10/11-10/15
10/11 – Watch DOG – Joe Mutter, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
10/12 – Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Curriculum Night 6:30-8:30, Staff Mtg.
10/13 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
10/14 – Watch DOG – Basil Guffey, Tech. Workshop – Teacher Webportal
10/15 – Watch DOG – Andrew Burhans, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to where your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Thank you for a great start to PLC’s.
Alicia Bailey – Welcome to Southwest!!! We are glad that you have joined us.
Cornelia, Dianne, Kim, Nellie and Sandra – Thank you for all that you do in the office every day.
4th grade – Great job with your writing assessments and with your egg totals.
Monique Jones – Thank you for your internship work and for working with student to maintain a positive class climate.
Carolanne Rosenberger – Thank you for taking such good care of your new student.
Brooke DiSorbo & Catherine Herko – Great job with your “SUPER LESSONS” this week.
Speech teachers – Congratulations on the complimentary email this week!
Amy Hancock & Joe Sereika – Thank you for your hard work to get ready for the Dixie Classic Fair.
Kindergarten – Thanks for your positive attitudes and flexibility for the field trip today.
Gloria Allen – Thank you for your flexibility to find a way to make chorus work this year.
Mary-Jane Everhardt – Thank you for your constant efforts to keep our tech training on track.
October 1st , 2010
This week our PLC’s got off to a great start! It was good to have a few minutes to speak with you in a small group setting and to celebrate all that we accomplished last year. We have to keep building on those successes in order to be our best. We also shared some specific information regarding how your students performed last year. While we have to be proud of last year, we also have to be ready to learn and stretch even higher. Our professional development plans will be developed over the next few weeks and we would like for you to think about some specifics about how you can keep growing as a professional. The more we engage ourselves and our students in reflective dialogue, the more we will grow. I am proud of all of you and the work that you do every day.
“You must become the change you want to see in the world.”
Mohandas Gandhi
Next week
Monday 10/4 –– Jump Rope for Heart Week begins in PE classes, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
Tuesday 10/5 – 4th grade to Hiddenite, Principal’s Meeting, Focused Staff Training, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30
Wednesday 10/6 - 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
Thursday 10/7 –
Friday 10/8 – TGIF, West Football Players Reading Day, Vision Screening for Grades 1, 3, 5, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00, Watch DOG – David Seibert
10/11-10/15
10/11 – Watch DOG – Joe Mutter, 3rd grade PLC @ 10:50, 2nd grade PLC @ 1:40
10/12 – Watch DOG – David Rhyne, Kindergarten PLC @ 8:30, EC PLC @ 12:30, Curriculum Night 6:30-8:30, Staff Mtg.
10/13 – 4th grade PLC @ 9:15, 1st grade PLC @ 12:55
10/14 – Watch DOG – Basil Guffey, Tech. Workshop – Teacher Webportal
10/15 – Watch DOG – Andrew Burhans, 5th grade PLC @ 10:00
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to where your staff ID every day.
Staff Stars
Thank you for a great start to PLC’s.
Alicia Bailey – Welcome to Southwest!!! We are glad that you have joined us.
Cornelia, Dianne, Kim, Nellie and Sandra – Thank you for all that you do in the office every day.
4th grade – Great job with your writing assessments and with your egg totals.
Monique Jones – Thank you for your internship work and for working with student to maintain a positive class climate.
Carolanne Rosenberger – Thank you for taking such good care of your new student.
Brooke DiSorbo & Catherine Herko – Great job with your “SUPER LESSONS” this week.
Speech teachers – Congratulations on the complimentary email this week!
Amy Hancock & Joe Sereika – Thank you for your hard work to get ready for the Dixie Classic Fair.
Kindergarten – Thanks for your positive attitudes and flexibility for the field trip today.
Gloria Allen – Thank you for your flexibility to find a way to make chorus work this year.
Mary-Jane Everhardt – Thank you for your constant efforts to keep our tech training on track.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday Update 9-17-10
Friday Update
September 17th , 2010
Thank you all for your support of the 3rd annual Southwest Fall Festival. We are blessed to have a tremendously supportive PTA and this is their primary fundraiser for the year. The Fall Festival will support their budget which will allow us to add more ActiveBoards, document cameras and projectors for your classrooms. We also hope to add some acceleration and intervention software to help with our differentiation efforts. Fall Festival week is usually a crazy one, but I want you to keep the “prize” in mind that will help us for the rest of the year. Please remember to thank our parents for all that they do to support us.
“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”
Amanda Bradley
Next week
Monday 9/20 –– Fall Pictures (Pictures in the gym, PE in the auditorium), Watch Dog – Dustin Isenhour
Tuesday 9/21 – 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Vaughn, Winters, and Fausch), SIT, 4th grade On-Demand Writing Test, Happy Birthday to Amy Tilley
Wednesday 9/22 - Watch Dog – David Sipprell, 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Drummond, Marceron, Sunderman, and Rosenberger)
Thursday 9/23 –
Friday 9/24 – TGIF, Fall Festival, Watch Dog – Randy Patton
Week of 9/27-10/1
9/27 –
9/28 –Staff Meeting with Colonial Life Representative, PBIS meeting, Scout Night
9/29 – AP Professional Development, Happy Birthday to Catherine Herko
9/30 – Technology Workshop – Schoolwires Basic Training, PLC Facilitator Support Meeting
10/1 – TGIF, All Pro Dads Breakfast, Kindergarten to Children’s Theater
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to where your staff ID every day.
-As part of our 2009-2010 end of year "Plus/Delta", several folks asked for some differentiation in our technology trainings. This summer, I assigned an on-line Atomic Learning activity was assigned to all instructional staff members. This activity is a 40 question technology skills assessment that will allow us to see where our staff stands in terms of NETS technology standards. If you accidentally deleted the email with instructions about how to complete this assignment please do not worry - we will reactivate it for everyone. If you have already completed it, please do not do it again (25 have already done it). Thus far I have not assigned a due date, but would like to have this completed by Friday, October 8th.
Staff Stars
Mrs. McGhee and Mrs McClain - great job with targeted reading lesson!
Ms. King, Mrs Green and Mrs. Nolting - Your project and reading circle were awesome.
5th grade - your Hatchet activities have really had your students engaged.
Ms. Menendez - Thank you for the way that you clarified the learning objectives for your lessons.
Mrs. Letourneau - Great job with Spanish Club planning.
K-2 teachers that have DIBELed this week have all been prepared and have done an awesome job!
Patty and Erika for diligence in DIBELing
Mrs. Crain - Thank you for challenging your students with math puzzles.
Mrs. Larson - Super positive job of encouraging our k students to read your morning message!
Mrs. Letourneau - Great job with Spanish Club planning.
The bus duty team - Thank you for maintaining our expectations and always helping when changes/absences occur.
Mrs. Wilson - Great cooperative partner math game and super job of giving students the chance to tell how they did working together.
Mrs. Merritt - Hats off to you for your work with parents this week!
Mrs. White - Awesome job of getting down to the soil in science with 3rd graders!
September 17th , 2010
Thank you all for your support of the 3rd annual Southwest Fall Festival. We are blessed to have a tremendously supportive PTA and this is their primary fundraiser for the year. The Fall Festival will support their budget which will allow us to add more ActiveBoards, document cameras and projectors for your classrooms. We also hope to add some acceleration and intervention software to help with our differentiation efforts. Fall Festival week is usually a crazy one, but I want you to keep the “prize” in mind that will help us for the rest of the year. Please remember to thank our parents for all that they do to support us.
“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!”
Amanda Bradley
Next week
Monday 9/20 –– Fall Pictures (Pictures in the gym, PE in the auditorium), Watch Dog – Dustin Isenhour
Tuesday 9/21 – 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Vaughn, Winters, and Fausch), SIT, 4th grade On-Demand Writing Test, Happy Birthday to Amy Tilley
Wednesday 9/22 - Watch Dog – David Sipprell, 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Drummond, Marceron, Sunderman, and Rosenberger)
Thursday 9/23 –
Friday 9/24 – TGIF, Fall Festival, Watch Dog – Randy Patton
Week of 9/27-10/1
9/27 –
9/28 –Staff Meeting with Colonial Life Representative, PBIS meeting, Scout Night
9/29 – AP Professional Development, Happy Birthday to Catherine Herko
9/30 – Technology Workshop – Schoolwires Basic Training, PLC Facilitator Support Meeting
10/1 – TGIF, All Pro Dads Breakfast, Kindergarten to Children’s Theater
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with personal illness or the illness of a family member.
-Please remember to where your staff ID every day.
-As part of our 2009-2010 end of year "Plus/Delta", several folks asked for some differentiation in our technology trainings. This summer, I assigned an on-line Atomic Learning activity was assigned to all instructional staff members. This activity is a 40 question technology skills assessment that will allow us to see where our staff stands in terms of NETS technology standards. If you accidentally deleted the email with instructions about how to complete this assignment please do not worry - we will reactivate it for everyone. If you have already completed it, please do not do it again (25 have already done it). Thus far I have not assigned a due date, but would like to have this completed by Friday, October 8th.
Staff Stars
Mrs. McGhee and Mrs McClain - great job with targeted reading lesson!
Ms. King, Mrs Green and Mrs. Nolting - Your project and reading circle were awesome.
5th grade - your Hatchet activities have really had your students engaged.
Ms. Menendez - Thank you for the way that you clarified the learning objectives for your lessons.
Mrs. Letourneau - Great job with Spanish Club planning.
K-2 teachers that have DIBELed this week have all been prepared and have done an awesome job!
Patty and Erika for diligence in DIBELing
Mrs. Crain - Thank you for challenging your students with math puzzles.
Mrs. Larson - Super positive job of encouraging our k students to read your morning message!
Mrs. Letourneau - Great job with Spanish Club planning.
The bus duty team - Thank you for maintaining our expectations and always helping when changes/absences occur.
Mrs. Wilson - Great cooperative partner math game and super job of giving students the chance to tell how they did working together.
Mrs. Merritt - Hats off to you for your work with parents this week!
Mrs. White - Awesome job of getting down to the soil in science with 3rd graders!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday Update 9-10-10
Friday Update
September 10th , 2010
This has been an extremely difficult week for everyone involved either directly or indirectly with the change of classes in 4th grade and kindergarten. Change is hard for children, but sometimes can be even harder for adults. Things will settle down and get back to “normal” in time. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make the physical move happen so quickly. Please remember to continue to support our Southwest family and to keep in mind our rationale for everything that we do – “What is best for our students?”.
“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” Richard Evans
***Curriculum Night has been postponed because of conflicts***
It will be rescheduled for some time in October.
Next week
Monday 9/13 – Happy Birthday to Brooke Disorbo
Tuesday 9/14 – Staff Meeting
Wednesday 9/15 -
Thursday 9/16 – Principal’s Meeting, Watch Dog – Jimmy Bayne
Friday 9/17 – TGIF, Watch Dog – Scott Sluder
Week of 9/20-9/24
9/20 – Fall Pictures, Watch Dog – Dustin Isenhour
9/21 – 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Vaughn, Winters, and Fausch), SIT, 4th grade On-Demand Writing Test, Happy Birthday to Amy Tilley
9/22 – Watch Dog – David Sipprell, 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Drummond, Marceron, Sunderman, and Rosenberger), Watch Dog – David Sipprell
9/23 –
9/24 – TGIF, Fall Festival, Watch Dog – Randy Patton
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to keep the following folks in your thoughts and prayers:
Kathryn Dice is continuing with her cancer treatment
Jan Freshwater’s brother is still hospitalized and critically ill
Staff Stars
Kindergarten teachers and assistants – Thank you for your patience and for working so well with high numbers of students during these first few weeks of school.
4th grade – Thank you for adjusting to the changes in class size and for welcoming your new students.
Aaren Brown – The way that you have accepted your new challenge is appreciated.
Owls – Thank you for your work to move so quickly – AGAIN.
Becky Drummond – Congratulations on your small victories with your student.
Office staff – Thank you for all that you do every day.
Debbie Herrin & Debbie McIntyre – Your support is priceless.
**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.
September 10th , 2010
This has been an extremely difficult week for everyone involved either directly or indirectly with the change of classes in 4th grade and kindergarten. Change is hard for children, but sometimes can be even harder for adults. Things will settle down and get back to “normal” in time. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make the physical move happen so quickly. Please remember to continue to support our Southwest family and to keep in mind our rationale for everything that we do – “What is best for our students?”.
“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” Richard Evans
***Curriculum Night has been postponed because of conflicts***
It will be rescheduled for some time in October.
Next week
Monday 9/13 – Happy Birthday to Brooke Disorbo
Tuesday 9/14 – Staff Meeting
Wednesday 9/15 -
Thursday 9/16 – Principal’s Meeting, Watch Dog – Jimmy Bayne
Friday 9/17 – TGIF, Watch Dog – Scott Sluder
Week of 9/20-9/24
9/20 – Fall Pictures, Watch Dog – Dustin Isenhour
9/21 – 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Vaughn, Winters, and Fausch), SIT, 4th grade On-Demand Writing Test, Happy Birthday to Amy Tilley
9/22 – Watch Dog – David Sipprell, 3rd grade to Heritage Theater (Drummond, Marceron, Sunderman, and Rosenberger), Watch Dog – David Sipprell
9/23 –
9/24 – TGIF, Fall Festival, Watch Dog – Randy Patton
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
-Please continue to keep the following folks in your thoughts and prayers:
Kathryn Dice is continuing with her cancer treatment
Jan Freshwater’s brother is still hospitalized and critically ill
Staff Stars
Kindergarten teachers and assistants – Thank you for your patience and for working so well with high numbers of students during these first few weeks of school.
4th grade – Thank you for adjusting to the changes in class size and for welcoming your new students.
Aaren Brown – The way that you have accepted your new challenge is appreciated.
Owls – Thank you for your work to move so quickly – AGAIN.
Becky Drummond – Congratulations on your small victories with your student.
Office staff – Thank you for all that you do every day.
Debbie Herrin & Debbie McIntyre – Your support is priceless.
**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.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday Update 9-3-10
Friday Update
September 3rd, 2010
Thank you for another great week at Southwest. Enjoy the three day weekend and let’s come back on Tuesday ready to roll. On Tuesday afternoon we will review the Marzano High Yield Strategies and discuss Classroom Walkthroughs. If you do not have a Marzano High Yield Strategies Handbook, please notify Debbie Herrin via email.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” - Alvin Toffler
Next week
Monday 9/6 – Labor Day – No School!
Tuesday 9/7 – Principals Mtg., Focused Staff Training (required for all instructional staff)
Wednesday 9/8 -
Thursday 9/9 – Watch Dog & All Pro Dads Pizza Night, Beth Bowser’s Birthday
Friday 9/10 – Volunteer Information Session @ 9:00 am, TGIF
Week of 9/13 – 9/17
9/13 – Brooke Disorbo’s Birthday
9/14 – Staff Meeting
9/15 –
9/16 – Principal’s Meeting, Curriculum Night 6:30-8:30
9/17 – TGIF
FYI/Reminders
-I would like to “freshen up” our Friday Update for this year. If you have ideas, please send them my way.
-Language assessments are complete so students will begin to receive ESL services Tuesday, September 7th.
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
Staff Stars
Vanessa Menendez, Patty Overby & Sandra Garcia – Thank you for your hard work to complete kindergarten language assessments.
Kindergarten staff – Great job training our newest Southwest students.
3rd, 4th & 5th grade – Thank you for adjusting so well to a different specials time.
Wende Powell, Heidi Lee & Robin Vance – Nice use of your TV and active slate.
**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.
September 3rd, 2010
Thank you for another great week at Southwest. Enjoy the three day weekend and let’s come back on Tuesday ready to roll. On Tuesday afternoon we will review the Marzano High Yield Strategies and discuss Classroom Walkthroughs. If you do not have a Marzano High Yield Strategies Handbook, please notify Debbie Herrin via email.
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” - Alvin Toffler
Next week
Monday 9/6 – Labor Day – No School!
Tuesday 9/7 – Principals Mtg., Focused Staff Training (required for all instructional staff)
Wednesday 9/8 -
Thursday 9/9 – Watch Dog & All Pro Dads Pizza Night, Beth Bowser’s Birthday
Friday 9/10 – Volunteer Information Session @ 9:00 am, TGIF
Week of 9/13 – 9/17
9/13 – Brooke Disorbo’s Birthday
9/14 – Staff Meeting
9/15 –
9/16 – Principal’s Meeting, Curriculum Night 6:30-8:30
9/17 – TGIF
FYI/Reminders
-I would like to “freshen up” our Friday Update for this year. If you have ideas, please send them my way.
-Language assessments are complete so students will begin to receive ESL services Tuesday, September 7th.
-Please remember to keep working on your new staff webpage.
Staff Stars
Vanessa Menendez, Patty Overby & Sandra Garcia – Thank you for your hard work to complete kindergarten language assessments.
Kindergarten staff – Great job training our newest Southwest students.
3rd, 4th & 5th grade – Thank you for adjusting so well to a different specials time.
Wende Powell, Heidi Lee & Robin Vance – Nice use of your TV and active slate.
**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.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday Update 8-27-10
Friday Update
August 27, 2010
I can’t thank you all enough for the wonderful start that we have had to the 2010-11 school year. No – the schedules are not perfect, the Fall Festival is looming and the school cleaning is not perfected. Nevertheless, Southwest is a GREAT place for our students and we are all lucky to be a part of it. Our students have already gotten started into a good PBIS routine so your work and preparation is paying off. I see our students smiling and working hard which is something for which all of you should be proud.
The new faces around the school have also gotten off to a wonderful start. We are glad that you are here and look forward to working with you to make this year special. Please let us know how we can continue to support you during these next few weeks. Enjoy your weekend and we will be ready to hit the ground running full speed on Monday.
"The greatest sign of a success for a teacher...is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." -- Maria Montessori
Next week
Monday 8/30 – New PLC facilitator training
Tuesday 8/31 – PTA Board Mtg.
Wednesday 9/1 –
Thursday 9/2 –
Friday 9/3 - New Assistant Superintendent, Toni Bigham at Southwest, TGIF
Week of 9/6 – 9/10
9/6 – Labor Day – No School!
9/7 – Principals Mtg.
9/8 –
9/9 – Watch Dog & All Pro Dads Pizza Night
9/10 – TGIF
FYI/Reminders
-Congratulations to Katrina Sutcliffe. Nicholas Ronald was born Friday, August 27th at 11:37
-A few of our staff members or their families are dealing with illnesses. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
-Please check your email from the summer for instructions regarding an Atomic Learning technology survey. We will resend it to everyone who is new.
-I would like to "freshen up" our Friday Update for this year. If you have ideas, please send them my way.
Staff Stars
-Thank you to everyone who served morning or afternoon duties during this week – Awesome job!!!
-Welcome to our new Southwest family members. Thank you for a great start!
Sylvia Green, Gwen Nolting, Beth Dodson, Peggy Isenhour, Kerry McFaddin, Lauren Hagler, Jan Barr, Vanessa Menendez, Mary Epperson, Angela Sheek, Wendy Sheek, Melissa Stone, Debbie McIntyre
**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.
August 27, 2010
I can’t thank you all enough for the wonderful start that we have had to the 2010-11 school year. No – the schedules are not perfect, the Fall Festival is looming and the school cleaning is not perfected. Nevertheless, Southwest is a GREAT place for our students and we are all lucky to be a part of it. Our students have already gotten started into a good PBIS routine so your work and preparation is paying off. I see our students smiling and working hard which is something for which all of you should be proud.
The new faces around the school have also gotten off to a wonderful start. We are glad that you are here and look forward to working with you to make this year special. Please let us know how we can continue to support you during these next few weeks. Enjoy your weekend and we will be ready to hit the ground running full speed on Monday.
"The greatest sign of a success for a teacher...is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." -- Maria Montessori
Next week
Monday 8/30 – New PLC facilitator training
Tuesday 8/31 – PTA Board Mtg.
Wednesday 9/1 –
Thursday 9/2 –
Friday 9/3 - New Assistant Superintendent, Toni Bigham at Southwest, TGIF
Week of 9/6 – 9/10
9/6 – Labor Day – No School!
9/7 – Principals Mtg.
9/8 –
9/9 – Watch Dog & All Pro Dads Pizza Night
9/10 – TGIF
FYI/Reminders
-Congratulations to Katrina Sutcliffe. Nicholas Ronald was born Friday, August 27th at 11:37
-A few of our staff members or their families are dealing with illnesses. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
-Please check your email from the summer for instructions regarding an Atomic Learning technology survey. We will resend it to everyone who is new.
-I would like to "freshen up" our Friday Update for this year. If you have ideas, please send them my way.
Staff Stars
-Thank you to everyone who served morning or afternoon duties during this week – Awesome job!!!
-Welcome to our new Southwest family members. Thank you for a great start!
Sylvia Green, Gwen Nolting, Beth Dodson, Peggy Isenhour, Kerry McFaddin, Lauren Hagler, Jan Barr, Vanessa Menendez, Mary Epperson, Angela Sheek, Wendy Sheek, Melissa Stone, Debbie McIntyre
**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.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday Update 6-4-10
Friday Update
June 4th, 2010
All good things must come to an end! On the school news this morning when I said that this was the last Friday of the school year it felt pretty good. This has been a year full of challenges, but you all have handled everything that has been thrown at you as well as could be expected. We have much to be proud of so I want to formally thank you all for pouring yourselves into making this a successful year. Hopefully, we have all learned lessons along with our students and will come back next year even better. Our preliminary EOG scores look good so our hard work and preparation this year and previous years seems to be reflected in our students’ performance. We will share details at our end of year staff meeting on Friday, June 11th. Great job!
“A hard beginning maketh a good ending.” John Heywood
“It’s never over till it’s over.” American Proverb
“Every end is a new beginning.” Proverb
**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 6/7 – 4th and 5th grade Field Day, 3rd Grade End of Year Party, 4th Grade End of Year Party, Lunch for staff provided by Village Tavern
Tuesday 6/8 - Watch Dog – David Rhyne, 5th grade Celebration, No Staff Mtg.
Wednesday 6/9 – AR Celebration
Thursday 6/10- Last Day for Students
Friday 6/11 - Teacher Workday, Staff Meeting 8:30-11:30 (Everyone expected to attend), Staff hospitality lunch at 11:45 (Everyone expected to attend)
Week of 6/14-6/16
6/14 – Teacher Work Day, Report Cards Turned In
6/15 – Teacher Work Day, School Improvement Team working lunch (Lunch provided)
6/16 – Start of Summer Vacation!!
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Womble, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
- Kim Skinner’s mother-in-law passed away last week. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
-Jerri Smith’s husband recently had surgery. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers.
- We know that some of you are still in the process of meeting with parents to make decisions on retentions. We have a partial list, but want to make sure that everyone has responded to Kim Cressman in some way. If you have not contacted Ms. Cressman, please let her know if you have: "no retentions", "still possible" or "definite retentions", e-mail her ASAP!
- Due to all of the extra “events” going on this week, there wilt be no duty free lunch.
Staff Stars
- Congratulations to Mr. Keener on being named the new principal at Clemmons Elementary School. We will miss you - good luck!
- Congratulations to Pat Taylor who welcomed twin grandsons to her family. Garrett and Gibson Taylor were born Friday evening, May 28th. Both boys weighed over 7 pounds.
-Thanks to all of you for working with your grade parents to provide some memorable end of year experiences.
Katie Chamra & Terry Lowe - Great job with field day.
Debbie Herrin, Erika Coffield and everyone who helped with remediation and retests – Great job!
Thank you to all of our long-term subs for the wonderful jobs that you have done.
June 4th, 2010
All good things must come to an end! On the school news this morning when I said that this was the last Friday of the school year it felt pretty good. This has been a year full of challenges, but you all have handled everything that has been thrown at you as well as could be expected. We have much to be proud of so I want to formally thank you all for pouring yourselves into making this a successful year. Hopefully, we have all learned lessons along with our students and will come back next year even better. Our preliminary EOG scores look good so our hard work and preparation this year and previous years seems to be reflected in our students’ performance. We will share details at our end of year staff meeting on Friday, June 11th. Great job!
“A hard beginning maketh a good ending.” John Heywood
“It’s never over till it’s over.” American Proverb
“Every end is a new beginning.” Proverb
**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 6/7 – 4th and 5th grade Field Day, 3rd Grade End of Year Party, 4th Grade End of Year Party, Lunch for staff provided by Village Tavern
Tuesday 6/8 - Watch Dog – David Rhyne, 5th grade Celebration, No Staff Mtg.
Wednesday 6/9 – AR Celebration
Thursday 6/10- Last Day for Students
Friday 6/11 - Teacher Workday, Staff Meeting 8:30-11:30 (Everyone expected to attend), Staff hospitality lunch at 11:45 (Everyone expected to attend)
Week of 6/14-6/16
6/14 – Teacher Work Day, Report Cards Turned In
6/15 – Teacher Work Day, School Improvement Team working lunch (Lunch provided)
6/16 – Start of Summer Vacation!!
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Womble, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
- Kim Skinner’s mother-in-law passed away last week. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
-Jerri Smith’s husband recently had surgery. Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers.
- We know that some of you are still in the process of meeting with parents to make decisions on retentions. We have a partial list, but want to make sure that everyone has responded to Kim Cressman in some way. If you have not contacted Ms. Cressman, please let her know if you have: "no retentions", "still possible" or "definite retentions", e-mail her ASAP!
- Due to all of the extra “events” going on this week, there wilt be no duty free lunch.
Staff Stars
- Congratulations to Mr. Keener on being named the new principal at Clemmons Elementary School. We will miss you - good luck!
- Congratulations to Pat Taylor who welcomed twin grandsons to her family. Garrett and Gibson Taylor were born Friday evening, May 28th. Both boys weighed over 7 pounds.
-Thanks to all of you for working with your grade parents to provide some memorable end of year experiences.
Katie Chamra & Terry Lowe - Great job with field day.
Debbie Herrin, Erika Coffield and everyone who helped with remediation and retests – Great job!
Thank you to all of our long-term subs for the wonderful jobs that you have done.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday Update 5-28-10
Friday Update
May 28th, 2010
Short and sweet…….It has been a week that is worthy of a three day weekend. Thanks for all you did for our students this week. Enjoy and we will see you Tuesday.
“If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.”
~Hamilton Fish
**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 5/31 – No school – Memorial Day
Tuesday 6/1 – EOG Retest, 4th grade to Raleigh, Principals Mtg.
Wednesday 6/2 – EOG Retest, Admin. Team Mtg.
Thursday 6/3- EOG Retest, Kindergarten and 1st grade Field Day, Kindergarten and 1st grade End of Year Parties
Friday 6/4 -. EOG Retest, 2nd and 3rd grade Field Day, 2nd grade End of Year Party, Watch Dog – Bob Hogan
Week of 6/7-6/11
6/7 – 4th and 5th grade Field Day, 3rd Grade End of Year Party, 4th Grade End of Year Party, Lunch for staff provided by Village Tavern
6/8 - Watch Dog – David Rhyne, 5th grade Celebration
6/9 – AR Celebration
6/10 - Last Day for Students
6/11 - Teacher Workday, Staff Meeting 8:30-11:30, Staff hospitality lunch at 11:45
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – East, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember that attendance should be completed by 8:30 daily.
- Lunch next week will be offered by TJ Deli’s
- Lunch will be provided for all staff by Village Tavern on June 7th.
Staff Stars
-Thanks to all of you for helping to maintain structure during all of the end-of-year activities. Keep up the good work!
-Big thank you to all of you who were involved in remediation for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders this week. You did a wonderful job!
-We are all stars for keeping our sanity during these last few days!
May 28th, 2010
Short and sweet…….It has been a week that is worthy of a three day weekend. Thanks for all you did for our students this week. Enjoy and we will see you Tuesday.
“If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.”
~Hamilton Fish
**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 5/31 – No school – Memorial Day
Tuesday 6/1 – EOG Retest, 4th grade to Raleigh, Principals Mtg.
Wednesday 6/2 – EOG Retest, Admin. Team Mtg.
Thursday 6/3- EOG Retest, Kindergarten and 1st grade Field Day, Kindergarten and 1st grade End of Year Parties
Friday 6/4 -. EOG Retest, 2nd and 3rd grade Field Day, 2nd grade End of Year Party, Watch Dog – Bob Hogan
Week of 6/7-6/11
6/7 – 4th and 5th grade Field Day, 3rd Grade End of Year Party, 4th Grade End of Year Party, Lunch for staff provided by Village Tavern
6/8 - Watch Dog – David Rhyne, 5th grade Celebration
6/9 – AR Celebration
6/10 - Last Day for Students
6/11 - Teacher Workday, Staff Meeting 8:30-11:30, Staff hospitality lunch at 11:45
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – East, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
-Please remember that attendance should be completed by 8:30 daily.
- Lunch next week will be offered by TJ Deli’s
- Lunch will be provided for all staff by Village Tavern on June 7th.
Staff Stars
-Thanks to all of you for helping to maintain structure during all of the end-of-year activities. Keep up the good work!
-Big thank you to all of you who were involved in remediation for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders this week. You did a wonderful job!
-We are all stars for keeping our sanity during these last few days!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday Update 5-21-10
Friday Update
May 21st , 2010
As we get even closer to the end of the year, it is easy to get bogged down in all of the end-of-year “stuff”. It is important that we take time to reflect on all of the wonderful things that we share with our students during the school year. Yes, academic learning is our number one priority during the course of the school year, but we do much more with our students than that. You lead them through life lessons, enrichment activities, etc. that will stay with them for years to come. We need to celebrate ALL of the accomplishments for the year both academic and non-academic.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while you could miss it.”
From the movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
**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 5/21 – EOG Remediation and make ups, SAT
Tuesday 5/22 – EOG Remediation, PBS Mtg., Sagebrush Night
Wednesday 5/23 – EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
Thursday 5/24- EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
Friday 5/25 -. EOG Remediation, All books library books DUE, 5th Grade to Tanglewood, Kindergarten with Kiddie Kriterz, Admin. Team Mtg.
Week of 5/31-6/4
(5/31) No school – Memorial Day
(6/1) EOG Retest, 4th grade to Raleigh, Principals Mtg., Focused Staff Training
(6/2) EOG Retest, Admin. Team Mtg.
(6/3 )EOG Retest, Kindergarten and 1st grade Field Day, Kindergarten and 1st grade End of Year Parties
(6/4) EOG Retest, 2nd and 3rd grade Field Day, 2nd grade End of Year Party, Watch Dog – Bob Hogan
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Weiss, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
-Please send your list of probable retentions to Kim Cressman by this Friday, May 28 at noon.
-Please remember that attendance should be completed by 8:30 daily.
- Lunch next week will be offered by Zaxby’s
Staff Stars
All of you are stars to me!
May 21st , 2010
As we get even closer to the end of the year, it is easy to get bogged down in all of the end-of-year “stuff”. It is important that we take time to reflect on all of the wonderful things that we share with our students during the school year. Yes, academic learning is our number one priority during the course of the school year, but we do much more with our students than that. You lead them through life lessons, enrichment activities, etc. that will stay with them for years to come. We need to celebrate ALL of the accomplishments for the year both academic and non-academic.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to look around once in a while you could miss it.”
From the movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
**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 5/21 – EOG Remediation and make ups, SAT
Tuesday 5/22 – EOG Remediation, PBS Mtg., Sagebrush Night
Wednesday 5/23 – EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
Thursday 5/24- EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
Friday 5/25 -. EOG Remediation, All books library books DUE, 5th Grade to Tanglewood, Kindergarten with Kiddie Kriterz, Admin. Team Mtg.
Week of 5/31-6/4
(5/31) No school – Memorial Day
(6/1) EOG Retest, 4th grade to Raleigh, Principals Mtg., Focused Staff Training
(6/2) EOG Retest, Admin. Team Mtg.
(6/3 )EOG Retest, Kindergarten and 1st grade Field Day, Kindergarten and 1st grade End of Year Parties
(6/4) EOG Retest, 2nd and 3rd grade Field Day, 2nd grade End of Year Party, Watch Dog – Bob Hogan
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Weiss, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
-Please send your list of probable retentions to Kim Cressman by this Friday, May 28 at noon.
-Please remember that attendance should be completed by 8:30 daily.
- Lunch next week will be offered by Zaxby’s
Staff Stars
All of you are stars to me!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday Update 5-14-10
Friday Update
May 14th, 2010
As we wind down the school year, our focus is forced to move to End-of-grade tests and end of year assessments. While we know that these provide important information for determining how much our children have learned, they are not the only ways that we measure success. As elementary school employees we are charged with guiding their learning AND their development into good people. I trust that our assessments will reflect the hard work that we have done with our students, but please remember that we also affect our children in other ways that can not be assessed. Thank you for loving and nurturing our children every day so that they love coming to Southwest.
Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted.
-Garrison Keillor
**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 5/17 – SAT, EOG Science for 5th grade
Tuesday 5/18 – EOG Reading for grades 3-5, Progress Reports Go Home, SIT, Time to Eat Night, Pack Treats for Troops
Wednesday 5/19 – EOG Calculator Active for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Dease, Freshwater, Hipp, and Chadwick)
Thursday 5/20- EOG Calculator Inactive for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Sutcliffe, Baldwin, Tsolis, and Crain)
Friday 5/21 - Watch Dog – Last day for library book checkout. Todd Stephens, All Pro Dad Breakfast, EOG Make ups, Admin. Team Mtg.
Week of 5/24-5/28
(5/24) EOG Remediation and make ups, SAT
(5/25) EOG Remediation, PBS Mtg., Sagebrush Night
(5/26) EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
(5/27) EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
(5/28) EOG Remediation, All books library books DUE, 5th Grade to Tanglewood, Kindergarten with Kiddie Kriterz, Admin. Team Mtg.
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Biggam, Trinkle
FYI/Reminders
-Don’t forget to remind your students about our latest Treats for Troops collection. We will pack the care packages on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:00.
-We are already seeing our rise in student discipline issues as we predicted. Please make every effort to provide tight supervision at all times. The bathroom has been a hotspot location for incidences so please keep that in mind. Thanks for all you do to keep our students safe.
-Please remember that attendance should be completed by 8:30 daily.
Staff Stars
Tracey Moss – Nice job with your gardening project.
Aaren Brown – terrific use of graphic organizers and role playing with her "Court Case" of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf.
Mary-Jane Everhardt – Thanks for organizing the training for the new Schoolwires webpage provider.
Kim Moore – Thanks for your consistent integration of technology into your lessons.
Debbie Herrin –Thanks for repeating at least 6 times the EOG training workshop!
3rd, 4th & 5th grade – Great job with end of grade preparation with your students.
The lower grade classes – Thanks for adopting and encouraging the upper grade classes during EOG week.
Kathryn Dice – Great job with reading and math tutoring for 4th graders.
Nicole Skinner and Jan Merritt – Thanks for making the team some terrific math and reading EOG practice sheets!
May 14th, 2010
As we wind down the school year, our focus is forced to move to End-of-grade tests and end of year assessments. While we know that these provide important information for determining how much our children have learned, they are not the only ways that we measure success. As elementary school employees we are charged with guiding their learning AND their development into good people. I trust that our assessments will reflect the hard work that we have done with our students, but please remember that we also affect our children in other ways that can not be assessed. Thank you for loving and nurturing our children every day so that they love coming to Southwest.
Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted.
-Garrison Keillor
**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 5/17 – SAT, EOG Science for 5th grade
Tuesday 5/18 – EOG Reading for grades 3-5, Progress Reports Go Home, SIT, Time to Eat Night, Pack Treats for Troops
Wednesday 5/19 – EOG Calculator Active for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Dease, Freshwater, Hipp, and Chadwick)
Thursday 5/20- EOG Calculator Inactive for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Sutcliffe, Baldwin, Tsolis, and Crain)
Friday 5/21 - Watch Dog – Last day for library book checkout. Todd Stephens, All Pro Dad Breakfast, EOG Make ups, Admin. Team Mtg.
Week of 5/24-5/28
(5/24) EOG Remediation and make ups, SAT
(5/25) EOG Remediation, PBS Mtg., Sagebrush Night
(5/26) EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
(5/27) EOG Remediation, Skippy-John Jones library activities
(5/28) EOG Remediation, All books library books DUE, 5th Grade to Tanglewood, Kindergarten with Kiddie Kriterz, Admin. Team Mtg.
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Biggam, Trinkle
FYI/Reminders
-Don’t forget to remind your students about our latest Treats for Troops collection. We will pack the care packages on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:00.
-We are already seeing our rise in student discipline issues as we predicted. Please make every effort to provide tight supervision at all times. The bathroom has been a hotspot location for incidences so please keep that in mind. Thanks for all you do to keep our students safe.
-Please remember that attendance should be completed by 8:30 daily.
Staff Stars
Tracey Moss – Nice job with your gardening project.
Aaren Brown – terrific use of graphic organizers and role playing with her "Court Case" of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf.
Mary-Jane Everhardt – Thanks for organizing the training for the new Schoolwires webpage provider.
Kim Moore – Thanks for your consistent integration of technology into your lessons.
Debbie Herrin –Thanks for repeating at least 6 times the EOG training workshop!
3rd, 4th & 5th grade – Great job with end of grade preparation with your students.
The lower grade classes – Thanks for adopting and encouraging the upper grade classes during EOG week.
Kathryn Dice – Great job with reading and math tutoring for 4th graders.
Nicole Skinner and Jan Merritt – Thanks for making the team some terrific math and reading EOG practice sheets!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Friday Update 5-7-10
Friday Update
May 7th, 2010
I have talked with you from time to time about my appreciation for the great things that mothers are able to do. My career in education has blessed me with the opportunity to work with many wonderfully gifted people and most of them have been women. The term in loco parentis, Latin for "in the place of a parent" or "instead of a parent," refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. Our jobs can be intimidating when you think about all that we are responsible for on a daily basis. We have to keep our “children” safe, nourished, challenged and happy. Please know that you do that VERY WELL. Whether you are a mother or not, please know that we appreciate what you do every day for our students.
Happy Mother’sDay
“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” ~Author Unknown
**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 5/10 – SAT, 3rd grade EOG Training, Admin. Team Mtg.
Tuesday 5/11 – Mad Science Enrichment Program Afterschool, Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Big Shotz Night
Wednesday 5/12 –5th grade EOG Training, Staff Mtg., Big Shotz Night, Board of Education Mtg.
Thursday 5/13- Watch Dog – David Sipprell, Principals Mtg.
Friday 5/14 - Admin. Team Mtg., EOG Background, 1st Grade to Patterson’s Farm
Week of 5/17-5/21
(5/17) SAT, EOG Science for 5th grade
(5/18) EOG Reading for grades 3-5, Progress Reports Go Home, SIT, Time to Eat Night, Pack Treats for Troops
(5/19) EOG Calculator Active for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Dease, Freshwater, Hipp, and Chadwick)
(5/20) EOG Calculator Inactive for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Sutcliffe, Baldwin, Tsolis, and Crain)
(5/21) Watch Dog – Todd Stephens, All Pro Dad Breakfast, EOG Make ups, Admin. Team Mtg.
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Womble, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
-We are already seeing our rise in student discipline issues as we predicted . Please make every effort to provide tight supervision at all times. The bathroom has been a hotspot location for incidences so please keep that in mind. Thanks for all you do to keep our students safe.
-Please remember that due to continued issues with physical contact, football is no longer an acceptable activity during recess. Please remember to actively supervise at recess.
-If you know where any of Kiki’s tablecloths are, please let her know.
-If you have not done so already, please sign up for one of the new webpage trainings. See Mary-Jane if you have questions.
- WSFCS has selected a new school/teacher webpage provider for the 2010-11 school year. We will have help sessions for the conversion beginning in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information to come.
- Please remember to arrive and depart on time to the cafeteria during lunch on a daily basis
- Please refrain from sitting children at the teacher's table on duty free lunch days
- Those of you who participated in the Hospice Walk/Run, please wear your Hospice t-shirt on Tuesday, May 11th to have your picture taken for the yearbook.
-Just a reminder that next week, we will have an opportunity to enjoy select menu items from Ciccione's. YUM!
All items are $6.00
Option 1 - Philly steak and cheese
Option 2 - Turkey Sub
Option 3 - Italian Sub
Option 4 - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Option 5 - Fettucine Alfredo
Option 6 - Greek Salad
Option 7 - Chicken Salad
Remember to place your money (exact change, please) in the appropriate envelope by 9:00 a.m.
Enjoy!
Staff Stars
Carolanne Rosenberger – Excellent use of fraction manipulatives to teach improper fractions and mixed numbers
Robin Atkins – Thank you for the ways that your work well with your parents.
-Thank you to these outstanding staff members for following my Friday Update Blog: Tom Keener Jennifer Cohn Mary Jane Everhardt Robin Vance Jan Hipp Aaren Brown
3rd, 4th & 5th grade – Thank you for your efforts to review material in preparation for EOG’s and for being diligent in your use of the “Countdown” materials.
PRT’s, K’s, 1st & 2nd grade & DIBELS crew – Great job with your end of year assessments.
*Thank you for your efforts to help our students prepare for Mother’s Day
May 7th, 2010
I have talked with you from time to time about my appreciation for the great things that mothers are able to do. My career in education has blessed me with the opportunity to work with many wonderfully gifted people and most of them have been women. The term in loco parentis, Latin for "in the place of a parent" or "instead of a parent," refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. Our jobs can be intimidating when you think about all that we are responsible for on a daily basis. We have to keep our “children” safe, nourished, challenged and happy. Please know that you do that VERY WELL. Whether you are a mother or not, please know that we appreciate what you do every day for our students.
Happy Mother’sDay
“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” ~Author Unknown
**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 5/10 – SAT, 3rd grade EOG Training, Admin. Team Mtg.
Tuesday 5/11 – Mad Science Enrichment Program Afterschool, Watch Dog – David Rhyne, Big Shotz Night
Wednesday 5/12 –5th grade EOG Training, Staff Mtg., Big Shotz Night, Board of Education Mtg.
Thursday 5/13- Watch Dog – David Sipprell, Principals Mtg.
Friday 5/14 - Admin. Team Mtg., EOG Background, 1st Grade to Patterson’s Farm
Week of 5/17-5/21
(5/17) SAT, EOG Science for 5th grade
(5/18) EOG Reading for grades 3-5, Progress Reports Go Home, SIT, Time to Eat Night, Pack Treats for Troops
(5/19) EOG Calculator Active for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Dease, Freshwater, Hipp, and Chadwick)
(5/20) EOG Calculator Inactive for grades 3-5, 2nd Grade to Heritage Theater (Sutcliffe, Baldwin, Tsolis, and Crain)
(5/21) Watch Dog – Todd Stephens, All Pro Dad Breakfast, EOG Make ups, Admin. Team Mtg.
Duty Schedule
*Breakfast – Womble, Aikins, Sereika, Letourneau
FYI/Reminders
-We are already seeing our rise in student discipline issues as we predicted . Please make every effort to provide tight supervision at all times. The bathroom has been a hotspot location for incidences so please keep that in mind. Thanks for all you do to keep our students safe.
-Please remember that due to continued issues with physical contact, football is no longer an acceptable activity during recess. Please remember to actively supervise at recess.
-If you know where any of Kiki’s tablecloths are, please let her know.
-If you have not done so already, please sign up for one of the new webpage trainings. See Mary-Jane if you have questions.
- WSFCS has selected a new school/teacher webpage provider for the 2010-11 school year. We will have help sessions for the conversion beginning in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information to come.
- Please remember to arrive and depart on time to the cafeteria during lunch on a daily basis
- Please refrain from sitting children at the teacher's table on duty free lunch days
- Those of you who participated in the Hospice Walk/Run, please wear your Hospice t-shirt on Tuesday, May 11th to have your picture taken for the yearbook.
-Just a reminder that next week, we will have an opportunity to enjoy select menu items from Ciccione's. YUM!
All items are $6.00
Option 1 - Philly steak and cheese
Option 2 - Turkey Sub
Option 3 - Italian Sub
Option 4 - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Option 5 - Fettucine Alfredo
Option 6 - Greek Salad
Option 7 - Chicken Salad
Remember to place your money (exact change, please) in the appropriate envelope by 9:00 a.m.
Enjoy!
Staff Stars
Carolanne Rosenberger – Excellent use of fraction manipulatives to teach improper fractions and mixed numbers
Robin Atkins – Thank you for the ways that your work well with your parents.
-Thank you to these outstanding staff members for following my Friday Update Blog: Tom Keener Jennifer Cohn Mary Jane Everhardt Robin Vance Jan Hipp Aaren Brown
3rd, 4th & 5th grade – Thank you for your efforts to review material in preparation for EOG’s and for being diligent in your use of the “Countdown” materials.
PRT’s, K’s, 1st & 2nd grade & DIBELS crew – Great job with your end of year assessments.
*Thank you for your efforts to help our students prepare for Mother’s Day
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