#sparkinfo. Weekly Update
Week #4 September 9th-13th
We made it through the short week!
I looked back on the weekly update at this exact same time last year, and I had discussed how the honeymoon period was over. It is a phenomenon that can be seen every year. Students are feeling comfortable, and what we do is becoming more routine. I am pleased with the many examples that can be seen in the building to help our most needy students grow. High expectations for all students and what they can do are critical. Mr. Getsinger has been focusing on those students in our SparkForward cohort and beginning to work with those students in sixth grade who are clearly at-risk. We want to get these students right as they begin their three years with us. Please let us know how we can assist as you work through practices to help these students be successful.
A focus on the positive thing happening is good for our students. Catch students doing excellent things and recognize them for it. To this date, we have had 120 Good News sent out. Thank you to everyone who has participated in this form of communication or others such as positive phone calls. We need this number to grow. I am planning on making the exchange of excel cents part of a grade level spirit competition this year. Please send out whenever you can. Finally, our discipline referrals to date are lower than last year!
Let's keep building the positive and focusing on growth mindset. It is a busy time of year. Our jobs are not easy but they are truly rewarding in that you are making a difference! Please know that your efforts are truly appreciated!
Optimism is a Competitive Advantage!
Instructional Update
In our new informal observation form, you will see that we have had a place for feedback regarding differentiated/inclusive practices happening in the classroom. We are excited to all learn together as we begin to work through what are best practices to help our lowest students grow. It is important to remember that all students can grow and acheive.
Academic Recovery Plans
If you have not already done so, please let the leadership team know your plan for academic recovery. We have set the standard that students cannot choose to accept zeroes. Your plan can be individual or team-based. Please let us know how we can support.
Intramurals are Underway!
8th Grade
Allen vs. Bridges (Tuesday)
Spivey vs. Hendrix (Thursday)
7th Grade
Sutton vs. Porter (Tuesday)
Fogle vs. Whittemore (Thursday)
6th Grade
James vs. Bramblett (Tuesday)
Mellet vs. Lemmons (Thursday)
*M. Lawson vs. Martin (Friday) - Only 6th grade will have a game on Friday
Just For Fun!!
Photos from last week!
Mr. Bramblett's Classes reviewed with Quiziz
Wendy's Spirit Night
Team-building with Mrs. Whittemore!
Mr. Lawson and Mrs. Chastain at morning assembly!
Last Week's Science Camp was a great success!
Volleyball is off to a great start!
This Week's Agenda!
Mon., Sept. 9th-
B Team Volleyball-Liberty
Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Presentation to 8th Graders @ 8:15am
Trading Card Club 3:15- 4:30 PM
Tues., Sept. 10th-
Picture Day!!
A & B Team Volleyball @ Powdersville
Wed., Sept. 11th-
Optional SLO Prep. PD (AM Planning)
Student vs. Faculty Dodgeball Game
(#sparkfun schedule)
Th., Sept. 12th-
Football @ Liberty
Fr., Sept.13th-
Interim Grades entered by 4 PM
Happy Birthday!!
Birthdays This Week!
September 8th- Christine Murphy
September 11th- Kelley Reid
SPARK SPOTLIGHT!!!!
A shout out from your colleague!
Here are last week's spotlights! Have you done one before? It feels good to recognize others.
Faith James- I actually sent in a spotlight for Faith this past week, but I used last year's link. Last week during my 5th period class something occurred shortly after I had been working with students during lunch; the sweetest angel knocked on my door to bring me a protein snack, a cold bottle of water, and some yummy chocolate. Faith did not know that I did not eat lunch and that I had forgotten to eat breakfast which made this thoughtful gesture mean more than normal. Faith is a shining star in our wonderful Pickens Middle School family. THANKS FAITH!!!!
Laura Anderson- She works so hard in planning science club trips and meetings. Even after teaching for all these years, her passion and dedication is as strong as ever! I think it’s extraordinary and inspiring.
Selena Fogle and Cindy Whittemore- I must say these ladies sure do know how to dress up a hallway! I look at there wall decor every time I pass their classrooms!
LeAnn, James, Bryan- These guys came around with Hot coffee and doughnuts! What a sweet treat from our leadership team!
Janet Chastain- She is the ultimate multitasker! She can open the door to let people in, answer the telephone, and hand out walker passes at the same time! When she calls the room to say a student is being dismissed she does it in the most professional and sweetest way!
Butch Morris- He reminds you of what’s important in life and looks for the positive in all situations!
Kelsey Porter- I look forward to Bus duty because of her! She is calm, cool, and her witty comments make me laugh and crack a smile every time!
Marion Lawson- He invested in a swanky hole punch And he says I can use it whenever I want! It can hole punch 30 pages at a time and the holes are exactly in the right spot! It’s the little things!
Click on the link below as you see and hear great things happening in the building. Please let us know about them by filling out the form. You may want to bookmark the link as we will be "Spotlighting" teachers and staff all year. Please note, this is a new link for this school year.
From Sparks of Knowledge Grow Flames of Success
Email: jamesking@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: http://pms.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 140 Torch Lane, Pickens, SC, 29671
Phone: (864) 397-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickensms/?scrlybrkr=85865011
Twitter: @pmssparks