Alpharetta High School
Week of September 5th
Upcoming Dates
September 5 – Labor Day – SCHOOLS CLOSED
September 8 – Anchor Time Begins
September 13– Freshmen Parent Night 6 pm; Curriculum Night 7 pm (all teachers MUST be present)
September 15 – Financial Aid Night and Senior Night
September 20 – Fire Drill – beginning of Anchor Time
September 22 – 6 week reports disseminated
September 26 – October 28 – Gallup Poll for all Sophomores and Juniors through World History and US History classes
September 28 - CPR/AED - refresher course during both lunches in room 2216 (This training is for certified CPR/AED staff members only)
September 29 – Fall Orchestra Concert
October 3 or 4 – Faculty Meeting
October 7 – Pink Out
October 10 – Columbus Day Holiday – SCHOOLS CLOSED
October 11 – Professional Development Day (students off)
October 12 – AED Drill (includes soft lockdown drill)
October 14, 15, and 16 – 1 ACT PLAY
October 18 - School Governance Meeting
October 18 – Fall Chorus Concert
October 19 - PSAT
October 19 – Balance Night
October 20 – Junior Night, 7 PM
October 21 – Big three drills – intruder, tornado, evacuation - to the stadium for the pep rally
October 21 – Fall Pep Rally & Homecoming Game
October 22 – Homecoming Dance
Schedule for September 2nd - Professional Development Day
9:00 - 10:30 - ALL - Inquiry Group Learning
10:30 - 11:30 - PLC leaders of advanced PLCs in 2216 OR PLC/Individual time
10:30 - 12:30 - Costco is in the Teacher Café with food treats for ALL and membership incentives for those who are interested
11:30 - 12:30 - PLC Leaders of emerging PLCs in 2216 OR PLC/Individual time
12:30 - 1:30 - ALL - Medical Emergency Training in media center
1:30 - 2:30 - Lunch on your own (Sorry for the late lunch!)
2:30 - 3:30 -New Teacher Support in room 2321
3:30 - 3:50 - PLC/Individual time
Inquiry Group Information
Here is where you should go on Friday to meet with your Inquiry Group:
Counselor Group - 1240
Paraprofessional Group - 5104
Higher Order Questioning Group - 2224
Classroom Management Group -2321
Positive Student/Teacher Relationship Group - 3309
Using Data to Differentiate - 3212
Leveraging Technology in the classroom - 3218
Approaches to Teaching and Learning with IB - 2206
Research-based RTI methods - Reading - 2323
Research-based RTI methods - Math - 4223
Not sure what group you are in? There is an attachment on this week's newsletter email with the list of all groups and group members.
Schedule for Curriculum Night
7:00 pm – 7:20 pm FIRST PERIOD
with Welcome Video
7:25 pm – 7:38 pm SECOND PERIOD
7:43 pm – 7:56 pm THIRD PERIOD
8:01 pm – 8:14 pm FOURTH PERIOD
8:19 pm – 8:32 pm FIFTH PERIOD
8:37 pm – 8:50 pm SIXTH PERIOD
8:50 pm DISMISSAL
Dr. Kersey will go over the expectations for Curriculum Night right before the Emergency Medical Training on Friday.
AHS agreement on multiple tests on a single day
One Note Tips
#ONENOTE Here are some resources…. #payitforward
FREE TRAINING (Public)
Tons of free online and interactive training at http://www.onenoteforteachers.com
Quick Tip Videos
- Share notebooks with students and protect sections in OneNote
- Using Class Notebooks with Students
- Share assignments, homework, quizzes and more using Class Notebook
- Create a notebook for each subject, co-author lessons and share student work using OneNote
- Record in OneNote to provide student audio feedback
- Using Staff Notebooks to improve school efficiency
- Collaborating with classmates in real time – OneNote and OneDrive
- Send web research for lessons or Quick Note reminders to OneNote
- OneNote for individualized learning
Courses
- Introduction to OneNote
- Teacher academy: OneNote, the ultimate collaboration tool
- Accessibility tools: meeting the needs of diverse learners
EXAMPLE ONENOTE NOTEBOOKS
Download Real examples from students, teachers & schools: http://aka.ms/OneNoteEducationSamples
Download Class Notebook Samples: http://aka.ms/OneNoteEducationClassSample
Download Staff Notebook Samples: http://aka.ms/OneNoteEducationStaffSample
USER STORIES AND PRODUCT NEWS
Read OneNote in Education blog (announcements & educator guest blogs): http://blogs.office.com/onenote/education
OneNote in Education YouTube Channel: http://aka.ms/onenoteeduyoutube
Video: OneNote helping students with Dyslexia in France – a French researcher designed a locked down tablet + OneNote to be the ultimate tool for kids with dyslexia. A case study is being finished up
VIDEO: Sammamish High School - Problem Based Learning and OneNote Class Notebooks
VIDEO: Miami Dade school – how Miami Dade is using OneNote for collaboration and classroom use
VIDEO: OneNote in Education: Teachers using OneNote in the classroom
VIDEO: OneNote in Education: Organizing, Note-taking, & Homework Made Easier
VIDEO: OneNote in Education: Transforming Learning Via Technology & eTextbooks
Watch the short video below before meeting with your PLC this week:
How to block unwanted channels on You Tube
From Lee Nicholson: I’d like to let every teacher in the school know about a free extension to Chrome that allows one to block unwanted “channels” on YouTube from popping up as thumbnails on the right side or in the “next” window after you play a YouTube video for a class. While many of these are relevant to the subject matter, there is also a strong possibility that something inappropriate (totally misrepresented in the search criteria) might pop up. The free Video Blocker extension for Chrome helps avoid situations like this.
If you go to “Settings” > “Extensions” > “Get more extensions” (at the bottom of the Extensions page), you can then search for Video Blocker. Install and Enable it.
To use it, simply right click on the offensive or unwanted thumbnail and block the channel. That exact channel won’t appear anymore. If you are signed in to your Google account, Chrome communicates this block to all of your computers.
You may still have incidents because some of this annoying material is presented on multiple channels, but you simply right click and, sooner or later, you get most of them. Due to “auto play” and the vast number of inappropriate sites these days, I’ve gotten into the habit of playing my videos to the end before class, seeing what thumbnails pop up, and blocking them before class. While this is a little like Whack-A-Mole, Video Blocker seems to be taking care of almost all of these sites now that I’ve used it a few days.
Madame Snellgrove's French class uses the hallways for French converstation practice.
Jeanette Scott and Rita Flowers travel to Gainesville to cheer the Raiders on to a 28-7 victory!
Ms. Donnenfeld's novice debaters receive coaching from the varisty group.
AHS Clothing Drive
Anne Frank once said, “nobody has ever become poor by giving”. We have an amazing opportunity that will allow you to give back to those in need! The Hope House for Domestic Violence needs women and children’s clothing and will come to your house (if you live in the Alpharetta district) to pick them up! If you don’t live in the Alpharetta district, you can bring your clothes to 1220 on Wed. 9/21 in the morning! Stop by the front office and pick up a form if you have clothes to donate! Forms are due Wednesday, September 14th. Thank you for your generosity! J
Free Books
FREE BOOKS!
Due to the amazing redo of the Media Center we have over 50 books from the book exchange that we can no long can house! Many are recent adult titles!!! Come down and shop!!
I will still have some great reads set aside in a space in my of office for the books exchange.
Looking for fun events in Alpharetta? See the link below:
College and Career Cove
We are now using the College and Career Cove for many of the college representative visits. If you are holding class in the upper hallway near the College and Career Cove when a college meeting is in session, please move your class farther down the main hallway so our students may hear and communicate with the college representative and fully benefit from the visit.
September Birthdays
Geoff Terry 1
Tanoni Houston 8
Allie Kornegay (Tubiak) 11
Tracey Eick 12
Kim Holliday 15
Ira Jenkins 17
Katherine Rozei 18
Shawnte Fripp 19
David Boyd 21
Susan Chamberlin 21
Luther Whitaker 21
Jason Burton 27
Rita Flowers 27
Jeff Klein 27
Linda Nutter 27
Flanny Richards-Boyles 29
Amy Longstreth 30
The Happy Teacher Challenge - see attachments to this week's newsletter
Our new Mission, Motto, and Values Statements
Thank you to all who participated in this meaningful work last year!
Mission:
At Alpharetta High School we believe that education creates opportunity. As a learning community, we seek to inspire intellectual curiosity and stimulate personal creativity by setting high expectations and developing engaging environments to promote a culture of continuous learning where hard work is a contributor to success.
We respect the diverse perspectives, beliefs, and backgrounds of others and strive to build a foundation of self-governing integrity that recognizes each of our unique contributions to both our local and the global community.
Motto:
Creating opportunities for excellence in academics, athletics, arts, and altruism
Values:
Because we are reflective practitioners devoted to the craft of education, we value a passion for what we teach, a commitment to whom we teach, and a desire for collaborating and improving how we teach.
As a community, we aspire to find balance in where we devote our time, to pursue a unity of shared purpose that guides our decisions, and to support one another and our learning community by bringing our best selves to every opportunity.
Costco Memebership Drive at AHS - September 2nd
Check out Alpharetta in The Ultimate Atlanta School Guide:
Pink Out Honorees
The Pink Out Committee wants to know if any AHS staff or community member or anyone close to an AHS staff member should be one of the Breast Cancer Honorees for this year's Pink Out on October 7th.
If you or someone you know should be honored at this event, please contact:
Allison Downing
770-629-0212
Pink Out Shirts
AHS Pink Out Football Game is on Friday, October 7 @ 7:30 PM. Pink Out t-shirts will be on sale for $10 each during both lunches on these dates: 8/26, 9/1, 9/8, 9/9, 9/16, 9/22, 9/23, 9/29, 9/30, 10/5, 10/6, & 10/7. Back design included.
New Teacher Meeting Dates
Oct 5- AM (7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
Nov 7- RFF Day- Time TBD
Dec 7- AM(7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
Jan 17- RFF Day- Time TBD
Feb 8- AM (7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
Mar 31- RFF Day- Time TBD
May 3- AM (7:30am- 8:15am) or PM (3:40pm- 4:25pm)
All meetings will take place in room 2321
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Get ready, Raiders!
September 19th is International "Talk Like a Pirate Day" and as Raiders we need to represent. Wear your best Raider/Pirate wear (appropriate, of course!) and talk like a pirate all day long!
TKES first steps
In June of 2016, GaDOE updated Teacher Keys (TKES) and Leader Keys (LKES) based on the passing of Senate Bill 364. Please pay attention to the changes during the orientation process.
August 31 – September 12 - Returning Teachers - different school or different job in the school
Complete the following in order via TKES/LKES Platform: 1. Online Orientation 2. Self-Assessment 3. Enter Professional Learning Goal ("Flexible Process" Teachers); enter a Professional Learning Plan ("Full Formative" Teachers); enter a Remediation Plan (Teachers who received a Needs Development or Ineffective on their previous Summative Assessment)
Notes: "Flexible Process" Teachers possess more than three years of experience, hold a clear, renewable Georgia certificate, and scored Proficient or Exemplary on their previous year’s TKES Summative Evaluation. All other teachers are considered "Full Formative" Teachers in Fulton County. Teachers receiving Needs Development or Ineffective on their previous TKES Summative Assessment must complete the Remediation Plan in the platform. Keep in mind that all teachers should have goals posted in the platform.
High Museum of Art
Join us for an evening at the High Museum of Art!
Saturday, September 10, 2016 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Free admission for educators and up to five guests
Enjoy a free night of art, music, and activities, all while earning professional learning contact hours! Light refreshments will be available while supplies last and drinks will be available for purchase. Explore the High's permanent collection and view I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle.
The event is FREE for teachers, school administrators, community educators, and up to five guests!
Need an AHS bathroom pass?
Need an AHS Honor Code Pledge Poster?
Have a custodial need?
Please record your need here:
https://goo.gl/forms/ugymJRR0mLVTKK492
If for some reason the request does not get fulfilled, please email Rebecca Williams Perkins directly at perkinsr@fultonschools.org
Visitors to the building
Just a reminder to all staff, please let the front office know (macdonellc@fultonschools.org) whenever you are expecting visitors to the building for meetings, visits, etc.
Please indicate:
Who is coming
When they are coming (date and time)
Where their meeting will be.
If former students come to visit, they must make prior arrangements with the staff member they are visiting. The staff member must let the front office know of the visit. They must also meet the student in the front office and escort them throughout their visit. If a former student comes to visit and they have not made prior arrangements with a staff member, they will not be permitted to stay.
Business Partner Event
Flavor Juicery, a new AHS business partner, is having an event on Thursday, September 8th for a special event by the area’s only Licensed Naturopathic Physician and Lifestyle Medicine Expert. Experience a different kind of healthcare and transform your body, mind, and life. Special seminar at Flavor Juicery on Thursday, Sept 8th. given by Dr. Bongiovanni
The event details and registration info here. https://www.facebook.com/events/1783724588553281/
There is also $15 gift card given to all attendees.
The Attorney General for the state of Georgia is coming to AHS
On September 19th, the Attorney General for the state of Georgia, General Olens, will visit AHS to discuss the dangers and effects of abusing prescription drugs. This presentation is particularly aimed at 11th and 12th graders, although all teachers are welcome to bring their students. Presentations will be during periods 3 and 4A.
Additionally, General Olens runs a video contest where students express why they have chosen to not abuse drugs. There are substantial prizes awarded to the top 3 winners such as iPads and generous gift cards. More information on the program and contest can be found here: http://law.ga.gov/were-not-gonna-take-it-video-contest
If you have any questions or would like to bring your students to the presentation, please email Karen Bolt.
Quote for the week
Educator Day at Zoo Atlanta
At our Fall Educator Appreciation Day on September 17, Zoo Atlanta will thank educators for all that they do by offering them free admission to the Zoo (educator ID required).
Educators include early childhood – university level school teachers, child care workers, homeschool parents, informal educators, administrative and support staff, para-professionals and active Georgia PTA members (one PTA member per family; rest of household receives discounted admission).
Any additional guests will receive $2 off general admission.
Learn more and register online for Express Entry by clicking here!
Don't forget to complete the county policies/procedures review!
FCS requests that our returning employees review some essential policies/training materials annually, so that there is an awareness of the serious expectations outlined in each. The list of this information is accessed and submitted electronically in order to establish a record of the training. It is not an exhaustive list. Also, when policy revisions are made or new ones created, a systemic alert is made to notify district personnel of the policy change(s). (If you are a new hire this is part of your “First 30 days” requirements; please review the instructions listed on the New Employee portal page link).
In order to complete this review,
Please go to www.fultonschools.org, Human Resources/Talent Department the bottom of the page
Click on Access Personnel Records/Forms link (at bottom right of page)
Log in using your FCS email address and click on Forgot Password to have the information sent to you if you don’t recall the password (it may not be your normal network password) OR to receive your initial password
Click on Forms tab, Start New Form and select Employee Policy Code/Review
Click on Start Form to begin your review
Several of the essential trainings are housed in Edivate. Edivate has recently undergone an update and how you access the trainings has changed. Watch this brief tutorial to see how to access required trainings and other trainings/courses: Edivate Basic Navigation
It is important that all read Policy GAM (Staff Rights and Responsibilities). Failure to report an arrest within the stated timeline (5 days) can result in the immediate termination of one’s employment with FCS. The electronic Notice of Employee Arrest form is on the HR portal and is to be used for submitting an official notice to the Employee Relations department.
Finally, OCTOBER 31, 2016 is the deadline for completing this review. Again, the checklist is not exhaustive, and it is expected that employees are aware of all the FCBOE policies/procedures that inform their work. Board policies, procedures, and operating guidelines are accessible via the district website.
Please contact the Technology Help Desk if you need assistance, technologyhelpdesk@fultonschools.org or 470-254-4357.
Raider "Balance Days" for 2016-17 - mark your calendars!
We want to create a community filled with more balanced lives. The School Governance Council proposed a solution, and the Instructional Leadership Team agreed; thus, we have declared two nights a semester during the 2016-17 school year as "Balance Days."
October 19th
November 16th
February 15th
March 15th
The nights above are Wednesday nights the week of the 17th (to celebrate the class of 2017), and on these nights there will not be any homework assigned, no assessments will occur the next day, and no AHS meetings will be scheduled.
The idea is that Raiders will go home right after school and work to create balance in their lives. Staff members and students alike will take a night off. Club sponsors and coaches and directors may hold meetings and practices and games as needed. We feel students release stress through these extracurricular activities.
Please plan to enjoy yourself and work your assessments around these dates this year.
Flu Shots at AHS
It’s that time of year again for the flu vaccine. We have a wonderful partnership with Maxim Health and Student Health Services to offer you the flu vaccine right here at school. The greatest news is that if we have 25 staff members (spouses and children over the age of 13 are allowed to come if they hold the same insurance) signed up that have BCBS through FCBOE the injection will be covered and filed with their insurance.
Ø Accept the following insurances: Medicare Part B, Aetna, Anthem CA (PPO only), Anthem CO, Anthem CT, Anthem GA, Anthem IN, Anthem KY, Anthem ME, Anthem MO, Anthem VN, Anthem NH, Anthem, OH, Anthem VA, Anthem WI, BCBS of MA, BCBS of IL, BCBS of NC, BCBS of RI, BCBS of TX (PPO ONLY), BCBS of MA, Florida Blue, Humana, Independence BCBS, Healthspring, Premera Blue Cross, Sierra Health & Life, SummaCare, (Medicare Advantage plan is accepted under these insurance carriers)
Ø For any others who would like to participants the cost is $26.00 (check)
Strains in vaccine this year: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage)
Our clinic is scheduled for:
Friday, October 7th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Please sign up on the sheet in the CLINIC by October 10th by 1:00 pm
Please sign up ONE person per line (this includes family members) and list your insurance.
You will need to have your Insurance card and driver’s license the day of the clinic.
Thanks
TracyLynn Wagner, RN, BSN
Alpharetta Cluster Nurse/ Student Health Services / Fulton County Schools
Cell 404-401-5546