Whit Weekly
1/20/2023
Faculty Meeting on Monday,
As you know, the district technology staff has been working on removing older devices from our network recently. Most of these devices can no longer install operating system updates which can cause security issues. Often, apps will no longer update or run on these devices.
Currently, we have many older 11e Chromebooks that are in inventory. Approximately 120 of these have been used in the past few months, but most have not shown a log in date in the past year. We are planning to lock/disable these older Chromebooks next week (1/25/2023) to help us locate these devices. We wanted to make you aware before doing so.
Entering Absences into Aesop/Working Professional Expectations
Beginning Tuesday, January 17, 2023, you will no longer complete a hard copy of the leave sheet prior to entering the requested absence into Aesop/Frontline. Instead, enter the absence into the online platform and type a short blurb in the comment section regarding the request. I will then approve or deny the request.
Please enter any absence request at least 72 hours in advance to create the opportunity for a qualified substitute to pick up the absence. If the protocol is not followed or absences exceed the recommended threshold, approval may be delayed or result in denial. Guidance from the district policy and/or additional documentation will be provided in such cases. It is understood that at times extenuating circumstances may prevent one from entering leave in advance. For any absences that are not put in by 9:00 each night, please call Ms. Dean (706-286-0771) or Dr. Hanks (706-473-1213) or me so that we know about the absence and can work on coverage.
Additionally, if you will be out for professional development, please enter it as “Working Professional” as soon as you are notified, even if it is for half a day. Communicate with your colleagues in advance if things like lunch coverage will be impacted. Lastly, if the training is virtual, please check in with me to ensure that participating from an alternate location is acceptable.
PBIS
- PBIS Refresher Document
- If you are looking for a way to keep track of warnings and minors, here is a tracking sheet that can be used.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT UPDATES
Support Contacting Parents
Wildcat Hero of the Month!
January's character word is Respect. This months' wildcat hero will be recognized as a Peacemaker! Please add the Wildcat Hero from your class by January 31st.
*Reminder: December's character word is Trustworthiness. The December Wildcat Heroes will be recognized on January 19th. Please add the Wildcat Hero from your class to this spreadsheet.
Counseling Website
Student Attendance Protocol
NOTE: Any contact made with parents/guardians should be documented in the contact log tab in Campus on the summary page.
Step 2: The FES will call home after three consecutive UNX days and notify homeroom teacher and grade level counselor.
Step 3: Evelyn will communicate with our receptionist, who will send home a letter after five UNX days.
Step 4: School social worker and grade level counselor will meet with parents for an attendance meeting when students have 5-10 unexcused absences to create a plan to improve attendance. Teachers will meet also, whenever possible.
Step 5: Counselors will make a social work referral (SWARM) after 10 UNX days.
Communicating Student Concerns
Ms. Bocchino (grade levels: 1st, 3rd, and 5th)
Ms. Cole (grade levels: Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th)
Counseling Referrals
Please continue to use the following form to submit a counseling referral for a student: Teacher Counseling Referral Form
Clarke County Mentor Program
If you think of a student who would benefit from a mentor, please email their name and grade level to bocchinog@clarke.k12.ga.us. Grace will notify parents and send home a parent consent packet.
After students are matched, they will meet with their mentors weekly in the school building.
If you do not want your information on the PTO form, let Katie know.
Important Dates
January 9: Red Out Day to support UGA
January 12: MLK Literary Art Contest Winners Honored at BOE Meeting - 6:00; Help a Child Smile returning to complete appointments that were not completed in December.
January 13- Report Cards go home in PAWS folders
January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Student & Staff Holiday)
January 17: SILT
January 16-20: No Name-Calling Week
January 23: Celebrate 100th Day of School; faculty meeting in cafeteria
January 24: PTO Meeting - Virtual
January 29: 3rd-5th Chorus Sing National Anthem at UGA Basketball Game - 2:00
February 2: World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) in the Library
February 20: Student/Staff Holiday
Assessment Dates and Resources
January 27 - PK WSO Checkpoint
January 11 - March 3: ACCESS Window
February 6-24: Interim Assessment Window (grades 3-5)