Betsy's Bits
December 11, 2016
In Case You Missed It:
Thank you to our Culture Team for planning our Christmas get-together and food grazing on Monday. The games were a lot of fun, and we know Stallions LOVE to eat! Remember, it is not too late to pay our Sunshine Team dues. These monies go towards buying the paper products for our fellowship activities, flowers and cards for deaths, and special incentives/extras throughout the year. See the Culture Team member if you have questions on need more details.
Kim Vaughn will be joining the 7th grade team Thursday, December 17, to teach Social Studies on the Gold Team. Kim has 17 years teaching experience in ELA and Social Studies. She also has worked in the educational software field as a consultant and professional developer. Please make sure to stop by and introduce yourself and welcome Kim to the family.
Congratulations to Felicia Wickes, 8th grade science teacher, and family! They are expecting their second child on July 3, 2017.
Congratulations to Jake Stevens, fitness teacher! He has moved to Sanford!! No more long commutes for Jake!
Congratulations to Cole Merricks! He has recently gotten engaged :)
We had a few teachers report this week that there are students not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. The law on this states:
ยง 115C-47. Powers and duties generally.
In addition to the powers and duties designated in G.S. 115C-36, local boards of education shall have the power or duty:
(29a) To Require the Display of the United States and North Carolina Flags, and to Require the Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. - Local boards of education shall adopt policies to (i) require the display of the United States and North Carolina flags in each classroom, when available, (ii) require that recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance be scheduled on a daily basis, and (iii) provide age-appropriate instruction on the meaning and historical origins of the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. These policies shall not compel any person to stand, salute the flag, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. If flags are donated or are otherwise available, flags shall be displayed in each classroom
We cannot require students to stand, but we should educate them as to why we do this. If you have a child not standing, we ask that you call home and speak with the parents. Sometimes all it takes is a parent knowing what their child is doing and a conversation at home will resolve the issue. Other times, we discover why the student is doing this (religious or family beliefs), and we are more understanding of the rights. If you would like to read more, click here for a recent article that Kisha Derr found from NC Policy Watch.
Just a reminder that the best way to curb off-task or extreme behaviors is to plan engaging and interactive lessons, be "in the moment", extremely observant, and present during transitions. We have the most issues with student behaviors during transitions and when students have "free time". It is also helpful to remind students of classroom/school procedures and the school-wide expectation for hands off of each other. We are all in this together and must remember our Stallions are still children and very excitable this time of year.
One school-wide procedure that I need to remind all of is that only ONE student should be out of your classroom at a time. All students should have a pass AND should sign out of your classroom when they leave and back in when they return. If a student shows up in your classroom unannounced and without a note or phone call from the teacher/office, please call to clarify what is going on.
Stallions Family ROCKS!
Coming UP...
Mark Your Calendar:
Tuesday: PSAT (am) for all of 8th, AIG and AVID 7th graders, Science Team meeting 3 pm in Marshburn's room, Winter Concert (band and orchestra) 6pm in gym (no letter day)
Wednesday: Sweet 16 field trip, Literacy Leaders SLMS media center @ 3:15 pm
Thursday: Spelling Bee 8 am in media center, Basketball @So. Middle, Kim Vaughn's first day at SLMS
Friday: Get into the spirit with your jeans and a Christmas sweater (ugly or cute).We like them all! PTSO will be by with some holiday surprises :)
Teen Outreach Survey will be given this week (13th-15th)during electives to 6th and 7th graders who signed up. Make sure to reread your email and send students to the correct place!!!!
PSAT will be given on Tuesday. Make sure to read your email and follow the procedures. ASK if you have questions!!
*Hang ON...it's another SUPER FULL Moon this week. Refer to the last paragraph of in case you missed it for the best ways to make it through the next 6 1/2 days.