Westside Weekly Newsletter
October 29-November 2, 2019
Guiding Coalition
Storybook Character Day
Middle grades will participate in an in house field trip on Halloween. It is a free dress day for grades 5-7.
Mathematical Discourse
How do you remember to use such questions during class? One suggestion is to hang them around the room so when you look up you are reminded to use them. Another suggestion may be to put them on a ring that you use during instruction. You may have another suggestion. If so, please share your ideas!
https://www2.curriculumassociates.com/products/ready-100-q-promoting-math-discourse.aspx
Professional Development
Based on observations and need, we will have a choice of professional learning opportunities instead of a faculty meeting from the week of Nov. 5 until Thanksgiving Break. or later if we need to extend the time. You will have the opportunity to attend all sessions. The sessions to choose from include
- Understanding standards based grading
Are you new to standards based grading or need a refresher? This session is for you. This session will review how to implement standards based grading and what each grade means. How do students earn a 1, 2, 3 or 4 and how do you explain this type of grading to parents?
- Guided Study/Tier 2 intervention
This session will dive into what guided study looks like for students and teachers. The session will provided time to search for probes/data collection and time to record data.
Come with questions and collaborate with colleagues to gain ideas and insights.
-Addressing classroom behavior/de-escalation techniques
This session will discuss techniques and strategies you can implement to de-escalate student behaviors. Learn how to identify the function (or the why) of students' behaviors and strategies you can use to minimize the behaviors.
- Unpacking standards/firming up grade level essential standards/vertical planning
Part of ensuring all of our students receive a quality education is that we know our standards at a deep level. How well do you know your standards? It is imperative that we identify the essential standards at each grade level so students can succeed in the next grade level. This session provides teachers time to dive into their standards and collaborate with other teachers to ensure the essential standards for your grade level have been identified.
A link to the Google form is being sent to you via email. Please make your selection by Thursday, Nov. 8. Thanks!
Important Dates to Remember
October 29: 4th grade field trip to Atlanta History Center; faculty meeting RE:benefits
October 30: 7th grade field trip to Piedmont Park; In house field trip grades 4-6.
October 31: Book Character Parade (K-4) 8:30 a.m., Classroom celebrations 9:00-9:30 a.m. (Remember.... no food during the classroom celebrations.)
*In house field trip grades 5-7.
November 2: Send home student work and assessments
November 4: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME.... REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR
November 5: 7th grade field trip to SCAD; Professional Development 3:15-4:15 p.m.
November 6: Election Day; no school for students; professional development day for staff
November 7: 6th grade field trip to Blue Heron Nature Preserve
November 8: 5th grade field trip to the Carter Center; Eureka training; Board Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
November 9: Eureka training
November 12: Faculty Meeting/Professional Development
November 14: In house field trip (K-5)- Mobile Dairy Experience
November 16: Early Release Day
November 19-23: Thanksgiving Break
Staff Birthdays
November 3: Beth Norman
November 24: Heidi Kaufman
Westside Atlanta Charter School
Email: dana@wacs.us
Website: wacs.us
Location: 2250 Perry Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: (404) 802-1350