Redbird Roundup, Vol. 16
Friday, January 17, 2020
Our Mission and Vision
Norris Middle School prepares all students for their future by providing a safe, caring, and diverse school environment that maintains high expectations, academic excellence, and respect for all. Success, achievement, respect…It’s a Redbird thing!
La Escuela Secundaria Norris prepara a todos los estudiantes para su futuro ofreciendo un entorno escolar seguro, atento y diverso que mantiene altas expectativas, excelencia académica y respeto para todos. Éxito, logro, respeto…Es una cosa de los Redbirds!
Principal's Greeting
Happy Friday Redbird Nation!
It is great to be two weeks back into the groove. Please remember our coverage and attendance incentives for staff. The link to submit a form if you are able to take advantage of one of those is here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tm3mWBshN0q36A72lnQgwQvQ_XVC-7ZLnqemCAAeByBUQURSVFlPVkMwVlIxMVpEM0hKUUdSOUZRUC4u
Even though we are only two weeks in, our activities are heating up! Girls basketball has started practicing, as well as wrestling. Additionally, our Robotics team is in the busiest time of their competition. We love to see you out supporting our students!
You did an amazing job with MAP testing. We know there are always kinks, but as a building we were super impressed. We'll be more than ready for NSCAS as well.
Our next big item coming up is Accreditation, February 4 and 5. I will give some final instructions at the NAC meeting on January 27. We are looking forward to showing off Norris.
Have a great weekend!
Dr. Carr
Dr. Carr Goes to Japan
January 20-24
Monday, January 20: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 21: VILS PD by Team
Wednesday, January 22: Team Leaders Meeting, 7 a.m. in room 129
Thursday, January 23: Celebration Committee, either 7 a.m. or 3:20 p.m. in Library
Friday, January 24: Nothing scheduled
Staff Introductions
Sydney Kyser-New 7A/8A Counselor
Name: Sydney Kyser
How many years have you been teaching/in education? 3.5 years
1 year – 7th & 8th grade special education at McMillan Magnet
2 years – 7th grade special education at Otte Blair Middle School
Last semester – I subbed in OPS while working on my grad school program full time.
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School?
- The sense of community in such a large building!
What website/app do you use most often?
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen a kid do?
- A 7th grade student was frustrated because I wouldn’t let him go see his “girlfriend” during study hall, so he spent the last 15 minutes of class making the attached sign.
What is the best thing that happened to you this week?
- I had a birthday and heard from many friends and family I don’t get to talk to regularly!
Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or an entire lifetime without dessert?
- A 30 day break from my phone would be wonderful! I also REALLY like to bake and eat cookies, so a lifetime without desserts would not bring me joy.
What TV show would you binge watch if you had the time?
- Brooklyn 99
What would you sing at karaoke night?
- I would sing all the songs from all seven Taylor Swift albums until they cut me off.
Lauren Marchand-ACP Para
Name: Lauren Marchand
How many years have you been teaching/in education? I have only been in education since November 2019!
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School? I love how friendly and helpful all the staff has been they have made me feel welcome!
How would your friends describe you? I asked a friend and she told me a motherly figure, someone who likes to take care of people and always makes sure people around me are okay
What is the best thing that happened to you this week?
My boyfriend and I found a house that we are going to buy!
What is the worst food you ever ate?
Olives! I can’t stand them! My mom makes homemade ones that every absolutely loves and I still can’t eat those.
Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or an entire lifetime without dessert?
I would go 30 days without my phone at this time in my life. This baby that I’m growing would be so upset if I gave up desserts!!!
What TV show would you binge watch if you had the time?
I would restart Greys Anatomy. It never gets old!
What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? The farthest I have ever been from home is Mexico for a girls trip
Brenda Peralta Can-New Part-Time Bilingual Liaison (Shared with Pawnee)
Name: Brenda Elizabeth Peralta Can (very long name)
How many years have you been teaching/in education?
I have 20 years. 17 in my country Guatemala and 3 year in Omaha NE
What is your favorite thing about Norris Middle School?
Honestly, I love that Norris has a bilingual educational program.
I love the pool and the nice staff too.
How would your friends describe you?
1. Funny
2. Shy (some times)
3. Friendly
4. A social person
What website/app do you use most often? PINTEREST
What is something we would never guess about you? I like acting in plays.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen a kid do? A teacher asked a kindergarten kid, to ask for a Walkie Talkie in the office. So he asked to the secretary this: “I don’t remember the name, but my teacher needs the talker phone, the phone that talk by itself, it is very loud and noise and scare me.”
What is the best thing that happened to you this week? My family, came from Guatemala to visit me.
What is the worst food you ever ate? sushi
Would you rather go 30 days without your phone or an entire lifetime without dessert? Without my Phone
What TV show would you binge watch if you had the time? The Office
Is a hot dog a sandwich? Why or why not? It is not a sandwich. Because I can’t eat a sausage in a sandwich, also the bun it is not a good bread for a sandwich.
Up Next Week in the Redbird Roundup
I do three staff introductions each week. You'll be getting an email from me with questions. Even if you have done it before, please participate and do it again! Please respond and include a picture by Thursday! I will do the first week.
Up next: Bob Brown, Anabel Frayre, and Maddie Parker.
Wellness Word to the Wise
Coffee isn't so bad!
It’s high in antioxidants, and studies have linked coffee intake to longevity and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and numerous other illnesses.
Powerful Practices
Socratic Seminar
Drama Field Trip to Omaha Community Playhouse
Intro to Programming Website Presentations
VILS PD-New Tools
MAP Testing-Unfreeze Your Potential!
House Cup Updates
Norris Staff and Students Seen and Heard
Boys Basketball Goes to UNO
Winter Chorus Concert
Norris Parent Group Meeting
Ollie Webb and Dancing Classrooms
College of St. Mary-Lead Like a Girl Award
It's Robotics Season!
Winter Sports Session 2 Getting Going!
Final Thought
George Couros, one of my favorites, recently started doing a podcast in addition to his blog. He talks in this edition how to stay positive, which is always great to hear when winter gets us down.