Thomas Jefferson Tribune
WEEK OF DECEMBER 11-15, 2017
THOMAS JEFFERSON FEEDER PRIORITY PLAN
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION
CLIMATE AND CULTURE
MISSION, VISION & CORE VALUES
MISSION:
The TJ Feeder schools embrace high quality learning opportunities which honor the unique strengths and diverse needs of all Scholars.
VISION:
The TJ feeder schools will be the premier feeder to attract and educate all Scholars to positively impact our community and world.
CORE VALUES:
Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Integrity
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR..........
Patriot Leaders,
I would like to thank you all for joining our Winter Solstice! Not only did we enjoy great food, fun, and fellowship- we also strengthened our relationships as a team and most importantly as a Feeder Family. These bonds will help us to balance and renew our energy and social/emotional health as we transition to the second semester.
I appreciate your leadership and great work in preparing your campus booths for Discover Dallas ISD and representing our feeder at the Mayor's race! A special thanks goes out to Mr. Jackson for agreeing to represent the TJ Feeder and being the one to place medals on our scholars after completing the race on Saturday.
We are fast approaching the half way mark for our academic year! Beginning December 18, our scholars begin taking the district's ACP exams. ACP results from all exams taken, will provide a clear picture and more accurate reading of where our scholars fall in regards to each of their levels of mastery of the first semester curriculum assessed. Each of you will be able to gauge the strengths of the instructional programs on your campuses from curriculum alignment-unpacking of the TEKS to the instructional delivery in every classroom setting the GOOD FIRST INSTRUCTION that was conducted. Based on this data, you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to surpass your campus goals. This supports our district and feeder vision to have scholars prepared for not only PK-12 but PK-16 (college/career ready).
Continue to ensure that you are preparing for the operational support on your campuses to have a safe, quiet, and smooth testing environment free from distractions for ALL scholars. Additionally, follow-up with your personnel to guarantee that all necessary accommodations and modifications will be provided as needed to support academic success for ALL as well as approve those accommodations in My Data Portal before testing!
Make certain that you review your data from campus failure rates and the correlation of spot observations and common assessments #2. This will give every leader a understanding of instructional gaps that may exist between teacher spot observations, feedback, curriculum alignment, delivery of effective lessons, PLC's conducted and student performance. Once you have identified these gaps, how will you tighten up the systems you have in place to assure a decrease in student failure rates and an increase in academic achievement?
Most of this work can be tightened up during your PLC's that are led by your Assistant Principals with your guidance and CIC's support. This is the time to ensure that your PLC's from this point forward are PLC's with purpose and are those held to really understand how to unpack the TEKS properly to ensure that teaching is aligned to the TEKS as well as being assessed properly. I will be providing you with some upcoming PD to assist you on the expectations that should be occurring during your PLC's. Your calendar invites will be forthcoming.
This week think of all the 7 Habits we have spoken of this first semester as all should be in action.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
- Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind
- Habit 3: Put First Things First
- Habit 4: Think Win/Win
- Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
- Habit 6: Synergize
- Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Have a wonderful week of teaching and learning!
THE TJ FEEDER IS IN IT TO WIN IT!
Ms. Torres
Thomas Jefferson Executive Director
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
Monday, December 11, 2017
- Edna Rowe Campus visit- Principal Check in- w/Ms. Torres
- S.S. Conner Campus Visit- Principal Check In w/Ms. Torres
- Cigarroa Campus visit w/ED and AF's
- TJEC PTECH- Mentee Check-In (Torres, Maia, Roberts, Jackson, Loskot, Rivera)
- Medrano Campus visit w/ED and AF's
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
- Verizon Grant Instructional Walk @ Medrano MS-9:00 a.m.
- Math AF-District CIC Content Training
- Cary MS Campus visit w/ED and Reading AF
- Burnet Campus visit w/ED and Reading AF
- Medrano/Cary Instructional Walk w/Admin/Reading AF and CIC's
- Medrano MS AF/CIC/AP Planning-PM
- Leadership Team Meeting w/Mr. Cordero-Deputy Superintendent-Ms. Torres
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
- District-Wide Principal Luncheon-Dallas Arboretum
- Tom Field Campus visit w/AF's and CIC's
- K. B. Polk Campus visit w/AF's and CIC's
Thursday, December 14, 2017
- Reading AF-District CIC Content Training
- Joe May Campus visit w/ED and AF's
- Medrano MS Campus visit w/ED and AF's
Friday, December 15, 2017
- Tom Field Campus visit w/ED and AF's
- Callejo Campus visit-Principal check in w/Ms. Torres
- Tatum Campus visit-Principal check in w/Ms. Torres
- Planning Time w/ED and AF's-Haskell-2:00 p.m.
- Last day of Secondary Staff Audits
-
Missing Grades Report
- Demographic appeals completed
- PEIMS Round 3-Final Review
CLIMATE SURVEY PARTICIPATION RESULTS FOR OUR FEEDER
The table below shows the participation rates thus far for our feeder. Highly encourage your staff to take the climate survey so that we can get a great snapshot of what our campus culture is stating. The last day for the survey to be taken is December 13.
'UNITED TO LEARN' FULL NETWORK MEETINGS FOR TJ ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Grades 3-12 ELAR 'JUST IN TIME'!
CICs and Teachers welcome! Schoolnet may say this session is full- HOWEVER- say that Lisa Maia sent you and you will be allowed to enter! Don't miss this opportunity!
Failing to plan- is planning to fail! In the TJ feeder- We plan for success!
NEED READING/WRITING STAAR PREP?
A MESSAGE FROM TEACHING AND LEARNING...
Writing Instruction & Small Group Considerations
Are You Asking These Questions?
The questions below come from the Secondary Characteristics of Effective Writing Rubric, found here. These are questions for Meets moving to Masters.
· Communication and Connection
- How do students use references/resources to help guide their writing about their learning?
- What organizational processes are students responsible for when representing what, how and why they are learning?
- How do students know that they have created the best product possible?
Small Group Instruction
Many of you participated in part I of Small Group Instruction PD at the last principals meeting (part 1 deck found here). That session focused on gradual release, scheduling, and classroom environment. All are critical pieces to successful small group instruction.
Here is a sample daily schedule that can help get small group instruction going.
"HUDDLE UP FOR GIVING!"
As of this week, Dallas ISD has given $77,500! We have 1 more week to go to reach our goal!
Let’s huddle up for 100% Dallas ISD employee participation! REMEMBER 3 WAYS TO GIVE:
- Cash/ Check – Address check to “United Way” with memo stating 2017-2018 United Way Giving Campaign
- Oracle - Dallas ISD Payroll deduction
- Online (Debit/Credit Card) via United Way E-way System – if you need your username or password information, please contact: Haber, Brettbhaber@unitedwaydallas.org
DALLAS MAVERICKS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Black History Month Challenge: Essay Contest to Win a Trip to Atlanta
In honor of Black History Month, the Dallas Mavericks and BNSF Railway, in association with American Airlines, are excited to announce our 10th annualBlack History Month Challenge which offers DFW Metroplex students the chance to win the field trip of a lifetime! To commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts towards Civil Rights, eighth through twelfth grade students are asked to submit an essay around the topic “Advancing ‘The Dream’: Taking the Next Step to Improving My Community” for a chance to win a trip to Atlanta, GA to visit the birth home of Dr. King, the King Center and other historic sites. To learn more and download essay instructions, visithttps://www.mavs.com/black-history-month-challenge/. Essays DUE: Monday, January 15, 2018.
ExxonMobil Honorary Co-Captain
The Dallas Mavericks Honorary Co-Captain program recognizes students who enjoy and excel STEM/STEAM education programs. As an ExxonMobil Honorary Co-Captain, selected students will receive two (2) tickets to a Mavs home game, the opportunity to enjoy pre-game shoot around, sit on the bench during team introductions and meet the Mavericks team captain at half court. One (1) ExxonMobil Honorary Co-Captain will be selected for each Mavs home game! To nominate a student, fill out the online form and submit it now through Friday, February 28, 2018. Students must be nominated by a counselor, principal, or teacher or by nonprofit organizations/after-school programs. If you are with a nonprofit organization and not a school, please use the nonprofit’s information for “School” and select the “counselor” option on the nomination form. Learn more and nominate students here: https://www.mavs.com/exxonmobil-honorary-co-captain/. Nominations DUE: Friday, February 28, 2018
Classroom Champions: Recognizing Teachers & Excellence in the Classroom
The Dallas Mavericks and The UPS Store, in association with Teach For America DFW, are teaming up to present the 14th Annual Classroom Champions program, created to recognize North Texas educators for their work in the classroom. Each month from November until March, two DFW Metroplex teachers will be selected as Classroom Champion “Teachers of the Month” and recognized at Dallas Mavericks home games and online throughout the Mavs season. At the end of the season, from March 16th – March 30th, a community vote will be open to the public where MFFL’s have the opportunity to vote online for five Classroom Champion “Teachers of Year” out of the previously selected 10 “Teachers of the Month”. Each of the five winning teachers are awarded $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their school. To learn more and nominate a teacher, visit: https://www.mavs.com/classroomchampions/. Teachers are selected every month with the deadlines: January 1, February 1 and March 1, 2018.
Mavs Reading Challenge
The Mavs Reading Challenge is a 15-week program designed to improve reading literacy throughout Dallas and encourage the love of reading for kids of all ages. Dallas parents, students and teachers can sign up online or at any of the 29 Dallas Public Library locations. Track your reading throughout the winter and spring, for the chance to win special prizes from the Dallas Mavericks and presenting sponsor Whataburger. Learn more and sign up now: www.mavs.com/readingchallenge/ Reading Challenge: December 1, 2017 – March 18, 2018.
Mavs Scholarship Program - $5,000 College Scholarships
The Dallas Mavericks, Harrison Barnes and Century 21 Mike Bowman, Inc. have teamed up to present the 8th annual Dallas Mavericks Scholarship Program to DFW Metroplex high school seniors in financial need. Seniors will have the opportunity to apply for one of four $5,000 scholarships for college. To apply, high school seniors must attend a high school within 75-miles of the American Airlines Center, attend a two- or four-year college or university in the fall of their completed senior year, need financial assistance, be in good academic standing, and complete the application and essay. Learn more and apply at www.mavs.com/mavs-scholarship-program/. Scholarship applications are due Friday, February 23, 2018.
WALNUT HILL ANNOUNCES IT'S NEW TWO-WAY DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM FOR THE GIFTED AND TALENTED
THOMAS JEFFERSON FEEDER PATTTERN KUDOS
CELEBRATING ONE OF OUR OWN!!!
Stay in it, to Win It!!!
WALNUT HILL LITERACY CHARTS ON DISPLAY
THE THOMAS JEFFERSON FEEDER PARTICIPATES IN THE DISTRICT'S DISCOVER DALLAS EVENT
Stephen Foster Elementary School
Tom Field Elementary School
Stephen Foster Elementary School
WAY TO GO THOMAS JEFFERSON FEEDER - THE MAYOR'S RACE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
David G. Burnet Elementary School
Leonides Cigarroa Elementary School
Leonides Cigarroa Elementary School
JOE MAY ES STUDENTS WIN 1ST PLACE IN THE STEM MATHEMATICS BRIDGING COMPETITION
Congratulations to Emily Soto and Scarlet Serrato for taking 1st place in the Stem Math Department Bridge Building Competition. Their truss bridge, constructed of only popsicle sticks and white school glue, was deemed the “bridge that wouldn't break” by the engineer judges. Even using all the weights from both the elementary and high school divisions, they could not get the bridge to break. They advance to the next round of competition in January at the DISD Stem Expo.
Thomas Jefferson P-TECH
David G. Burnet Elementary School
Tom Field Elementary School
Cary Middle School Data Wall
SUDIE WILLIAMS/K.B POLK COMMUNITY PACK THE ROOM DURING COMMUNITY MEETING
THE THOMAS JEFFERSON 2017 WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
THOMAS JEFFERSON FEEDER PATTERN PRINCIPALS, AF'S AND ED
Thomas Jefferson Principals and ED
THOMAS JEFFERSON PRINCIPALS AND ED EMBRACING THEIR SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
WINTER SOLSTICE RAFFLE WINNERS
WINTER SOLSTICE FEEDER FAMILY PICTURES
TJ-PTECH STUDENT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
THE DASH FOR THE BEADS GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOLS!
The Dash for the Beads is a non-profit organization that conducts an annual 5K, 10K, and 1mile fun run in Oak Cliff. The proceeds from the event are used to support youth in the areas of health and fitness and arts and music.
In 2018, the Dash for the Beads (DFB) organization will award grants to local organizations that support the above areas of interest. There will be three (2) categories of grants:
- Program: Organizations can apply for up to $5,000 for program grants supporting the above areas.
- Capital: Organizations can apply for up to $10,000 for capital grants (see explanation below) supporting the above areas.
Program Grants: A physical fitness, nutrition, art or music service or activity provided for youth. Ex: after school program, band camp, theater arts or music camp, provision of nutritious food, soccer team, art therapy program.
Capital Grants: A physical project that supports youth in physical fitness, nutrition, art, or music. Ex: playground, soccer field, kitchen appliances for food program, improvement of physical space.
Click here for more information! https://dashforthebeads.org/grants/
PLEASE CLICK TESTING LINK BELOW
DALLAS ISD DISTRICT-WIDE TESTING CALENDAR
UPCOMING DATES & REMINDERS
DECEMBER
18-21-ACP's administered
21-End of 3rd Six Weeks
21-Demographic Appeals submitted by ED
21-Grade Failure reports available
JANUARY
9-23-ACP retakes
11-TJ Principal Feeder Meeting @ Sudie Williams-9:00-1:30 p.m.
16-PEI Principal Checkpoint #3 Begins
17-New AP's to the feeder Meeting w/ED @ Haskell-2nd floor 8:30 a.m.
17-New Principals to the feeder Meeting w/ED@ Haskell -2nd floor 10:00 a.m.
23- Elementary ONLY Principals' Meeting
30-Math AF TOT for CIC Content Training
FEBRUARY
1-Reading AF TOT for CIC Content Training
2-PEI Principal Checkpoint #3 Ends
23-Title I Requisitions due today
MARCH
9-Drill log for the Spring Semester is due TODAY via email submission to the Office of Emergency Management
27-Math AF TOT for CIC Content Training
29-Reading AF TOT for CIC Content Training
MARSHALL MEMO #714
Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell on the Use of Text Reading Levels
In this interview with Kiera Parrott in School Library Journal, literacy gurus Irene Fountas (Lesley University) and Gay Su Pinnell (Ohio State University) have this to say about the use of their widely used A-Z text difficulty scale: “It is our belief that levels have no place in classroom libraries, in school libraries, in public libraries, or on report cards. It was certainly not our intention that levels be used in these ways.”
How should the levels be used? As “a teacher’s tool, not a child’s label,” say Fountas and Pinnell, “to show small steps from easiest to most difficult. The goal was for teachers to learn about the characteristics of each level to inform their teaching decisions – how they introduce a book, how they discuss it, how they help children problem-solve as they process a book.”
What about school libraries? “A good library could be organized like a good bookstore, trying to sell books to readers,” say Fountas and Pinnell. “And the librarian is such a key person in the school in guiding students according to their interests, not their levels.” Librarians and teachers might recommend books based on their sense of a particular age group or what they know about individual students, but choice is “at the heart of what it means to become a confident reader,” they continue. “If you have the opportunity to choose what you read, and then to talk about it with others, maybe to draw and write about it, it builds your sense of yourself as a reader and your self-efficacy as a reader.”
So how can educators keep a parent or caregiver informed about a child’s reading progress? Fountas and Pinnell suggest showing a book the child was reading at the beginning of the year and a book he or she is reading now and describing the specific ways the second is more advanced than the first. Teachers can also give parents a sense of whether the child’s current reading level is on a par with, behind, or ahead of the expectations for that grade and month of the year.
The big point is not to oversimplify children’s reading status with one letter. “[L]abeling children in this way is detrimental to their self-esteem, their engagement, and, ultimately, their progress,” say Fountas and Pinnell. “And when we restrict kids to reading on a specific level, we’re really restricting their opportunities… The truth is that children can read books on a wide variety of levels, and in fact, they experience many different levels of books across the day.”
“Fountas and Pinnell Lament Labels” by Kiera Parrott in School Library Journal, November 2017 (Vol. 63, #11, p. 15), http://bit.ly/2g6Lyos; Fountas is at ifountas@lesley.edu; see Marshall Memo 467 for a 2012 Fountas and Pinnell article on reading levels.
THOMAS JEFFERSON SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
- Thomas Jefferson High School: Principal, Sandi Massey
- Francisco Medrano Middle School : Principal, Theresa Sigurdson
- Edward Cary Middle School: Principal, Ben Dickerson
- David G. Burnet Elementary: Principal, Sonia Loskot
- Leonides Cigarroa Elementary : Principal, Douglas Burak
- Tom W. Field Elementary: Principal, Shondula Whitfield
- Stephen C. Foster Elementary: Principal, Irma De La Guardia
- Joe May Elementary: Principal, Israel Rivera
- K.B. Polk Elementary: Principal, Misty Rathermund
- Julian T. Saldivar: Principal, Chaundra Macklin
- Walnut Hill Elementary: Principal, Robert 'Chase'McLaurin
- Sudie Williams Elementary: Principal, Michael Jackson
Thomas Jefferson High School
Franscisco Medrano Middle School
Edward Cary Middle School
David G. Burnet Elementary
Leonides Cigarroa Elementary
Tom W. Field Elementary
Stephen C. Foster Elementary
Joe May Elementary
K. B. Polk Elementary
Julian T. Saldivar Elementary
Walnut Hill Elementary
Sudie L. Williams Elementary
Marelenise Phillips-Roberts
Lisa Maia
Erica Rosas
Trustee Edwin Flores District 1
Trustee Marshall District 2
Trustee Miguel Solis District 8
DISD GOALS
- All students will exhibit Satisfactory or above performance on State assessments. Students below Satisfactory performance will demonstrate more than one year of academic growth
- Dallas ISD schools will be the primary choice for families in the district
- The achievement gap by race, ethnicity and social economic status will be no greater than 10 percentage points on all academic measures
- 95% of students will graduate. Of the graduates, 90% have qualifying scores for community college, college, military, or industry certification
- 95% of entering kindergarten students are school-ready on a multidimensional assessment
- All students will participate in at least one extracurricular or co-curricular activity each year.