The Roar
January 4, 2016
"Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." ~ Rita Pierson
Chatham's Chattering
Don't forget to look for updates at the end of the message. . .
As I ponder the new year and contemplate everything that happened in 2015, I sit amazed. Amazed that after almost 20 years in education, I still love what I do with a passion beyond compare. Amazed that I have had the opportunity to teach children who shaped my life much more than I did theirs. Amazed that I have worked with teachers and leaders who have inspired me to better than I thought I could be. Amazed that I am allowed to be a principal at this wonderful place. The beginning of a new year begs us to remember why we do what we do. I considered that a great deal over the break. So sit back for a moment and let me tell you why. I am here because I believe in the power of education to change lives. It still changes mine each and every day whether it is through the children or through the simple act of working side by side with the finest educators around. I am here because children matter - because what we do with them in the short time we have them can impact the future - because what I want for my own children I want for all of them. They deserve it. I am here because teachers are my heroes. I am here because I believe. I believe in teachers. I believe in children. I believe in possibilities. And I believe it is my honor and my responsibility to give back to the world and make sure I do my very best to give each of you and each child the opportunity to grow, to thrive, and to find joy in learning. We are in the business of teaching and learning, but what that really means is that we are in the business of HOPE.
As you enter second semester remember why you do what you do. I imagine it's because you believe like I do.
UPDATES:
Don't forget, January 5 we will be participating in professional learning at Archer High School with Rick Wormeli. A Chick-Fil-A lunch will be provided. This opportunity is for teachers AND parapros. Please be inside Archer High, in your seat, and ready to learn at 8:45. Remember you may wear jeans with your Tiger spirit wear. You do not need to bring anything else with you but your positive attitude and SMILE!
As a little refresher, check out the video below. I can't help but get fired up every time I watch it!
Thursday, January 7, we will be revisiting gradual release during professional learning. We will meet in the professional learning room. You will need to bring the materials you received the last time - the article, the graphic organizer, the literacy and numeracy models.
Monday, January 11, the PAGE rep (Laurie Provost) will be here in the Tiger Conference room to answer any questions you might have. Make sure to stop by (there will be treats involved).
Given the short work week, you do not need to have Tiger Time, but students who receive services during that time will still need that.
Don't forget our official eClass/BOYD visitation day is February 9. All classrooms will be open for visits. Also, Dr. Truett will be visiting along with a group of principals with whom she is working through Georgia State.
It’s GREAT to be a Harbins Tiger!
Jennifer
Who Is Making IT Happen
- The front office staff who directed all the adults in and out of the building during holiday parties. WOW. It's like Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport!
- Our parents who helped make the parties a success.
Jeans Passes
Revised 2nd Quarter Report Card Timeline 2015-16.docx
Math Instructional Resources on MOCC
The Math program office is collaboratively working with teacher teams to revise K-5 common assessments to ensure an appropriate level of rigor and alignment with Milestones expectations for student performance based on the performance level descriptors of achievement. Current common assessments will be removed from the MOCC January 1, 2016 and revised common assessments will be posted as development is completed.
SST's
Please make sure to let Marie know if a parent will need an interpreter for an SST when you request the meeting.
If the student has an IEP, make sure to let Marie and the case manager know.
If you have requested an SST but have not been given the date of the meeting, please email Marie to confirm the date/time.
Confidentiality
Please remember NOT to write a student's name in the subject line of an email.
If a parent sends you an email about a child with their child's name in the subject line, do NOT forward the email with the name of the child.
Delete the name and write "student concern."
Please be mindful to take care of the labs when you leave them.
- Chairs should be pushed in
- Laptops should be charged and cords should be properly secured
- The floor should be free of debris
Please remember to turn off your projector each night.
Cold weather temperatures for outside participation
Temperatures are starting to drop near freezing for low temperatures with daytime temperatures in the 40 to 60 degree range. It is suggested that when wind chill temperatures drop below 40 degrees, the amount of time spent outside should be limited to 20 minutes of less during school hours. The amount of time should be adjusted down as the temperatures drop below freezing. Physical Education classes should be cautious since all students may not be dressed appropriately for these temperatures and instruction may be more difficult. Remember that you can always check the wind chill or heat index by using the following website. http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USGA0082:1:US
Cyber Learning Days Option - Preparation
As we move into the time period for potential school closings due to inclement weather, we should prepare for the possibility that a 4th or subsequent day of school closure may be declared a Cyber Learning Day, with school and learning continuing that day through our digital resources.
Attached are guidelines to inform our preparations for a potential Cyber Learning Day. In addition, a "Cyber Learning Day Information" course page has been launched in eCLASS C&I and is now available for all teachers and administrators (anyone who currently has access to the C&I Communication Centers, such as the MOCC).
Link to Cyber Learning Day Information course page:
Midyear District Assessments
The content window for teachers to review the District Assessment is now open. You are encouraged to view the assessment prior to administration.
Blueprints and Grade Conversions can be found under Instructional Resources.
Any study guides created for an assessment should be developed using the standards on the blueprint not the actual assessment items.
Part B for the Constructed Response is OPTIONAL. Scoring Guides and Rubrics may be found under Instructional Resources.
The Administration Window is 11/30/2015 - 1/15/2016.
Here is a link that contains a 2-page document with online administration directions and online passcodes for Interim 2.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxKhlsP37WR9YjYxZUx0MUtwNG8/view?usp=sharing
Also, it is in the shared drive under Staff-SchoolNet and in eCLASS--Harbins Landing Page--Content---Assessment.
DA Schedule
https://drive.google.com/a/harbins.org/file/d/0B3VdWcGhJ7tnUk55RXhCd0g2d2M/view?usp=sharing
Leave Procedures
1) Future Absence/Meeting that you already know about.
a) Put in your leave request through the Portal
b) If Personal, Sick, Common Planning or Meeting with a
County Sub Code, put in for a sub through AESOP. Check to make sure
your absence has been picked up.
c) If County Meeting/Training without a sub code check with Montine.
2) Sickness that arises between 3:00 pm and 6:25 am the next morning.
1) Call the absence line – 678-226-7910 and leave a message
2) Put in a request for a sub in AESOP prior to 6:25 am
3) Put a leave request in the Portal if possible. If not then, put in as soon as you are able
Stellars are assigned ahead of time to cover necessary student meetings and are not set to cover any other classrooms until day of. If you are aware that you are going to be out for any time, sick or personal and even if only for an hour, you need to go into AESOP and put in for a sub. Subs have to be booked for at least a 4 hour period. This does not mean that you will be docked four hours, it just means that the sub will be here for the 4 hours. If it is day of, see Montine for possible stellar coverage.
Dates That Lunch Monitors Are Not Available and Teachers Will Need to Eat in Cafe With Their Class
January 8th & 26th
February 5th & 22nd
March 4th & 21st
April 18th & 28th
May 12th
Technology Reminders
- Don't forget to turn off your projectors and lock your doors when leaving your classroom!
- The 3rd 9 Weeks Lab Schedule is now open for editing - please remember to "Add to My Drive" and to delete any old lab schedules that may cause confusion - you will also get an email notification on Monday morning that it was shared with you
- The 4th 9 Weeks Lab Schedule is also open for editing, but the lab sheets are locked. You can still sign up for other rooms through the end of the year.
Classroom Spirit Award
ABCD Awards
Please send your nominations to Chatham by October 20, 2015, for recognition of staff members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that teaching and learning at Harbins are at the highest levels.
Roar Deadline
If you want to add something to the Roar, it must be sent to Montine by noon on Thursday of each week. If not turned in by Thursday at noon, it will have to be entered into the following week’s Roar. Thanks for your help!
Leaders in Learning
A Chrome file has been shared with each teacher, please go in to list your Leader in Learning each month when Montine sends out the notification email.
Staff Birthdays
January
Linda Pulliam 1/6
Keith Brown 1/6
Nancy Porter 1/8
Brittny Thorne 1/9
Leigh Rimpau 1/10