Hoot Hoot Herald
December 12-16, 2016
Reminders
Dear Amazing Doss Teachers:
The first semester is almost under your belt! We have survived the first round of the new evaluation system, we have attempted new teaching strategies this semester - like seesaw and collaborations with the librarian - (which continue to transfer more of the learning responsibility on the student), we've seen the students produce some amazing work, we've implemented Kim Sutton math strategies, we have targeted our students with academic needs and are providing the needed support to them, we have put on amazing shows, and raised over 7000 cans for people in need. Everyday - great things are happening in the classrooms at Doss Elementary. I am proud of you - and the work you do everyday with our kids. I hope you have a restful - rejuvenating winter break.
I wanted to let you know that Melissa will have back surgery on Monday -the 12th at about 2:00. I will be off campus on Monday - Wednesday as a result. She will spend the next 6 weeks recovering. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with your kind, supportive words and offers to help my family. I appreciate you all! Elizabeth Hodges will be helping in the office on Wednesday. Chelsea Stover will be in the office on Tuesday to help. If you have time, check on the office staff and see if they need anything.
Preparing for the Break:
*Grades:
Please make sure to get grades in the grade book this week. Make sure that you have AT LEAST the minimal number of grades for the core subjects. That means seven grades for Math and LA; four grades for Social Studies and Science (at least).
If a student is failing, be sure that the student has had the opportunity to make up any work that they have failed. This is board policy (as is the number of grades) . If it is a 504 student, make sure that he/she has had the appropriate accommodations on all work (dyslexic students need to have work read to them).
Gifted and Talented students should receive a copy of your differentiation log in their report card at the semester. Please see Alicia if you have questions about this.
If you have questions about grades for ELL or refugee students, please see Alicia. If you have questions about grades for SPED students, please see me. For 504 students -- see the grade level 504 admin person.
*Take the time now to prepare for the first week in January so you don't have to worry about it over the break.
*Please make sure that all food is removed from your classroom prior to the break. Please do not leave pets in the building (with the exception of fish).
*Please check your email at least once over the break to make sure that you have the latest information on our professional development day on January 3rd.
*Professional Development:
Would you like to facilitate an Innovative learning session on January 3rd to your colleagues in a small group setting? Let me know! We will have many 30 minute sessions for staff to choose from and need facilitators. We are looking for fun, creative learning strategies. If you tried a new strategy - and it was fun and easy to implement - your colleagues would love to hear about it. Some topics include - Kim Sutton math strategies, Moby Max, living tree, literacy conferencing strategies, Gifted and Talented differentiation, peace center activities or supplies, ELL support strategies, working with dyslexia students, seesaw, etc. Please join us in sharing the great things that are happening on our campus.
*Voting:
Doss will be a polling place (front entry) for the election runoff this coming Tuesday, December 13. We expect the traffic and crowds to be minimal with little disruption to the campus.
*Luncheon:
The PTA Staff Appreciation Lunch will be this coming Friday, December 16th, from 11:30 to 1:30. Make plans for your class that will keep the students focused and busy so that volunteers can easily manage them and you can enjoy your time at lunch.
* Staff Party:
We'd love to see you at the staff Holiday party at Stephanie Sweeney's home on Monday, the 19th. Sign up in the lounge.
*Can Food Drive:
Thank you to everyone who encouraged your students to participate in the Third Grade- can food drive! Over 8000 cans of food were delivered to the Capitol Area Food Bank. Great job Doss!
Posting Window for grades closes on December 18
3rd Grade Can Drive Results
The final count is in! Wow! Doss raised a lot of cans: 8,119 total!!
Here are the classes that won the popsicle party. The teacher in abbreviations will supply that class with enough popsicles for every student.
KINDER- Sprague with 235 cans [Barrick will supply]
1ST - Soong with 210 cans [Stover will supply]
2ND- Chiu & Smith with 292 cans [Bones will supply]
3RD- Francis with 712 cans [Hyvl will supply]
4TH- Truesdale with 299 cans [Johnson & Gall will supply]
5TH- Hughes wtih 570 cans [Francis will supply]
These 3rd grade teachers will be contacting the winning teachers asking how many students they have and when they would prefer to have the popsicles.
Staff Holiday Party
When: Monday, December 19th
Where: Stephanie Sweeney's Home
4210 TALLOWOOD DRIVE
Time: 4:00 - 7:00
POT LUCK ~ BYOB
A SIGN UP IS IN THE LOUNGE
Fall Emergency Drill Schedule
The Fire Drill will not be rescheduled (that was canceled on Monday, December 5), please refer to your Emergency Operations Plan Handbook to review.
Monday, December 12, 1:15: Reverse Evacuation Drill
Please see your Emergency Operations Plan handbook for a description of the procedures to follow. (extra copies are available in the lounge).
Winter Holiday Party Schedule
1st grade, cafeteria, 2-2:45
2nd grade, classrooms, 1:45-2:30
4th grade, gym and blacktop, 2-2:45
Tuesday, December 20:
Kinder, cafeteria, 8-9
3rd grade, cafeteria and gym,1:15-2
5th grade, classrooms, 2-2:45
January Benchmark Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 11 -3rd, 4th Math
Thursday, Jan. 12 - 3rd, 4th Reading
Friday, Jan. 13 - 5th Math
Thursday, Jan. 26 - 5th Reading
Friday, Jan. 27 - 5th Science
Computer Lab News
The kids had a great time with the Hour of Code as part of Computer Science Education Week! Kids can still use the website at home home or at school. The website will be available for the next several months.
Copiers: An email was just sent out on how you can set up your computer to print right to the copiers. Please contact James if you have any questions.
Counselor Corner
Remember during this time when you are rushing around tending to others' needs...take time for yourself!!
- HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE:
- We plenty of families remaining who have not been "adopted".
- The deadline to bring the gifts is Thursday, 12/15.
- If you or your team would be interested in selecting a family, stop by the office and visit with Shanna or Vicki
- SCIENCE FAIR:
- K - 4th - If you have a student who is unable to purchase a journal or display board, please help yourself to the extras in the teachers' workroom in P19.
- 5th - we will deliver some extras to you.
- COLLEGE SPIRIT:
- MONDAY MADNESS - Way to show your support for higher education by wearing apparel that represents the college or university you attended or one that you follow!! Let's keep it up the SPIRIT!!
- TUESDAY TEACHER TALK - If you would like to talk about your college during announcements, let Shanna or Vickie know!!
- DISPLAY YOUR COLLEGE PRIDE - If you have any "bling" from your college, you can display it in your room or on your door. You can go big and have students decorate or just hang a banner up.
- MAP OF LEARNING - Be sure you have filled out the information card about your college. We are working on a U.S. map to be displayed in the hallway to highlight the colleges our staff attended.
Computer Lab Schedule
Monday, December 12
8:00 Soong (1)
8:45 Chiu
9:30 Stover
11:00 Mowry
11:45 Hello
1:15 Francis
Tuesday, December 13
8:00 Sprague (K)
8:45 Barrick
9:30 Collins
10:15 Jones
11:45 CI 4th
12:30 Evans
1:15 Hyvl
Wednesday, December 14
8:00 Plaisance
8:45 Smith
9:30 Elbrecht
11:45 Carroll
12:30 Hall
1:15 Bones
2:00 Truesdale
Thursday, December 15
8:00 Johnson
8:45 Warner
9:30 Vrba
10:15 Folts
11:00 Raup
11:45 Means
1:15 Gall
2:00 Singerman
Friday, December 16
8:00 Hodges
9:30 Hayes/Baehr
10:15 Eddleton
11:00 Stone
11:45 Lauck
12:30 5th Grade
1:15 5th Grade
2:00 5th Grade
Calendar
Monday, December 12
Library-B week
Reverse Evacuation Drill, 1:15
3rd grade field trip- Austin Food Bank- Hyvl/ Bones
Tuesday, December 13
Runoff Election for Travis County, 7am-7pm, Doss front entry
3rd grade field trip- Austin Food Bank- Johnson/Gall
Science Fair Help Session for Students, 3-4, Library
Wednesday, December 14
Anderson HS Choir, Cafeteria, 8-9
3rd grade field trip-Austin Food Bank- Francis/Stover
Thursday, December 15
Friday, December 16
Staff Appreciation Lunch, 11:30-1:30, Library
Monday, December 19
Winter Parties:
1st grade, cafeteria, 2-2:45
2nd grade, classrooms, 1:45-2:30
4th grade, gym and blacktop, 2-2:45
Doss Staff Holiday Party, Stephanie Sweeney's home at 4210 Tallowood, from 4-7pm
Tuesday, December 20
Winter Parties:
Kinder, cafeteria, 8-9
3rd grade, cafeteria and gym,1:15-2
5th grade, classrooms, 2-2:45
Wednesday, December 21-Monday, January 2
Winter break for staff and students
Tuesday, January 3
Staff Development Day
Wednesday, January 4
First day back for students
Library News
B week next week, with these changes...
5th grade will come in small groups throughout the week for checkout.
Thursday additions:
8:15 Collins,
9:00 Hayes & Baehr,
10:00 Lauck
All Kinder and 1st grade--- teacher choice, story or checkout. Please return all K & 1 student books by December 20th.
Makerspace Monday: 9:30 Johnson, 10:35 Truesdale, 11:45 GQ
5th grade science fair research lessons:
Monday, December 12
1:35 Hawkins
Tuesday, December 13
12:30 Zhou
Wednesday, December 14
8:45 Keys (A)
9:45 Daly (A)
12:35 Keys (B)
1:35 Daly (B)
December 19th & 20th- small group checkout and book return only